Windows 10 has replaced Internet Explorer (IE), making the all-new Microsoft Edge its default browser, even when users update from other programs such as Firefox or Chrome. Mozilla's CEO wrote an angry open letter on July 30, Thursday to the operating system giant, arguing that it limits user choice and ignored its request to allow consumers to keep the old OS when upgrading to the new Windows version.
Mozilla's complaint letter to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella argued that the Windows 10 upgrade basically overrides current user preferences for applications such as the Web browser, according to Tech Crunch. This act disregarded its previous requests on the issue.
Users can make Firefox or Chrome their default again. It involves opening their favorite browser and then taking some technical steps to inform Windows 10, rather than merely clicking on a button.
The process requires up to four mouse clicks. That is about two times as many required in previous Windows OS versions, according to PC World.
Mozilla's CEO is Chris Beard. He described the process as neither self-explanatory nor simple, so his company has made a tutorial and video that describes the process step-by-step.
Beard argued that Microsoft's override of existing browsers ignores the will of millions of Windows users, and dictates its own product of choice. The move is thus "aggressive."
Still, Microsoft's decision to make Edge the de facto browser of all users makes business sense as Edge is the successor of the unpopular IE. It was first launched in August 1995.
The Bill Gates co-founded company wants all Windows 10 users to experience its new web browser. It is also notable that upgrading to the new OS version does not uninstall competitors' web-surfing software.
Mozilla Firefox was developed in 2002. It was created as the successor of Netscape Navigator, a web browser supported from 1994 to 2007.