Windows Blocks Apps from Changing Your Default Browser
Microsoft is barring tweaks to this default app setting through the registry.
PCWorld 2:20 pm on April 10, 2024
Microsoft has implemented a new driver update that prevents users from changing their default browser through registry tweaks, citing security reasons. This update makes it impossible to reverse-engineer the process of creating the hash required for designating a program as a default app. While this may seem restrictive, it adds an extra layer of protection against malicious apps attempting to modify browsing settings without user consent. Users can still change their default browser through Windows settings or by disabling the driver and its associated scheduled task. The reason behind this update is speculated to be related to European regulations promoting fair competition between software companies.
- Microsoft has updated a driver in Windows 10 and Windows 11, preventing users from changing their default browser through registry tweaks
- The new driver uses a hash-based system to designate default apps, making it difficult for third parties to reverse-engineer the process
- This update adds an extra layer of security against malicious apps attempting to modify browsing settings without user consent
- Users can still change their default browser through Windows settings or by disabling the driver and its associated scheduled task
- The reasoning behind this update is believed to be related to European regulations promoting fair competition between software companies
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2019173/windows-blocks-apps-from-changing-your-default-browser.html