The built-in web search in the Windows Start menu is incredibly interesting and much more useful than you might think. However, as with many other parts of Windows lately, you are forced to stay in the Microsoft, opening your links through the Edge browser. This is something that continues to be the case. However, it will change, especially if you live in some part of continental Europe. Recent changes to the developer indicate that links from Start search and widgets in Windows 11 will open in the operating system's default browser, regardless of the circumstances.
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An announcement in August brings changes to the Windows Insider Preview notes, with a focus on the fact that these only apply to the European Economic Area. Specifically, they include all countries in the European Union, as well as Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. “Windows system components use the default browser to open links,” the post says, a change that will likely make its way to the general release of Windows 11 in a few weeks or months. A link opened through a browser should be available from almost any part of the operating system. This could include searching in the main Start menu or viewing links deep within submenus.
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This solution will address a problem (which Microsoft refers to as a “feature”) that has been causing complaints from users for years. This happened when Microsoft inevitably tied its proprietary services to the Edge browser and, as a result, the Bing. Mark Hachman captured the significant addition of Microsoft’s “iron grip” on the Edge browser in 2016. There were, of course, various options for those who wanted to use third-party browsers exclusively, such as Chrome or Firefox. However, Microsoft has repeatedly adjusted Windows to prevent the use of these tools.
Why limit this change to Europe? The press release doesn’t provide an answer. If you follow tech news, you know that competition law requirements in Europe are stricter than in many other regions of the world. Many major American tech companies face scrutiny or sanctions from the European Commission. According to The Verge, this change is likely to be made to comply with the Digital Markets Act, which is expected to come into effect next year.
Microsoft Edge is a powerful and modern browser designed to provide an efficient and secure browsing experience for users. It offers several advanced features, such as integration with Microsoft 365, tools for efficient use of windows and tabs, and enhanced efficiency for battery-powered devices. However, Microsoft's policy of forcing Edge as the default browser on Windows has caused a backlash from many users, who prefer third-party browsers.
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Unfortunately, it seems that Microsoft intends to make these changes only when necessary. The rest users will continue to see Edge tabs, regardless of their will.
