Microsoft is hurting Windows 11's design by trying to force people to use Edge even after they've assigned another browser as their default.

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Microsoft’s hostile attitude towards allowing people to use third-party browsers is making me second guess that choice. For example, Windows 11 normally forces you to open links from its system UI, such as the search function or the news widget, in Edge. Microsoft seems to think only Edge should be capable of opening these links.

I like Edge — too bad Microsoft is being a jerk about it

Microsoft doesn’t want you using other browsers

There’s no benefit to using edge for opening system links

I’m an avid Edge user, even convinced my friends with macs to give it a try and some liked it so much they switched to it instead of safari.
This malpractice of keeping users hostage however is anti-competitive and hurts both users and Microsoft. I assume it’s a decision of a higher up being out of touch with the modern web. I mean what’s the end game here? If I like the browser I’ll keep using it not caring about the default browser selection. If I don’t then this forceful behaviour will just leave a bitter taste about an already controversial update (windows 11) in my mouth and lead me to fight more against it.
Get your sh*t together Microsoft.

Microsoft made it harder to switch default browsers in Windows 11 as well as enforced system links to be opened in Edge with no work around.

TLDR: Microsoft is hostile and tries to let the user know they don’t want them using any other browser… I agree with everything in this article. Edge is my daily browser for development and general browsing experiences and I would 100% recommend to anyone. But if they keep taking this approach to Edge is gonna end up being as bad as IE.