Microsoft Windows 11 Widgets Now Open in Your Default Browser Across Europe: What You Need to Know

Microsoft has made a significant change for Windows 11 users in the European Economic Area (EEA): widgets like news and weather will now open in your preferred default browser, rather than being forced to open in Microsoft Edge. This update is part of Microsoft’s effort to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), a new regulation designed to give users more control over default apps and prevent tech giants from steering traffic to their own services. For many users, this is a welcome shift that enhances personalization and user experience. Let’s dive into what this means, how it works, and why it matters.

A New Chapter for Windows 11 Widgets and Browser Freedom

Until now, clicking news or weather widgets in Windows 11 automatically launched Microsoft Edge, regardless of the user’s default browser settings. This often frustrated users who preferred Chrome, Firefox, or other browsers. In response to the DMA’s strict rules on default apps, Microsoft has adjusted Windows 11’s behavior in the EEA. Now, if you set Chrome or another browser as your default, clicking on widget links will open that browser instead of Edge.

This update specifically targets links ending in .htm and .html, expanding what Microsoft considers default file types tied to web browsing. Previously, only .http and .https links were redirected to Edge by default. The change helps respect users’ browser preferences, ending the forced redirection that many found intrusive.

For users who relied on third-party tools like EdgeDeflector or MSEdgeRedirect to bypass the old setup, this change simplifies things by making the system itself obey user choice. Users in the EEA can get this update through the Microsoft Store by updating the “Start Experiences App,” which powers the widgets.

In practice, this means news headlines, weather updates, and even Spotlight links on your lock screen will open directly in your preferred browser. Our tests on a German Windows 11 virtual machine showed seamless integration with Chrome, even without signing in to a Microsoft account.

What Undercode Say: The Impact and Analysis of Microsoft’s Widget Browser Shift

Microsoft’s move to let Windows 11 widgets open in the default browser signals a crucial shift in how tech giants adapt to regulatory pressures while balancing user experience and business interests. The Digital Markets Act enforces stricter rules on gatekeepers—companies like Microsoft who dominate platforms—to avoid unfair advantages, such as forcing users into their own browsers or services. This forces Microsoft to rethink its strategy, which previously funneled all web traffic from widgets to Edge and MSN news.

From a user perspective, this update is a clear win for customization and control. Allowing the default browser to handle widget content aligns with modern expectations of personalization and user sovereignty. It removes a layer of friction for those who habitually use Chrome, Firefox, or newer AI-driven browsers, fostering a smoother, more cohesive experience.

However, this change also challenges Microsoft’s traffic and advertising model. MSN and Edge benefit from high visibility via the widget panel, so diverting that traffic to other browsers may dilute Microsoft’s ecosystem engagement and ad revenue. To counterbalance this, Microsoft is heavily investing in redesigning the widget feed powered by AI-driven Copilot, likely aiming to increase user engagement directly within the widget panel itself.

From a technical standpoint, extending the “Set default” behavior to cover additional file types like .htm and .html shows Microsoft’s willingness to adjust deeply ingrained system behaviors to comply with regulatory demands. This sets a precedent for other companies to follow suit under similar rules.

Another interesting consequence is the growing importance of the widget board itself. As it becomes more integrated with AI and personalized news feeds, ensuring it respects user preferences enhances its appeal. People might engage more with widgets knowing the content opens exactly where they want it—removing an annoyance that may have kept them away before.

Globally, it’s unclear if this update will roll out outside the EEA, but if user demand grows, Microsoft could extend the change worldwide. With the rise of AI-powered browsers and increasing calls for digital sovereignty, this move could signal a broader shift in the browser wars and platform control.

In the bigger picture, Microsoft’s update exemplifies how regulation shapes product development and user experience in the tech industry. It highlights the ongoing tug-of-war between regulatory frameworks designed to protect consumer choice and companies optimizing ecosystems for maximum retention and profit.

🔍 Fact Checker Results

Microsoft has updated Windows 11 widgets to open in the default browser for EEA users. ✅
This change complies with the Digital Markets Act requiring default app choice respect. ✅
The update currently applies only to Windows 11, not Windows 10. ✅

📊 Prediction: The Future of Widgets and Browser Competition

Microsoft’s move to respect default browsers for widget content will likely fuel more competition among browsers in Europe, empowering users to stick with their favorites without compromise. This may pressure Microsoft to further innovate Edge, emphasizing unique features and AI integration to keep users engaged.

We can also expect a wave of new AI-powered browsers gaining traction, as users seek smarter, more personalized web experiences. Widgets, enhanced with AI like Copilot, could become hubs for curated content, integrating deeper with user preferences and browser capabilities.

Long term, regulatory influence like the DMA will continue to drive more openness and interoperability in the software ecosystem, breaking down monopolistic tendencies. Users will gain more control, but companies like Microsoft will need to balance compliance with maintaining ecosystem coherence and monetization.

Overall, this update marks a step toward a more user-centric Windows experience, where default choices truly matter and browsers compete fairly for user attention—not just by default settings but through innovation and value.