The latest preview build of Windows 11 has made some "under-the-hood" changes to prevent users from bypassing Edge-enforcing policies. Those policies make changing the default browser in Windows 11 a painful and annoying experience, and they do not allow opening specific links within Windows 11 in browsers other than Microsoft Edge. For example, you cannot open links from Windows Widgets in Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Edge Deflector, a third-party tool from Daniel Aleksandersen, used to fix that annoyance.
Unfortunately, hidden changes in build 22494 have killed Edge Deflector, effectively rendering it useless. As a result, Daniel Aleksandersen told in a blog post that he does not plan to update Edge Deflector unless Microsoft changes its mind.
The problem is that Microsoft does not plan to reverse its user-hostile policies. The company has openly confirmed that changes in build 22494 are intentional. Moreover, Microsoft will continue fighting apps, such as Edge Deflector. In a statement to The Verge, a Microsoft spokesperson has said the following:
"Windows openly enables applications and services on its platform, including various web browsers. At the same time, Windows also offers certain end-to-end customer experiences in both Windows 10 and Windows 11. The search experience from the taskbar is one such example of an end-to-end experience that is not designed to be redirected. When we become aware of improper redirection, we issue a fix."
It is quite puzzling to see Microsoft "placing users in the center of everything" in Windows 11 and at the same time shoving Edge down their throats in such a rude way, especially after opening Microsoft Store literally for everyone.
It appears that Microsoft's stubbornness will simply drive away users from Edge—an excellent and modern alternative to Chrome—and new features in Windows 11.
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And I do not plan to change my Edge ignoring policy.