Microsoft’s Windows 11 KB5012592 cumulative update not only comes with security updates and enhancements but also simplifies the tedious process that they originally used to change the default browser.
This change was first spotted in December by Windows 11 Insiders, then through the Cumulative Update for Windows 11, KB5011563 release. The latest Patch Tuesday release (KB5012592 / OS Build 22000.613) also comes with the same security settings and tweaks which indicates that the ability to change your browser in Windows 11 has finally reached general availability. (via Neowin)
Previously, Windows 11 users had to go through a cumbersome process to change the default browser, but now you can just open the Settings App, then click on Apps, then Default Apps under “Set defaults for applications.” You will then be required to type in the name of your preferred installed browser, then click on the listing for the browser, and choose Set default.
Microsoft made some improvements in this space by allowing you to change your default browser for some core file extensions such as HTML using a single click. However, it still does not switch the defaults for all extensions and Edge still remains the default app for opening PDF, SHTML, SVG, FTP, and other web-related files unless you manually change all file associations one by one.
Hopefully, this move will help address Mozilla’s concerns as the process has been simplified.
