Not again, Microsoft!
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Some things never change. The issue of Microsoft forcing users to use Edge browser happens again.
Click here to see the full blog post
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Time to abandon ship and switch to Linux ^^
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I ran the 64-bit installer for Windows and did not get any message suggesting to use Edge.
Perhaps that is because I just applied the latest Windows update? Did Microsoft respond to the negative feedback already?
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I'll be honest, as annoying as this is, I don't think it will be a major issue in the long term for other browsers.
Those that would be put off installing another browser by this prompt are the kind of people who don't really care/know what a browser is.
Those that do want another browser won't be stopped by this.
Far more annoying are sites that block your browser based on user agent sniffing - that is what will actually convince users to switch, as very often there is no "just let me do what I want" option.
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@pesala: If I understand the situation correctly, this is specific to the "insider"/"preview" versions of Windows.
(If that is the case, enough negative feedback right now might stop it from reaching final)
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From what I understand is that MS in the near future wants to prevent any software installation outside of its store, similar as it already does in its WindowsPhone versions, where a jailbreak is equally impossible.
In other words, if Vivaldi and other browsers fail to enter the store, they can not be used in Windows -
There are 3, maybe 4 apps/programs I need Windows for, but Web browsing is not one of them. Time to look at a Linux distro as my main OS, and use Windows for only those other 4 programs.
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@joelyoung said in Not again, Microsoft!:
There are 3, maybe 4 apps/programs I need Windows for, but Web browsing is not one of them. Time to look at a Linux distro as my main OS, and use Windows for only those other 4 programs.
I have very good experiences with Kubuntu
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@luetage: Embarking on the delights of free software? No, please.
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@lonm: like @Pesala I did not get it too, but I am on the non-targeted aka slowest stream, meaning, not even the normal default, but slower.
Other than that:
In the insider builds I can really understand that they want some testing for edge too, IMHO they should even make testing in the insider builds mandatory because edge comes with the OS and as such is a known installed browser which potentially can be abused by all kinds of malware.The mere existence of edge is enough to make it really important to give it a lot of serious testing - but it would be a real nuisance if dialogs like that bleed to the normal windows builds too.
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@catweazle That's not quite the case. What they want to do is offer a specific version that say, enterprises, could use that acts this way. Basically, for people who want an "install lock down" in terms of security, they could use this version.
I think that's a pretty decent idea, assuming the vetting process for what goes on the store works properly.
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@lonm: Sadly I think this is a bigger deal than you realize. This is part of a pattern. Microsoft is making it harder and harder to use another browser and harder and harder to select the default browser. They have also changed the default browser without asking. For many of us this is just a nuisance, but for others this may stop them from trying out a browser that would work much better for them. How many warnings will you go through before you give up?
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@lonm: You have misunderstood. An enterprise would never accept this. This is just Microsoft trying to limit choice in yet another way. By offering the S version and warning people to change modes, people might get locked into a version that limits their choice. This is already the case with some other operating systems that offer a store. Typically the store limits competition and choice.
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@jon said in Not again, Microsoft!:
warning people to change modes
I suppose that's what it comes down to for S Mode. It depends on how Microsoft present it to users. I think it could be a great boon in terms of offering a more secure environment. Providing it isn't advertised using unnecessary scare tactics.
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I do agree that it is poor behaviour and think Microsoft would is being foolish in pushing their own browser too much. Some of us may remember It didn't end particularly well for them last time.
@jon said in Not again, Microsoft!:
for others this may stop them from trying out a browser that would work much better for them
(Caveat: I am basing this purely on the experiences I've had with less technically minded people). For some people, the only way they would know to try out another browser is in one of two ways:
- It gets "bundled" with another software - behaviour which is pretty disingenuous in its own right, and ought to be prevented
- They get a referral from someone who actually uses it (for example, myself), in my case I would be the one who ends up installing it for them
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Dear Microsoft,
Nobody wants your crappy browser.
Sincerely. -
I think it appears only on the Insider builds, at least I didn't get any warning (I'm on Windows 10 x64, ver. 1803, OS Build 17134.285, MS Edge ver. 42.17134.1.0). Funny enough, I have intentionally set Edge as the default browser, even though I don't use it at all...
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@lonm said in Not again, Microsoft!:
@catweazle That's not quite the case. What they want to do is offer a specific version that say, enterprises, could use that acts this way. Basically, for people who want an "install lock down" in terms of security, they could use this version.
I think that's a pretty decent idea, assuming the vetting process for what goes on the store works properly.
Obviously a closed OS, such as WindowsPhone, has an advantage over security. In fact it is the most difficult mobile OS to invade by hackers and with its Sandbox system practically immune against viruses and malware.
But the great disadvantage is precisely, apart from removing freedom to the user, that the content of the store is extremely limited, adding, by own experience, that it is not possible to replace IE or Edge as default browser. That is, although there are some other browsers in the store that can be installed, clicking on the search icon invariably takes place with IE and Bing. The other browsers must be executed specifically and remain as secondary.
I imagine that in a PC version it will not be so strict, but the trend goes in this direction. -
Google has been doing the same thing with Chrome on their websites. They even send spam emails if you log into gmail on a mobile device. The wording of the popup could be better, but it can also be seen as a security option as there are times when malware might try to install another browser (that they have modified) and this could prevent the unexpected install. Edge compared to IE is a huge improvement (Edge has support for web standards) for Microsoft. That message is in one of the Windows Insider builds. Just from testing the Windows 10 insider builds myself I can see Microsoft is struggling to get all the different settings controls designed (some are in Control Panel & some are in Settings).
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Well said Jon.
I have been flipping between MS and Linux for the past three years. This new laptop has Win10, and don't mind it but it does have some drawbacks as well as some nice features.
It has a few times asked me to try Edge if I am going to an MS site and my AV (Sophos Home Premium) occasionally gives me a pop-up telling me that Edge is running (in the background) possibly for my connection to One Drive(?).
I agree wholeheartedly, bullying will just turn me away. I have no problem switching. There are always alternatives.