Windows 11: using Chrome by default is becoming absurdly more complicated

On Windows 11, changing the default browser (to use Google Chrome instead of Microsoft Edge for example) becomes longer and more complex, whereas the process was much simpler until now.

Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 // Source: Microsoft

Windows 11 is the new version of the OS from Microsoft. This version contains a lot of beautiful things, especially in terms of design which has been revisited and modernized. However, sometimes evolution rhymes more with regression than improvement. However, this is unfortunately the case here for the configuration of the Web browser default on your pc. Explanations.

On Windows 11, when you open a link after installing a third-party browser, the operating system will display a window asking which software you want to perform this action with. By default, Microsoft Edge will obviously be offered, but you will also have the option of choosing Google chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera or another (if you have it installed). Nothing new so far.

However, if at this point you forget to check the “Always use this application to open .xxx files” box, then things get trickier down the road.

Remember to check the box at the bottom to change your default browser on Windows 11 // Source: Frandroid

An unnecessarily longer process

The third-party browser – Chrome for example – that you might prefer to use will occasionally display prompting you to make it your default browser. If you accept, you will be redirected to the system settings, in the Default applications menu.

On Windows 10, this window simply suggests that you change your preferred web browser. On Windows 11, Microsoft has decided to make the task absurdly more complex. You will need to configure the application to be used by default for each type of link and file: HTM, HTML, SHTML, PDF, WEBP, HTTP, HTTPS, etc.

In addition to complicating the change of default browser, Windows 11 also insists that you use Edge // Source: Frandroid

To put it another way, if you don’t take the time to check each box, Windows 11 could open your http links with Edge, but switch to Chrome for https. The process becomes unnecessarily longer. Eventually, Microsoft could have offered an additional option allowing this further customization to the small handful of potentially interested users. It would have been much better than forcing everyone to go through this binding process.

Competition grinds its teeth

Providing more granularity in the user experience is always a good thing, but it should never come at the expense of simplicity. Unsurprisingly, the competition doesn’t like the gesture either. ” Since Windows 10, users have to take extra and unnecessary steps to set and keep their browser settings as default. These obstacles are confusing to say the least and seem designed to prevent the user from choosing a non-Microsoft browser.», Deplores Selena Deckelmann, vice-president at Firefox, requested byThe Verge.

Microsoft is preparing a new version of Windows. What’s new, interface, installation, here’s everything you need to know about Windows 11.
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