The Verge reports that Microsoft is making a change that will force Outlook and Teams to open links in Edge, even if the user’s default browser is set to something else. The change is rolling out to organizations soon and Microsoft 365 users will gradually be switched over to this new link-opening policy.
The change was first reported by users on Reddit after the following message appeared in the Microsoft 365 admin center:
“To help increase productivity while working online, web links from Azure Active Directory (AAD) accounts and Microsoft (MSA) accounts in the Outlook for Windows app will open in Microsoft Edge in a single view showing the opened link side-by-side with the email it came from.”
When a link is clicked in Outlook or Teams, it will open in Edge in a single view, with the email it came from displayed next to it. This way, users can easily reference the email and the link without having to switch back and forth between apps.
However, many users are not happy about the change. They argue that it is a violation of their privacy and that it is an attempt by Microsoft to force them to use Edge.
Not the first complaint against Microsoft
This is not the first time Microsoft has been accused of anti-competitive practices. In 2021, Nextcloud and other EU software and cloud firms filed a complaint with the European Commission alleging that Microsoft is abusing its dominant position in the market by bundling its OneDrive cloud storage service with its Windows 10 and 11 operating systems.
Nextcloud argues that this bundling practice gives OneDrive an unfair advantage over other cloud storage services, such as Nextcloud’s own. The company also alleges that Microsoft is using its market power to make it difficult for users to switch to other cloud storage services.
The outcome of the European Commission’s investigation could have a significant impact on Microsoft’s business practices. If the Commission finds that Microsoft has violated antitrust laws, it could order the company to stop bundling OneDrive with Windows or pay a fine.
A ruling against Microsoft would be a major setback for the company, and it could open the door for more competition in the cloud storage and browser markets. This would be good news for consumers, who would benefit from lower prices and better services.
How to change the default browser in Outlook
If you are not happy with Microsoft’s decision to force Outlook to open links in Edge, you can change the default browser in Outlook. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open Outlook.
- Click on the “File” tab.
- Click on “Options”.
- Click on the “Advanced” tab.
- Scroll down to the “Link handling” section.
- In the “Open links in” drop-down menu, select your preferred browser.
- Click on “OK” to save your changes.
Once you have made these changes, Outlook will use your preferred browser to open links, even if the link is clicked in an email message.
