The settings and advertisements in Windows 11 force users to keep Microsoft Edge as the default program browsing. The company's practices have of course upset other browsers. One of the browsers that reacted is Vivaldi. Company co-founder Jon von Tetzchner in a post on the company blog reports Microsoft's anti-competitive practices.
Lately, Microsoft's Chromium-based browser has been frequently mentioned on the news pages technologyand not for such flattering reasons. Microsoft Edge is similar to Chrome or other Chromium-based browsers, but the company uses tricks to convince users to give its own browser a chance in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
One of the most recent efforts concerns a new banner in the Microsoft Edge browser, which calls Chrome a 2008 browser when users try to download it. In addition, Microsoft has also made the way very difficult changeof other browsers such as Vivaldi, Chrome as default browsers in Windows 11.
Vivaldi is clearly not happy with Microsoft's efforts to persuade users to keep Chromium Edge as their default browser in Windows 11.
"Microsoft's moves seem desperate. And familiar. "It's clear they don't want you to use other browsers," said Jon von Tetzchner, co-founder and CEO of Vivaldi.
But the blows below the waist do not stop from Microsoft. For example, if you search for the term Vivaldi on Bing using Microsoft Edge, you will be prompted to continue using Chromium Edge for a "fast, secure and up-to-date web experience".
But if you install Vivaldi on Windows ignoring the company's advice, Windows will ask you to keep Microsoft Edge again because it's better, said Jon von Tetzchne.
As we have mentioned Windows 11 makes it difficult to change the default browser. Unlike Windows 10, Windows 11 requires that you first select the browser and set it as the default for all file extensions circulating on the web.
You will need to manually select the browser you want for various web-related file extensions, such as HTTP, HTTP, htm, HTML, and many more. If you try to change the default values for all of these file extensions, Windows 11 will display another pop-up window highlighting the Edge's capabilities.
"They are even willing to pay you to use the browser through Microsoft Rewards. "This is not the behavior of a confident company that develops a superior browser," said Vivaldi founder.
"It's the behavior of a company that openly abuses its strong position to push people to use its inferior product simply because it can."
Vivaldi founder asks users to complain about Windows 11's anti-competitive behavior on platforms social media. The company also advises users in the United States and Europe to write or call antitrust regulators to investigate Microsoft for these anticompetitive practices.
"Above all, do not let Microsoft win this game. "Persevere until you can use the browser of your choice in Windows - and help your friends or colleagues do the same."
