If you’re curious about how Microsoft is slyly redirecting users to Edge, MSN News, and Bing in Windows 11, be sure to check out Aleksandersen’s post: he has a nice description of how EdgeDeflector stops this behavior. It will open in the browser you prefer, and not in Microsoft Edge. For example, open Widgets (WINKEY + W) and select a news story. To test it, try using an experience that normally force-opens Microsoft Edge. Instead, open Settings (WINKEY + I), navigate to Apps > Default Apps, and scroll down to “Choose defaults by link type.” Then, search for the term MICROSOFT-EDGE and change that to EdgeDeflector as per the dialog shown above.

But the instructions are for Windows 10 and can’t be replicated in Windows 11.

After installing the executable, you’ll be prompted to take a few additional steps to complete the installation. The app is tiny and it’s free to install and use.” “EdgeDeflector lets you use your default web browser even when Windows normally force-opens Microsoft Edge instead.

“Seemingly normal-looking web links all over Windows 10, the Cortana digital assistant, and Microsoft apps like Mail, News, and Your Phone force-open in Microsoft Edge rather than in your system-defined default web browser,” he explains.

Download the new for mac Deflector