While Windows 11 comes with welcome changes, including a new design, Android app support, and more, it has one annoying problem. It unnecessarily complicated the process of changing a default browser other than Microsoft Edge. Instead of simply changing it via Settings (available in Windows 10), people are required to change the file and link types too. Yeah, Microsoft made a one-click process into a multi-click, multi-step process in hopes to further the reach of its native Edge browser. This bothersome process is now expected to become a lot simpler, as Microsoft is testing a dedicated button to change the default browser in Windows 11.
Change Default Browser in Windows 11 with Ease
It is reported that Windows 11 will have a dedicated “Set Default” button at the top of the app’s settings page. It will be found under the Apps -> Default apps section of the Settings. The option will allow users to set default apps they like with a simple click. The new ability is found in Windows 11 Insider build 22509 on the Dev channel. It was first spotted by reverse engineer Rafael Rivera.
When an app is set as default, the file and link types (HTM, HTML, SHTML, SVG, WEBP, XHT, XHTML, FTP, HTTP, and HTTPS) will automatically be set to the new app as default. However, the PDF file type will still have Edge as its default browser.
This feature will come as a sigh of relief for many as the current process is pretty tough. If a user wants to change their default browser (or any other app), they will have to head to the Settings, choose Apps, and then Default Apps. Following this, users will have to enter the name of the browser in the Search Apps section and then select that particular browser for each file/ link type.
The change has attracted some negative limelight from both third-party Windows browsers (Vivaldi, Firefox, and Brave, to name a few) and even regular users. Plus, it has become more complicated than what was available in Windows 10. To recall, when you download an app or browser in Windows 10, a one-time prompt pops up for people to set them as default. If the prompt is missed, they can head to the settings.
It remains to be seen when Microsoft plans to release the update to the general users. We also don’t know whether or not a default browser widget in Windows 11 will be introduced. To recall, the Windows Insider Build 22509 also brings changes to the Start Menu, which will let users add more pinned apps in the Start Menu. The Taskbar now also shows the date and clock on a secondary monitor.
Are you relieved to see this new feature to quickly change the default browser in Windows 11? Let us know in the comments below.
It will be nice if Microsoft actually does it. I have been putting off updating my computer to Win 11 just because of the Microsoft Edge/default browser issue.
Agreed! I intended to hold off from Windows 11 for at least a couple years, and the HP installed it anyway on my new computer. I thought I’d just roll with it, but am finding more and more problems that are making Mac look REALLY good.