Microsoft digital assistant on Windows 10 devices, Cortana is one of your easiest and quickest options when searching for apps, documents, settings and the web.
The average Windows 10 user probably uses Google over Bing as their search engine, and Microsoft browser, Edge has yet to impress. In other words, there are better browsers out there if you are comparing the current browsers with some of the browsers alternatives like Chrome.
By default Cortana web searches were designed by Microsoft to query for web searches using Bing search engine and ran on the Edge browser. However, users have been changing this default setting making Cortana query for web searches on their preferred search engine and browsers; chances are most people used Google Search and Chrome browser.
In a blog post dated April 28, Microsoft said it was discontinuing the option of allowing users change Cortana’s default search engine and browser. In the blog post, the company says:
“Unfortunately, as Windows 10 has grown in adoption and usage, we have seen some software programs circumvent the design of Windows 10 and redirect you to search providers that were not designed to work with Cortana. The result is a compromised experience that is less reliable and predictable.
The continuity of these types of task completion scenarios is disrupted if Cortana cannot depend on Bing as the search provider and Microsoft Edge as the browser. The only way we can confidently deliver this personalized, end-to-end search experience is through the integration of Cortana, Microsoft Edge, and Bing – all designed to do more for you.
Starting today, to ensure we can deliver the integrated search experience designed for Windows 10, Microsoft Edge will be the only browser that will launch when you search from the Cortana box.”
The move by Microsoft comes off as rather surprising, as Windows 10 has previously tended to set itself out as users most customizable option when compared to its competitors. Then again, it could just be reciprocating what its competitors are doing; Apple’s Siri and Google’s Ok Google locks users to the respective company’s default search engines.
Nonetheless, Microsoft move alongside that of its competitors goes contrary to the principles of neutral user choice.