Microsoft says it blocked EdgeDeflector so it can deliver an “end-to-end customer experience”, but this is a bad excuse

We recently reported that Microsoft blocked the functionality of the EdgeDeflector app, which allowed users to open links from Cortana, Windows Search, the News and Interests widget, and more in their default browser. them instead of Edge.

Developer wrote:

You cannot change the default protocol binding through registry changes, OEM partner customizations, modifications to the Microsoft Edge package, interference with OpenWith.exe, or any other hackish workaround.

Microsoft didn’t even bother with the “Application defaults have been reset” error message. It just silently ignores the UserChoice registry keys for the protocol in the registry and opens Microsoft Edge instead. Windows still uses default protocol associations to detect and present possible test builds or previews of Edge.

Microsoft has now released a statement for Verge explain the reason for their behavior, saying:

“Windows openly enables applications and services on its platform, including various web browsers. At the same time, Windows also provides certain end-to-end customer experiences in both Windows 10 and Windows 11, the search experience from the taskbar is one of the examples of end-to-end experiences that are not designed design to change direction. When we become aware of an improper redirect, we will issue a fix. ”

On the face of it, this makes sense – just by using their own browser, Microsoft can ensure a consistent and predictable user experience for their “end-to-end” Windows features.

However, there are several reasons why this is a bogus excuse.

One is a standards-compliant solution that will work equally well in Chrome as it does in Edge.

Second, users may have their own reasons why they prefer links open in their browser, such as having a unified history of their travels across the internet or having archived subscriptions and related passwords in their main browser.

In the end it ignores the performance impact of having two browsers running, both at the cost of sucking up their own memory.

In short, any improvement in user experience gained from having a consistent experience is negated by many drawbacks.

In fact, users will likely avoid features like Windows Search, Cortana, and News and Interest, meaning Microsoft has once again let Edge’s tail wag its Windows dog.

Given that Microsoft is currently just testing their “fix” with insiders, the company is hoping for an opportunity to rethink their solution and put users’ wishes first. Top.