Opera is set as default htm browser, but registry shows otherwise

highstream · Sep 2, 2025

Win 11 Pro 24H2. In settings, Opera is the default browser for htm, html, etc. Yet, in some program URL links, for instance with UCheck, Edge has been opening. When I asked, the developer pointed out that in the registry MSEdge is shown as the default browser for htm links. How could that be? I notice that the value in question cannot be edited. Screenshots below. Thanks,

neemobeer · Sep 2, 2025

Windows distinguishes between shell (file extension) handling (.htm) (.html) etc and protocol handlers http: https: ftp: so you can have different defaults for all of them.

Open Settings > Apps > Default Apps
Scroll way way down and look for 'Choose Defaults by link type'
In the list presented you should see and be able to change HTTP and HTTPS

highstream · Sep 2, 2025

I didn't think to post my other screenshot. Those two were already set for Opera. So that deepens the problem. Should I try to delete the MSEdge registry entry, or is there another solution?

neemobeer · Sep 2, 2025

I don't recommend deleting registry keys/values without a backup

highstream · Sep 2, 2025

neemobeer said:
I don't recommend deleting registry keys/values without a backup

I exported the key, then deleted the MSEdge value. However 1) it didn't stop MSEdge from opening, as before, and 2) import didn't succeed; and 3) I recreated the key, but betting an error message on deleting the original.

highstream · Sep 2, 2025

I exported the key, then deleted the MSEdge value. However 1) it hasn't stopped MSEdge from opening, as before; 2) import of the key gets an error message; and 3) I recreated the key, but am getting an error message on trying to delete the original.

highstream · Sep 2, 2025

neemobeer said:
I don't recommend deleting registry keys/values without a backup

I exported the key, then deleted the MSEdge value. However 1) it didn't stop MSEdge from opening, as before, and 2) import of the key didn't succeed; and 3) I recreated the key with the idea of renaming it, but am getting a message that I cannot delete UserChoice, whether regedit is run as Admin or not.

highstream · Sep 8, 2025

I've now found a couple of programs that insist on opening links in Edge. The developer of one, UCheck, denies there is anything in his program to cause it, and points to the keys under http and https in the registry that show MSEdge.

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Opera is set as default htm browser, but registry shows otherwise

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