Microsoft really wants you to use Edge, and apparently they are trying to get you to switch, even if by somewhat underhanded means.

Daniel Aleksandersen writes that after Microsoft quietly removed the ability to redirect microsoft-edge:// links to http://, which can be easily opened in any browser, his EdgeDeflector app is now working in Windows 11 preview builds 22483 and 22494, he writes that it no longer works.

In other words, it is no longer possible to circumvent Microsoft's irritating insistence that you use Edge when clicking on news and interest items, weather widget links, and search results from the Windows 11 Start menu. Firefox as your default browser, Microsoft will override this and open these pages using Edge instead. And each time you do, you will be prompted to make Edge your default browser.

"You can no longer set anything other than Microsoft Edge as the protocol handler for the microsoft-edge:// protocol. Rather, you can choose between Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Edge (Insider Beta), and Microsoft Edge (Insider Dev). Third party apps are not allowed to handle this protocol."

[8 [It cannot be circumvented by registry changes, OEM partner customizations, Edge package changes, interference with OpenWith.exe, or "other hacking workarounds." Apparently, Microsoft has closed every loophole imaginable.

Even if you completely remove all traces of Microsoft Edge from your computer, Windows 11 will not relent. Instead of offering the option to use another browser, it simply displays an error message.

The timing was suspicious to Aleksandersen, as both Brave and Firefox had indicated that they would introduce similar functionality. 500,000 EdgeDeflector users can safely ignore it, but hundreds of millions of Firefox users would not be able to ignore it, he surmised.

Alexandersen admits that there are still ways to make EdgeDeflector conform to its original purpose, but he has no intention of working on it further.

"There are still ways around the limitations, but all the remaining methods in my toolbox require making disruptive changes to Windows," he explained.

"These changes could cause problems for users in the future, and frankly, it's an issue I don't want to support. It also requires much more work than EdgeDeflector's ≈100 lines of code∽," he explained.

Instead, he recommends that those who are upset with the development either switch to Linux or complain to antitrust regulators.

"Your web browser is probably the most important app you use on a regular basis," he said. Microsoft has made it clear that its Windows priorities are not aligned with its users."

If you are new to Windows 11, see how to change your default browser in Windows 11 so you can get ahead of the transition from Edge. Also, after much outcry, Microsoft is backing off somewhat to make it easier to ditch Edge.