Updated 05:31 PM EDT, Tue, Apr 23, 2024

Microsoft Criticized by Mozilla CEO for Changing Windows 10 Browser Defaults: Users' Choices Are 'Ignored'

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Mozilla is not too happy with Microsoft right now.

With the Edge for Windows 10, the company finally replaced the aging Internet Explorer as the default browser for their Operating System, even when you only just updated from a system that used Google Chrome or the Mozilla Firefox as your default.

Because of the overtake, Tech Crunch reported that Mozilla CEO Chris Beard was not happy of the change and sent an open letter to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

Beard wrote, "When we first saw the Windows 10 upgrade experience that strips users of their choice by effectively overriding existing user preferences for the Web browser and other apps, we reached out to your team to discuss this issue. Unfortunately, it didn't result in any meaningful progress, hence this letter."

To restore your preferred browser settings, you must open your browser of choice and go through several steps to inform Windows 10 of your decision -not exactly self-explanatory or simple enough for non-techies.

Beard continued, "Sometimes we see great progress, where consumer products respect individuals and their choices. However, with the launch of Windows 10 we are deeply disappointed to see Microsoft take such a dramatic step backwards."

The "aggressive move", as Beard called it, should be open for change in business tactics from the company.

He continued, "These changes aren't unsettling to us because we're the organization that makes Firefox. They are unsettling because there are millions of users who love Windows and who are having their choices ignored, and the increased complexity put into everyone's way if and when they choose to make a choice different than what Microsoft prefers."

Tech Crunch noted that despite Mozilla's claims against Microsoft, users are not happy with Firefox either. It switched to Yahoo! as its default search engine, started the integration of a WebRTC-based video chat tool, and Pocket.

Microsoft responded with its own statement as releaed by The Verge: "We designed Windows 10 to provide a simple upgrade experience for users and a cohesive experience following the upgrade. During the upgrade, consumers have the choice to set defaults, including for web browsing."

The statement went on, "Following the upgrade, they can easily choose the default browser of their choice. As with all aspects of the product, we have designed Windows 10 as a service; if we learn from user experience that there are ways to make improvements, we will do so."

What do you think about this browser change from Microsoft? Is it a good move for the company or does Mozilla have a point in calling the company out for a the less user-friendly switch?

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