Mozilla has introduced a new strategy aimed at simplifying the process for users to set Firefox as their default browser on Windows 11, with an automated installation process in the works.
While this initiative may appear to be in its early stages, it is currently undergoing beta testing, meaning specifics could evolve.
This method is not entirely unprecedented. Mozilla has been utilizing a workaround for several years to bypass Windows’ somewhat cumbersome settings that favor Microsoft Edge. Users can easily designate Firefox as their default browser by heading to the program’s settings or typing about:preferences, and then clicking the Make Default button. This is an uncomplicated, one-click action.
Mozilla seeks to make Firefox the default browser on Windows 11
So, what’s the update? Mozilla aims to remove the need for this manual process. The upcoming alteration, detailed under Bug ID 1923868, is labeled “Support setting Firefox as default based on installer attribution campaign.” This will leverage a set_default_browser attribution campaign, applying the option based on downloads from specific channels. In essence, when a user accesses Firefox’s download page, retrieves the installer, and runs it, the following steps occur.
During the Firefox setup, users will encounter three options:
- Pin Firefox to the taskbar
- Set Firefox as the default browser
- Import from a previous browser
All three options are pre-selected. A prominent button reading “Save and continue” is displayed, while a smaller link enables users to “Skip this step.” Choosing the latter means Firefox will not be set as the default browser. However, selecting “save and continue” will make it the default. I won’t elaborate on the remaining setup process as it is not particularly relevant here, but I tested it, and it functioned smoothly, shifting my browser without requiring extra input.
As reported by Windows Report, this new feature is already included in Firefox 134 beta 2. If you’re eager to try it out, just download the browser from the official site, run the installer, and follow the setup steps. Here’s the link to the beta version.
The article describes this proposed change as somewhat underhanded, and it could certainly be interpreted that way if users are not vigilant and simply proceed through the prompts. For example, if someone prefers a different browser but wants to give Firefox a shot, ending up with it set as default could be startling. On the flip side, for those making the switch to Firefox, this update provides a much more convenient experience.
Choosing or switching to a third-party browser should ideally be hassle-free. Mozilla and other browser developers wouldn’t have to resort to such tactics if Microsoft hadn’t complicated the procedure for changing the default browser on Windows 11.
Microsoft Edge and Bing actively discourage users from using alternative browsers by displaying pop-up notifications during searches related to third-party options. Edge also attempts to establish itself as the default browser through recommended settings or updates. More recently, it has begun subtly importing tabs from other browsers without user consent.
These practices have severely impacted third-party browsers, leading to a significant downturn in users. In reaction, Chrome, Vivaldi, Opera, Waterfox, and Wavebox have formed the Browser Choice Alliance to challenge Microsoft’s Edge dominance. Interestingly, Mozilla Firefox and Brave Browser are not part of this initiative, which may reflect Mozilla’s reasoning behind this new strategy. It’s an unequal playing field, and I believe in opposing these tactics using every possible method.
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