Havent activated Windows 11? Then you might find yourself locked out of some Microsoft Edge browser settings

Date:
Thu, 09 May 2024 14:16:03 +0000

Description:
Unactivated Windows users potentially face restrictions in the future as Microsoft tests tighter controls on browser settings.

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If youre running an unactivated version of Windows 11 (or Windows 10), your access to Microsoft Edges settings might be restricted in the future. This is already the case when it comes to things like Personalization settings for Windows 11 in an unactivated installation, as well as constant reminders prompting you to activate the OS.

If you dont mind those constraints and plentiful reminders, you can install and run Windows 11 and Windows 10 without activation for free.

However, it seems like Microsoft has added multiple flags in testing that allow for blocking certain browser capabilities in an Edge preview build - if youre using Windows 11 (or Windows 10) and its unactivated. The three flags
in question in Edge spotted by Windows Latest are: msEdgeActivatedStateCheckAndUpdate msEdgeNonActivatedOSTrigger msEdgeLockSettingsInNonActivatedOS

Looking to see the effects of each of these flags being enabled, Windows Latest tried running the Edge Canary test build with one flag enabled at a time. Windows Latest turned on the msEdgeLockSettingsInNonActivatedOS flag successfully, which resulted in some of Edges settings being locked. Then, when Edges settings page was opened, it displayed a banner that stated:

We notice your Windows is not activated, some customization has been
limited.

Pushing further, Windows Latest explored other parts of Edge settings and
also discovered that the When Edge starts panel (which allows for configuration of what happens when the browser launches) was blocked due to Windows 11 not being activated. An unwise move?

This is an interesting strategy that doesnt entirely make sense to me,
because as Windows Latest points out, the policy seemingly only targets Windows - Edge users on Mac devices and mobiles dont see this kind of interference. That makes me think, well, Microsoft is mulling this move
simply because it can, and if you want Windows enough to install it, then you want the OS enough to tolerate measures like this.

Considering how clearly desperate Microsoft is for more people to use Edge, having instigated multiple instances of aggressively pushing users to make Edge their browser of choice, this strategy is even more puzzling since it could drive people away (having finally gotten what Microsoft wants, apparently!).

If you want to continue using Windows unactivated, you could just switch to Chrome , Firefox, or another of the best web browsers that doesnt have these restrictions. Its worth remembering that this development is still in the early testing stages, though, and hopefully wont make it to the final version rollout - but I wouldnt put it past Microsoft. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE Microsoft makes embarrassing Windows 11 U-turn after user revolt over ads Want to get rid of Bing, Edge and ads in Windows 11? Some users will be able to but not everyone Microsoft could add yet another advert into Windows 11 - and users are running out of patience



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/havent-activated-windows-11-then-y ou-might-find-yourself-locked-out-of-some-microsoft-edge-browser-settings


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