14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has removed the warning displayed on Windows 10 preview builds that attempted to block the installation of Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
Earlier this week, it was discovered that the most recent Windows 10 updates released as part of the Windows Insider program included a notification recommending against the installation of third-party browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
Specifically, a warning showed up when users launched the installer of a different browser, with a message telling that Microsoft Edge is already installed and offers safer and faster browser in Windows 10.
While the warning could be skipped and the notification came together with a setting to block it from showing up once again, Microsoft has since pulled it completely following public backlash.
Warning already pulled
The company says it was all just an experiment conducted as part of the Windows Insider program, but doesn’t specifically mentions whether it wants to bring it to everyone on Windows 10 at some point in the future. However, the company guarantees that users will be allowed to choose what browser to run.
“We've tested this functionality with Insiders only - The Windows Insider Program enables Microsoft to test different features, functionality and garner feedback before rolling out broadly. Customers remain in control and can choose the browser of their choice,” a company spokesperson was quoted as saying.
While it makes sense for Microsoft to release such experiments in Windows 10 preview builds, some of the changes that it proposed have been at least controversial. One of them would have forced Windows 10 users to open all links from Store apps in Microsoft Edge, regardless of the default browser.
Windows 10 October 2018 Update would certainly not feature the highly criticized warning, but expect Microsoft to come up with some other similar ideas in the coming updates for Windows 10.