Outlook now ignores Windows' Default Browser and opens links in Edge by default

Windows is just full of hostile, anti-user patterns these days. I've considered building a windows box just to have a gaming rig multiple times over the last few years, but every time an article like this or their crusade against Chrome reminds me that Bill Gates is still the same anti-trust monster he was in the 90s.

Re: Outlook now ignores Windows' Default Browser and opens links in Edge by default

#5

Post by trollied » Tue, Jun 27, 2023, 1:31 PM UTC

The title is a little clickbaity - the behaviour can be changed:

“ Ultimately though, if this experience isn't right for you, you can turn off this feature the first time it launches in Microsoft Edge, and then in Outlook settings at any time after that. ”

Having said that, Microsoft seem to be entering another phase of baiting antitrust regulators.

Re: Outlook now ignores Windows' Default Browser and opens links in Edge by default

#6

Post by postalrat » Tue, Jun 27, 2023, 1:34 PM UTC

frob wrote: post #4

Windows is just full of hostile, anti-user patterns these days. I've considered building a windows box just to have a gaming rig multiple times over the last few years, but every time an article like this or their crusade against Chrome reminds me that Bill Gates is still the same anti-trust monster he was in the 90s.

Well at least Microsoft allows you to install other browsers. Apple only allows skins for their mobile browser.

Re: Outlook now ignores Windows' Default Browser and opens links in Edge by default

#7

Post by jeltz » Tue, Jun 27, 2023, 1:34 PM UTC

trollied wrote: post #5

The title is a little clickbaity - the behaviour can be changed: “ Ultimately though, if this experience isn't right for you, you can turn off this feature the first time it launches in Microsoft Edge, and then in Outlook settings at any time after that. ” Having said that, Microsoft seem to be entering another phase of baiting antitrust regulators.

That is very annoying. On s related note I personally hate how I need to enter the settings of every app on my phone to tell them not to use the embedded browser? Why would I ever want to use something which is not my default browser? The only scenario I csn see is offering to open in private browsing but still in my browser or something like tor. Just some web view makes no sense.

And this is similar. There is no non-malicious use case for this setting that I can see.

Re: Outlook now ignores Windows' Default Browser and opens links in Edge by default

#8

Post by jabroni_salad » Tue, Jun 27, 2023, 1:35 PM UTC

causi wrote: post #2

What if you've removed Edge from your system?

you might find that it mysteriously reappears

Re: Outlook now ignores Windows' Default Browser and opens links in Edge by default

#9

Post by mfwit » Tue, Jun 27, 2023, 1:35 PM UTC

trollied wrote: post #5

The title is a little clickbaity - the behaviour can be changed: “ Ultimately though, if this experience isn't right for you, you can turn off this feature the first time it launches in Microsoft Edge, and then in Outlook settings at any time after that. ” Having said that, Microsoft seem to be entering another phase of baiting antitrust regulators.

The only reason I realized this was a thing is because a coworker blew past the initial popup about the behavior and couldnt figure out what the hell was going on.

Users don't pay attention to this stuff. And then when you have to go back and switch it to the correct behavior of using the default browser, they've buried the option in Outlook (Options > Advanced > Link Handling).

Re: Outlook now ignores Windows' Default Browser and opens links in Edge by default

#10

Post by userbinator » Tue, Jun 27, 2023, 1:36 PM UTC

Microsoft is always striving to improve and streamline our product experiences—offering a new way to use the classic Microsoft Outlook app on Windows and the Microsoft Edge web browser.

to help you stay engaged in conversations as you browse the web.

I wonder if the people who write this sort of BS-filled prose really believe in what they're writing. To be completely honest, the style almost sounds like LLM output.