Renee Matheson 
In the constantly changing world of technology, Microsoft has recently taken a step that has been criticized and praised by customers. Microsoft has blocked a third-party tool, EdgeDeflector, designed to make it easier for users to switch between multiple browsers.
In response to criticisms, Microsoft has stated that they blocked EdgeDeflector to provide their customers with “end-to-end customer experiences”, however this claim has come across as more of a poor excuse than a legitimate reasoning.
This article will discuss why Microsoft’s blocking of EdgeDeflector is a bad move and how it can harm their customers.
Background on Microsoft EdgeDeflector
Microsoft EdgeDeflector is a tool that helps users customize the browsing experience for Windows 10 and Microsoft Edge. It gives users more flexibility in choosing their preferred browser, allowing them to launch their default choice within Microsoft Edge instead of the default web browser. To use this tool, users create an association between a web address in the Windows Registry and their preferred web browser, enabling them to open that website regardless of their default settings.
Unfortunately, Microsoft recently blocked access to EdgeDeflector on all versions of Windows released after July 2020. According to Microsoft officials, this was done to “ensure end-to-end customer experiences determined by the company”; however, many experts see this as an effort by Microsoft to lock customers into using its services without giving them alternatives.
For now, it appears there is no workaround other than disabling automatic updates or using another device where the version of Windows is before July 2020 — although these may not be realistic options for some customers due to various limitations.The cutoff date has caused consternation among EdgeDeflector supporters in light of what appears as a cynical move by Microsoft pushing its interests ahead of customer’s needs.
Microsoft says they blocked EdgeDeflector so they can provide “end-to-end customer experiences”, but this is a poor excuse
In a recent decision, Microsoft announced they would be blocking the EdgeDeflector utility, a tool which gave users a choice of web browsers to open links in. Microsoft said the decision was to provide “end-to-end customer experiences”, but this is a poor excuse.
In this article, we will discuss why Microsoft’s decision is a poor one and how customers will ultimately suffer.
Microsoft’s “end-to-end customer experience” excuse
Microsoft has been widely criticized for blocking the EdgeDeflector app, an open source tool that enables users to keep their browser of choice whenever a Windows 10 update is released. Microsoft claims that the block was meant to ensure better “end-to-end customer experiences”, but this is seen by many as a poor excuse for disrupting the user experience and disregarding consumer choice.
The software giant moved towards blocking EdgeDeflector, along with other similar tools like Open With Having Choice, because they felt that giving customers complete freedom would make it difficult to provide them with a reliable “end-to-end customer experience”. Furthermore, they argued that allowing users to switch browsers on demand would lead to instability and render online services and support unavailable.
However, such cases are rare. For a company as large as Microsoft such arguments cannot be made in good faith, especially when their main objective seems to have been limiting users’ ability to choose their browser. By obstructing third-party tools like EdgeDeflector which enable customers to stay on the browsers they prefer regardless of Windows updates or version, Microsoft appears more concerned with maintaining its user base than giving customers greater choice.
This lack of commitment towards customer choice flies in the face of what one expects from a company as big as Microsoft. Moreover, it will likely earn them further disapproval by consumers who want nothing more than better control over their online choices.
Microsoft’s real motives
When Microsoft announced their decision to block EdgeDeflector, a tool allowing customers to re-route links away from Edge and open them in their web browser of choice, they claimed that their reasoning for this move was to provide “end-to-end customer experiences.” However, this explanation falls short of true motives. In reality, Microsoft is looking out for its interests rather than those of its customers.
This isn’t the first time that Microsoft has attempted to limit consumer choice. Most notably, the company has consistently prevented user customization by not allowing the installation of third party extensions and themes on many versions of Windows. Additionally, it often prevents users from running other applications in Windows 10 or locks users out of settings unless they are signed in with an online MS account.
All of these decisions suggest that while Microsoft talks a good game about providing “end-to-end customer experiences”, their primary goal is providing satisfaction for themselves. By blocking third party extensions and forcing users to run only fully supported applications under windows 10, they are ensuring complete control over Windows users – something that comes at the cost of freedom and personal preferences for their customers.
Ultimately, it appears that this decision by Microsoft is primarily motivated by profits and control over user experience more so than end-to-end customer service experience.
Impact of Microsoft’s Actions
Microsoft’s recent decision to block EdgeDeflector, an open source project, has caused an outcry from their customers who rely on the service.
By blocking EdgeDeflector, Microsoft is hampering the efforts of its customers to control their computing experiences, instead putting its interests ahead of them.
This article will explore the impact of Microsoft’s actions and why they have been so controversial.
Impact on customers
Microsoft’s recent decision to prevent users from blocking their Edge browser to use another browser, such as Google Chrome, has had a major impact on Microsoft customers. This move implies that Microsoft puts their interests ahead of customers by controlling which browser they must use. The goal of this change seems to be providing “end-to-end customer experiences” but this is a poor excuse.
Not only does this move limit customer choice, but it could also lead to dissatisfaction with the Edge browser due to its pervasive presence and lack of customer understanding or willingness to change browsers. Furthermore, customers who use EdgeDeflector will likely face additional complications when trying to migrate away from the Edge browser, as the program cannot be installed once it has been removed. Finally, users may lose data when switching browsers due to the absence of automatic data transfer options.
Ultimately, Microsoft’s actions demonstrate that they have prioritized their interests over customer satisfaction and preference. As a result, customers must now either adapt and use Windows 10’s default web browser or face potential compatibility issues between their devices and other programs that rely on customization options like EdgeDeflector.
Impact on competitors
Microsoft’s actions not only impact their customers but also affect competing products in the browser market. By blocking EdgeDeflector, Microsoft has essentially crippled the ability of third-party browsers such as Chrome and Firefox to get a foothold in the browser market. In addition, such drastic measures make it difficult for competitors to be seen as viable alternatives.
Moreover, Microsoft’s attempts to block third-party browsers send consumers a clear message that they should use their products over any other product on the market. This could lead some people to mistakenly believe that competitor products are inferior or lack features that the newest Microsoft products have, giving Microsoft’s products an unfair and unfounded advantage over any competitors.
Although Microsoft claims they took this step so they can provide better “end-to-end customer experiences,” it may come off as an attempt at monopolizing their ultimate customer base—consumers who are looking for a reliable web browsing solution—at the expense of competitor product visibility and development of features needed to improve user experience. As a result, customers may find it more difficult to access third party browsers like Chrome and Firefox which had previously enjoyed relatively high levels of visibility due to Windows users’ default preferences being set towards those programs (via EdgeDeflector).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Microsoft put their interests ahead of the customers with their decision to block EdgeDeflector. Despite claiming to have done this to provide “end-to-end customer experiences”, their actions have caused more harm than good, leaving many users frustrated.
Microsoft needs to work on accommodating everyone’s needs and ensure that their decision-making serves customers in the long run, rather than just their interests.
Microsoft’s poor excuse
Microsoft’s recently released (April 2019) decision to block the popular EdgeDeflector extension is an unfortunate move, which does not reflect well on the company. EdgeDeflector was a free and open source extension for Windows 10 that allowed users to easily redirect links opened in Microsoft Edge and Cortana to other browsers. It was a useful tool for those who use other browsers such as Chrome and Firefox, as it allowed them to easily keep their default browser despite being on Windows 10.
To justify their actions Microsoft’s spokesperson said they blocked the extension “to provide end-to-end customer experiences with our integrated applications”. However, this appears to be nothing more than a smoke screen since it is clear that Microsoft wishes to control user choice and push their browsers and services above others.
This unilateral decision changes how web users interact with online content, removing their freedom and autonomy in the process. It also confirms what many have speculated about for some time – that Microsoft is more interested in steering people towards their products rather than focusing on providing users with quality and freedom of choice.
The need for increased regulation
Increased regulation and oversight is crucial for entities like Microsoft who work in the digital space. Microsoft’s decision to block EdgeDeflector goes against the ethos of the open web, and their justification for doing so is a poor excuse. If similar issues continue without checks or oversight, it could have serious implications for consumer rights and the future of competition in digital spaces.
The ability to innovate by using and re-purposing code on the open web is essential to creating an innovation-friendly environment that encourages competition instead of stifling it. Therefore, ensuring proper enforcement of competition rules that prioritize consumer interests is much needed in this space. Furthermore, governments worldwide should explore ways to ensure such practices are being enforced to create a balanced and competitive market that protects global consumers from anti-competitive behaviour from large corporate entities like Microsoft.
