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Windows 11 backtracking spree continues with default browser change
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Microsoft is making it easier to switch your default web browser inWindows 11after the first releases made it more prohibitive. That’s also known as backtracking.
In the latest Windows 11 test build, Microsoft is adding a button that enables users to set the default browser to Chrome, Firefox and the rest, returning similar functionality that was present in Windows 10.
Previously, Microsoft had required users to alter the default browser for each of the file extensions and protocols, but you’ll soon be able to do so en masse. It’s still only available to Windows Insiders thus far, but Microsoft is likely to roll the change out to all users in the coming weeks.
Microsoft confirmed the change is present within Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22509 and is designed to “streamline” the ability to “set the default browser to apps that apps that register for HTTP:, HTTPS:, .HTM, and .HTML.” (viaThe Verge).
The change was first spotted by engineer Rafael Rivera earlier this week and you can see it in the images captured below. Indeed, Edge users might be glad of the change, considering the addition of abuy-now-pay-later buttonwithin the latest build.
Windows build 22509 has a new browser [Set default] button. 👀pic.twitter.com/kRDFPKfJMv
Previously, Microsoft had defended its change by saying it was giving users more granular controls. Earlier this week, Microsoft found itselfbacktracking againwith over the Start menu and Windows 11 taskbar.
“Starting in this build, you can right-click on Start to quickly access Start settings and choose the “More pins” or “More recommendations” layout option to show an extra row of either pins or recommendations, respectively,” Microsoft said.
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What other backtracks would you like Microsoft make to ensure Windows 11 ends up more like Windows 10? Let us know @trustedreviews on Twitter.
Chris Smith is a freelance technology journalist for a host of UK tech publications, including Trusted Reviews. He’s based in South Florida, USA. …
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Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
