The patch notes for the latest update state, "Fixed an issue where Web Search always opened Microsoft Edge instead of the user's default browser on Windows 11 24H2 and later." ...

A recent Windows 11 change will let links in the Start search bar and other areas of the OS open in the default browser, whatever that might be.

Specifically, this was a Microsoft pop-up promising Windows 11 users the opportunity to 'enhance' their browsing by setting up the Edge web browser (with Copilot).

"Microsoft Edge and the Microsoft WebView2 Runtime will continue to receive updates on Windows 10 22H2 until at least October 2028, coinciding with the end of the Extended Security Updates (ESU ...

Microsoft gives its Edge web browser an unfair advantage and EU antitrust regulators should subject it to tough EU tech rules, three rival browsers and a group of web developers said in a letter ...

Reduce Microsoft Edge's high memory usage on Windows with simple fixes like clearing cache, enabling Efficiency Mode, and disabling background processes.

The sidebar is an area on Microsoft Edge that provides the user with access to key tools for use while browsing the web.

Microsoft hasn't been averse to using dirty tactics to push people toward Edge, either. The company initially made it harder to switch from Edge to another browser in Windows 11.