Microsoft will no longer force Windows 11 users to use Edge browser in EU countries

As you know, Windows 11 ignores the system’s default browser settings when it comes to opening links in the Windows widget bar or search results. In this case, Edge is launched and the page opens in it, regardless of which browser is set as the default browser in the system.

Now it has become known that in the next Windows 11 test build, system components have finally started using the “default” browser instead of the proprietary Edge – but for some reason only in countries that are part of the European Economic Area: “In the European Economic Area (EEA), Windows system components use the default browser to open links.”

The Verge applied to Microsoft for an explanation of why such discrimination against users in other countries is happening, but the company refused to comment.