Default browser customization is not possible in Windows 10 S

In Microsoft’s new Windows 10 version for educational purposes, it is not possible to change the default browser. Users can download other browsers from the Store, but links from other apps and htm files always open in Edge.

Microsoft’s list of frequently asked questions for Windows 10 S states that Microsoft Edge will always remain the default browser, such as when users open an htm file. In addition, it is not possible to change the default search engine in Edge and Internet Explorer. In those browsers, users rely on Bing when using the search field.

All Windows 10 S devices can be upgraded to Windows 10 Pro for a fee, removing these limitations, among other things. The upgrade can be performed via the Windows Store. Microsoft’s faq talks about an ‘affordable price’. It is not possible to go back to Windows 10 S after an upgrade to Windows 10 Pro.

Microsoft is giving buyers of the new Surface Laptop, which ships with Windows 10 S, the option to upgrade the operating system to Windows 10 Pro for free until December 31 this year. After that, the upgrade will cost $49. That’s on the technical details page about the laptop.

Windows 10 S users can only install programs from the Windows Store. That also applies to browsers. Popular browsers such as Firefox and Chrome are not yet in the Microsoft app store. It is not yet known whether Mozilla and Google have plans to make their browsers available through this route.