5 ms·

I need a new computer, and I was going to switch to Windows so I could game with friends (while dual-booting into some linux distro for anything programming rel

I need a new computer, and I was going to switch to Windows so I could game with friends (while dual-booting into some linux distro for anything programming related), which would force me into 11. It's already a shame that I have to have a Microsoft account to even set up the damn thing, but now I can't even use whatever default browser I want? I'm seriously about the say screw it and pay for another Mac. I love mine, but wanted to game but at this point it might not be worth it.

maybeOneDay 5y ago
Don't get me wrong, this is some absolute BS from MSoft, but no it's not accurate to say you can't use whatever default browser you want. It's that there are a very few select things that force you into opening a link in edge - as far as I'm aware this is functionality mostly limited to just websearch from the start menu. So if you prefer to Google/DuckDuckGo your shit by first opening a browser, this won't really affect you. It's important philosophically and as an indicator of Msoft's behaviour/strategy, but doesn't considerably affect users too much. Caveat - I haven't used Windows 11 so I'm unaware if they've enhanced the number of places that these edge specific links are used. In windows 10 I haven't even bothered to implement some workaround because I never want to search the web from my start menu
- kroltan 5y ago
  Most "help"/"support" links on Windows 10 (and likely 11 too, but I'm not curious to find out) in things like the control panel or built-in applications also use this protocol and force open Edge.
  - maybeOneDay 5y ago
    Ah, right you are.
literallyaduck 5y ago
Just use linux. With proton and lutris, gaming is good. Microsoft can keep it's draconian OS.
- RosanaAnaDana 5y ago
  Second this. There is no real point in dual booting any longer. Linux as a daily driver is fine. Pop_OS is plenty good.
- mdoms 5y ago
  There are entire categories of games that are total non starters in Linux. VR games, sim racing and most competitive games with anti cheat systems for a start.

maybeOneDay 5y ago

Don't get me wrong, this is some absolute BS from MSoft, but no it's not accurate to say you can't use whatever default browser you want. It's that there are a very few select things that force you into opening a link in edge - as far as I'm aware this is functionality mostly limited to just websearch from the start menu. So if you prefer to Google/DuckDuckGo your shit by first opening a browser, this won't really affect you. It's important philosophically and as an indicator of Msoft's behaviour/strategy, but doesn't considerably affect users too much. Caveat - I haven't used Windows 11 so I'm unaware if they've enhanced the number of places that these edge specific links are used. In windows 10 I haven't even bothered to implement some workaround because I never want to search the web from my start menu

kroltan 5y ago
Most "help"/"support" links on Windows 10 (and likely 11 too, but I'm not curious to find out) in things like the control panel or built-in applications also use this protocol and force open Edge.
- maybeOneDay 5y ago
  Ah, right you are.

literallyaduck 5y ago

Just use linux. With proton and lutris, gaming is good. Microsoft can keep it's draconian OS.

RosanaAnaDana 5y ago
Second this. There is no real point in dual booting any longer. Linux as a daily driver is fine. Pop_OS is plenty good.
mdoms 5y ago
There are entire categories of games that are total non starters in Linux. VR games, sim racing and most competitive games with anti cheat systems for a start.