Microsoft stole my Chrome tabs, and it wants yours, too

noodlejetski@lemm.ee to Technology@beehaw.org – 319 points –
Microsoft stole my Chrome tabs, and it wants yours, too
theverge.com

Last week, I turned on my PC, installed a Windows update, and rebooted to find Microsoft Edge automatically open with the Chrome tabs I was working on before the update. I don’t use Microsoft Edge regularly, and I have Google Chrome set as my default browser. Bleary-eyed at 9AM, it took me a moment to realize that Microsoft Edge had simply taken over where I’d left off in Chrome. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

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Python2 might be required by something. Is Edge required? And Xbox? A folder for 3D models even if I never did 3D stuff and most likely never will on that PC? If yes, why? I can't think of anything I or lots of other people need that wouldn't work without these and lots of other things

Edge is, somewhat ironically, required by the "Internet Explorer compatibility" feature. Xbox and the 3D folder, get installed as part of a "user experience" pack. Not sure if Edge also gets pulled as a requirement to populate the "default app" fields. Interestingly, if you never open the Xbox app, it will never fully install, even if the package gets updated.

Why do I need IE compatibility? I use Firefox. Why is the XBox app in the start menu? This is a work PC. The 3D folder (and Videos, Music, etc) just takes space in the File Explorer. I'd be fine if it created it when I save a file there, but until then I don't want to see it

Why do I need IE compatibility? I use Firefox

If you don't need it, then disable the feature.

Why is the XBox app in the start menu?

For the same reason ther is a "Games" menu in most Linux distros. If you don't need it, unpin it.

The 3D folder (and Videos, Music, etc) just takes space in the File Explorer

Same thing, if you don't need them, unpin them.

I'd be fine if it created it when I save a file there, but until then I don't want to see it

...how would you save a file there, if they didn't exist to save your file there in the first place?

(BTW, I don't have a "3D Folder" on Win 11 🤷)