Some Windows features launch Edge instead of the user’s default browser

[rtestard]

There are at least three prominent Windows features that open URLs in Microsoft Edge and not in the current default browser. The user’s default browser choice should be respected when web pages are opened by built-in operating system features.

The first is Windows Search, also known as Start Menu Search, and formerly known as Cortana. The UI for this feature is represented by a taskbar search box or search button (depending on user settings), and a search suggestions / results UI that appears when activated and updates as the user types. The suggestions and results UI also appears if the user starts typing when the start menu is open, and by the WIN+S hotkey. All links from this UI, whether they initiate web searches or link directly to articles or results, open in Microsoft Edge regardless of the user’s default browser.

The second is the new Windows Copilot, currently only available on Windows 11, which appears as a docked window on the right side of the screen. If Copilot produces links in its responses, or offers other links within its rendering area, these links open in Microsoft Edge regardless of the user’s default browser.

The third are Windows “widgets” which are called “news and interests” on Windows 10, a UI surface area which can be activated by a taskbar button. These show information like news, weather, stocks, and sports scores. On Windows 11 new widgets can be added from 3rd parties. Regardless, all links to a web page from widgets will open in Microsoft Edge regardless of the user’s default browser.

[pieterdd]

Microsoft adapted their behavior to comply with European regulations, but not for users outside the European Economic Area: https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/5/23859537/microsoft-windows-11-default-browser-links-eu-eea-changes

[poranje]

The MS Outlook desktop application on MS Windows also has an (advanced !) option to specify which browser is used to open links in emails and that recently added options defaults to MS Edge.

[RocketRide9]

visual studio year opens bing in edge after clicking on C compiler errors, regardless of user’s default browser

[scottdotjs]

The incredibly ancient global behavior of treating a keypress of F1 as a request for help, which can't be switched off, also opens Edge.

[RansomTime]

The incredibly ancient global behavior of treating a keypress of F1 as a request for help, which can't be switched off, also opens Edge.

It's opening in Firefox for me (although not respecting my default search engine). Maybe a change in win 11, or maybe a regional compliance thing.

OS: Win 10, Region: UK

1. Open notepad
2. press F1
3. Opens a bing search in firefox with the query "get help with notepad in windows"

[rtestard]

Interesting use case I did not know existed :)
It works for me also on Win11 dev preview (triggers Bing on Firefox) although the following (more frequent) use cases don't:

• Windows search triggers Edge
• Links from Widgets trigger Edge
• Copilot links trigger Edge

[scottdotjs]

It's opening in Firefox for me (although not respecting my default search engine). Maybe a change in win 11, or maybe a regional compliance thing.

Ah yes - I'm on Windows 11 Home 23H2, pressing F1 seemingly anywhere opens Edge and does a Bing search for "how to get help in windows 11".

It works for me also on Win11 dev preview (triggers Bing on Firefox)

Sounds like they've fixed it to respect browser preference in that version then, that's good. Did it respect your search preference, out of interest?

[pieterdd]

Sounds like they've fixed it to respect browser preference in that version then, that's good.

The behavior might still depend on your location due to local regulations.

[scottdotjs]

Ah yes, not for me then most likely. Thanks Brexit!

[Dangles91]

The MS Outlook desktop application on MS Windows also has an (advanced !) option to specify which browser is used to open links in emails and that recently added options defaults to MS Edge.

The "new" Microsoft Teams desktop application has this now as well

[Ast3risk-ops]

If you want a temporary solution, try https://github.com/rcmaehl/MSEdgeRedirect.