NextFin news, On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, reports emerged that Microsoft is exploring a change to how web links from the Windows Start menu are handled. Currently, these links open exclusively in Microsoft Edge, but the company may soon allow them to open in the user's default web browser.
This potential update aims to give users more control over their browsing experience by respecting their chosen default browser settings. The change is reportedly under testing and could be included in an upcoming Windows 11 feature update.
At present, when users click on web links embedded in the Start menu, such as news articles or app recommendations, Windows forcibly launches Microsoft Edge regardless of the default browser setting. This behavior has drawn criticism from users who prefer browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, or others.
The move to allow Start menu links to open in the default browser would mark a significant shift in Microsoft's approach, which has historically favored Edge and Bing integration within Windows. It aligns with broader user demand for greater customization and flexibility in Windows 11.
Sources familiar with the development indicate that the change is part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to improve user experience and reduce friction caused by forced browser usage. However, no official release date has been announced, and it remains unclear if the feature will be enabled by default or require manual activation.
Microsoft has not yet publicly commented on the reports. The company has previously introduced options to set default browsers more easily in Windows 11, but Start menu link behavior has remained a sticking point for many users.
If implemented, this update could help Microsoft address longstanding user complaints and improve Windows 11's appeal to those who prefer alternative browsers. It also reflects a broader trend in the tech industry toward respecting user choice in default applications.
As of Tuesday, September 30, 2025, users and industry watchers await further announcements from Microsoft regarding this potential change and its rollout timeline.
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