Microsoft Edge keeps becoming default browser

Over the past week or so I have been noticing that Google Chrome suddenly is not the default web browser. I mainly, for right now, use Google Chrome and at times Mozilla Firefox. While I was using Mozilla Firefox 149.0.2 the past two days in Windows 11 Pro 26200.8117, Microsoft Edge is the default browser now. I do not even use Microsoft Edge. I have several other Windows users noticing the same behavior. These other Windows user are my clients and wants me to correct it where the default browser will not change. I told them that Microsoft is controlling it for some reason, just not sure why yet.

I found a pattern tonight that changed the default browser settings from Google Chrome to Microsoft Edge (break it down in steps):

* While I was searching a Windows 11 problem in Google Chrome using google.com search engine, I clicked on a link going to a Microsoft web site/page.

* I clicked on a button to open some utility to download or run and noticed this did not open in Google Chrome.

* The utility launch in Microsoft Edge and downloaded.

* Usually when Microsoft Edge opens it prompts to change it to the default browser. That did not occur. Google Chrome shows that it is no longer the default browser.

* When I checked the Default Apps, searched for Google Chrome and clicked on it, the top shows "Make Google Chrome your default browser" with showing the Set Default button. All the file extensions were showing Microsoft Edge.

* When I clicked on the Set Default button, this would not allow me to change the default browser. I closed Microsoft Edge, and then I could make Google Chrome the default browser (again).

I have no idea why this is changing unless Microsoft is forcing this change in Windows 11 without any "consent" or notification whatsoever.

I have clients that use specialized cloud systems where they have to use Google Chrome. The client's cloud software does not run in Microsoft Edge for some odd reason. So I have to figure out a way to make sure Google Chrome stays as the default browser in Windows 11.

As for me, I do not want to always go back to set Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox as the default browser.

Note: I found a few other users experiencing Microsoft Edge becoming the default without any notice on Reddit groups.

Anyone else know of any other patterns?

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Use Group Policy Go to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Microsoft Edge

Prevent Microsoft Edge from becoming the default browser set to enable
Configure the Microsoft Edge default browser setting → set to Disabled
Allow Microsoft Edge to pre-launch → Disabled
Allow Microsoft Edge to start background extensions and apps → Disabled

Then go to Settings → Apps → Default apps → Chrome (or Firefox) Click Set default again.

Then scroll down to "choose apps by file type" and manually set the following file types to Chrome or Firefox:

• HTTP
• HTTPS
• .htm
• .html
• .pdf (optional)
• URL:HTTP
• URL:HTTPS

glasskuter said:

Use Group Policy Go to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Microsoft Edge

Prevent Microsoft Edge from becoming the default browser set to enable
Configure the Microsoft Edge default browser setting → set to Disabled
Allow Microsoft Edge to pre-launch → Disabled
Allow Microsoft Edge to start background extensions and apps → Disabled

Then go to Settings → Apps → Default apps → Chrome (or Firefox) Click Set default again.

Then scroll down to "choose apps by file type" and manually set the following file types to Chrome or Firefox:

• HTTP
• HTTPS
• .htm
• .html
• .pdf (optional)
• URL:HTTP
• URL:HTTPS

Click to expand...

Doh! LOL. Forgot about checking gpedit.msc.

I wonder if Microsoft will override these settings.

Thanks.

They shouldn't but... it's MS, so I've learned to never say never.