Mozilla has launched a new plan designed to streamline the procedure for users to establish Firefox as their default browser on Windows 11, with an automatic installation process being developed.
Although this effort may seem to be in its preliminary phases, it is currently in beta testing, indicating that details may change.
This approach is not entirely novel. Mozilla has employed a workaround for several years to navigate Windows’ somewhat tedious settings that favor Microsoft Edge. Users can effortlessly designate Firefox as their default browser by accessing the program’s settings or entering about:preferences, then clicking the Make Default button. This is a straightforward, single-click action.
Mozilla aims to establish Firefox as the default browser on Windows 11
So, what’s the latest news? Mozilla intends to eliminate the necessity for this manual procedure. The forthcoming modification, specified under Bug ID 1923868, is titled “Support setting Firefox as default based on installer attribution campaign.” This will utilize a set_default_browser attribution campaign, applying the option based on downloads from particular channels. Essentially, when a user visits Firefox’s download page, obtains the installer, and executes it, the subsequent steps unfold.
During the Firefox installation, users will meet three choices:
- Pin Firefox to the taskbar
- Designate Firefox as the default browser
- Import from a previous browser
All three choices are pre-checked. A prominent button labeled “Save and continue” is visible, while a smaller link allows users to “Skip this step.” Opting for the latter implies Firefox will not be designated as the default browser. However, selecting “save and continue” will set it as the default. I won’t expand on the remaining setup process as it is not particularly pertinent here, but I tested it, and it worked seamlessly, changing my browser without needing extra input.
As noted by Windows Report, this new functionality is already integrated into Firefox 134 beta 2. If you’re keen to try it, simply 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 characterizes this proposed adjustment as somewhat sneaky, and it could undoubtedly be perceived that way if users are not attentive and simply move through the prompts. For instance, if an individual prefers a different browser but wants to give Firefox a try, ending up with it established as default could be unexpected. Conversely, for those transitioning to Firefox, this update offers a far more convenient experience.
Selecting or switching to a third-party browser should ideally be trouble-free. Mozilla and other browser developers wouldn’t need to resort to such strategies if Microsoft hadn’t made the process for altering the default browser on Windows 11 so complicated.
Microsoft Edge and Bing actively deter users from employing alternative browsers by presenting pop-up notifications during searches concerning third-party options. Edge also seeks to position itself as the default browser through recommended settings or updates. Lately, it has begun subtly importing tabs from other browsers without user approval.
These practices have severely affected third-party browsers, causing a substantial decline in users. In response, Chrome, Vivaldi, Opera, Waterfox, and Wavebox have united to form the Browser Choice Alliance to contest Microsoft’s Edge supremacy. Notably, Mozilla Firefox and Brave Browser are not part of this movement, which may indicate Mozilla’s rationale behind this new strategy. It’s an uneven playing field, and I believe in opposing these tactics by any means possible.
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