Microsoft is testing a Windows 10 change that would force users to open email attachments via its Edge web browser.
The change in Insider Preview Build 17623 would prevent Google Chrome or Firefox fans using their default browser when clicking a link from the Windows Mail app.
In a blog post published on Friday (via The Verge), Microsoft claims this will provide users with the “best, most secure and consistence experience.”
It’ll also protect against users needlessly sacrificing their battery life to these pesky alternative browsers, Microsoft claims.
Dona Sarkar and Brandon LeBlanc wrote: “For Windows Insiders in the Skip Ahead ring, we will begin testing a change where links clicked on within the Windows Mail app will open in Microsoft Edge, which provides the best, most secure and consistent experience on Windows 10 and across your devices.
“With built-in features for reading, note-taking, Cortana integration, and easy access to services such as SharePoint and OneDrive, Microsoft Edge enables you to be more productive, organized and creative without sacrificing your battery life or security. As always, we look forward to feedback from our WIP community.”
We can imagine Microsoft will be hearing this feedback loud and clear.
Destined for Spring update?
If the feature makes it through to the Windows 10 Spring Creators Update, due in April, it’s unlikely to please consumers who enjoy alternatives to Edge.
It’s already harder than it should be to change the default browser in Windows 10. When users have attempted to make the switch, it asks them not to and to give “Edge a shot” instead.
Related: Windows 10 Spring Creators Update preview
Microsoft is no stranger to this kind of cross pollination of services through. Cortana users are handicapped by the insistence on using Bing as a search engine, which doesn’t do anyone any favours.
Have you given Edge a chance? Has it won you over? Drop us a line @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.