Latest Windows 11 update blocks Edge Deflector, but there’s an open-source workaround

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Published onDecember 15, 2021

published onDecember 15, 2021

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Microsofthad previously warnedthat it would no longer allow app developers to invoke microsoft-edge protocol links, and now the company has acted. The latest cumulative update for Windows 11 now blocks apps like Edge Deflector, essentially making it very hard to avoid using Edge in Windows 11 for core system features.

Delivered in KB5008215, the patch removes the Edge Deflector choice in Windows 11 and also appears to hide it at the system level when trying to run a website via the Run prompt. However, there’s a new workaround that’s yet to be removed by Microsoft.MSEdgeRedirect, a new open-source tool, uses the command line to redirect Edge processes into a default web browser.

Yet, the catch is that the app has to always be in the background to work.Neowinalso reports that the app is blocked by Microsoft SmartScreen, but you can still choose to run it anyway if you want.

It’s been a bit of a tough road for Microsoft these past few weeks with the Edge browser. Even though Edge is gaining in popularity, and is built on the same engine as Google Chrome, there’s quite a bit of controversy around it. Microsoft blocking Edge Deflector and making ithard to choose another default browserare two sides of the story. Then, the “buy now pay later” integration with Zip is another. The company, though, is testing a change in Windows 11 Insider build 22509. This releaseadded a new option for setting a browser as the default browserin the Default apps section of the Settings app, although apps like the News or Weather widgets will still open links in Edge.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

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Radu Tyrsina

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Latest Windows 11 update blocks Edge Deflector, but there’s an open-source workaround#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Latest Windows 11 update blocks Edge Deflector, but there’s an open-source workaround