Microsoft really wants you to use Edge, and it's getting aggressive about it

Updated November 12, 2022 at 1:57 PM ET: Microsoft responded to our enquiry and directed us to the release notes of a previous Insider build of Windows 11. The article has been updated accordingly.

A recent Insider build of Windows xi affects the ability of EdgeDeflector to redirect links. Certain elements of Windows 11 and Windows ten, such as the News and interests widget, open links in Edge regardless of which browser is set as default. This is washed through the apply of edge:// protocol links. These types of links bypass default browser settings to open a webpage within Edge. EdgeDeflector worked around this by intercepting edge:// protocol links, but the app no longer works on the latest Insider builds of Windows eleven.

"Yous can't change the default protocol clan through registry changes, OEM partner customizations, modifications to the Microsoft Edge package, interference with OpenWith.exe, or whatsoever other hackish workarounds," explained the programmer of EdgeDeflector.

The developer claimed that the change occurred one-time between Windows 11 builds 22483 and 22494, both of which are Insider builds. They claimed that these changes aren't a issues but that they're the result of a deliberate change past Microsoft, "This isn't a issues in the Windows Insider preview build. Microsoft has fabricated specific changes to how Windows handles the microsoft-border:// protocol."

A̶s̶ ̶M̶i̶c̶r̶o̶s̶o̶f̶t̶ ̶h̶a̶s̶ ̶n̶o̶t̶ ̶c̶o̶m̶m̶e̶n̶t̶e̶d̶ ̶o̶n̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶c̶h̶a̶n̶g̶e̶ We cannot comment regarding the visitor'southward intent or any future plans regarding edge:// protocol links. What is known is that EdgeDeflector does not work on the latest Insider builds of Windows eleven.

When reached out for a comment, Microsoft directed the states to the release notes for Windows 11 build 22000.346, which states:

We fixed an issue where Os functionality could be improperly redirected when microsoft-edge: links are invoked.

Microsoft did non specify if information technology views EdgeDeflector as an example of improperly redirecting edge:// protocol links.

EdgeDeflector will remain bachelor for download, but its developer won't try to update it until Microsoft changes how it handles border:// protocol links. The developer of EdgeDeflector stated that there are withal means to brand the app work on Windows eleven only that they "crave making subversive changes to Windows."

EdgeDeflector

This app redirects any links you click to your default browser, but Microsoft appears to be working to cake its functionality.

An internet connection will soon be required when setting up Windows 11 Pro

UH OH

An net connection will presently be required when setting up Windows 11 Pro

Microsoft has announced that later this year, users volition be required to connect to the net and sign-in with a Microsoft Account during the out of box setup experience on Windows eleven Pro. Microsoft has already been enforcing this requirement on Windows eleven Home since launch concluding October, and Windows xi Pro is now expected to follow arrange before long.