New Windows driver blocks software from changing default web browser

Re:New Windows driver blocks software from changing default ... by boomboomsubban on Monday April 08, 2024 @10:03AM (#39969815)

The proposed reason is nuts. It would basically be Microsoft saying "we set so many random flags to change the default browser to Edge, it was easier to comply with the law by hard locking the ability to change the default browser than to go through and remove them all."

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Re:New Windows driver blocks software from changing default ... by x0n on Monday April 08, 2024 @10:25AM (#39970057)

They haven't stopped users from changing their default browser by the proper explicit mechanism in Windows (default applications.) They've stopped shitferret malware from switching it, or yes, other browsers. If I want to change my browser, I'll do it myself.

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Re:New Windows driver blocks software from changing default ... by boomboomsubban on Monday April 08, 2024 @11:53AM (#39970949)

The original post is about someone changing their default browser themselves, and this new system blocks it.

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Re:New Windows driver blocks software from changing default ... by rob74 on Monday April 08, 2024 @10:56AM (#39970426)

I'm sure HN users are technically competent enough to change the default browser setting. Not so sure about the average Windows user though...

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Re:New Windows driver blocks software from changing default ... by steffanA on Monday April 08, 2024 @04:18PM (#39973278)

It's doubtful to me that this is due to malware.

Many malware hijack search settings. However, very few hijack default browsers themselves these days. In the past (10 years ago) it was much more common.

Furthermore, I don't know of many malware that touch the .PDF file extension associations, and there are plenty of other associations that would be better to hijack.

Feels more like a sloppy fix to comply with EU's DMA.

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Re:New Windows driver blocks software from changing default ... by maxerickson on Monday April 08, 2024 @10:06AM (#39969851)

The cynical explanation is that it blocks all software from making the change, including other browsers.

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Re:New Windows driver blocks software from changing default ... by steffanA on Monday April 08, 2024 @04:15PM (#39973249)

Including Firefox who previously bypassed it:

https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/13/22671182/mozilla-default-...

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