Firefox shown with a new setting upon installation.
The competition among web browsers is heating up, and Firefox is testing a new strategy to quickly acquire users by automatically setting itself as the default browser during installation. This experimental approach aims to streamline the user experience and boost Firefox’s adoption rate.
Streamlining the Setup Process
Currently, switching default browsers typically involves navigating through Windows settings. This new experiment utilizes an attribution campaign called “set_default_browser” to automatically configure Firefox as the default upon installation, eliminating this extra step. A bug note on Mozilla’s platform titled “Support setting Firefox as default based on installer attribution campaign” details this change. It explains that on the initial run, a startup task checks for the “set_default_browser” campaign ID. If present, Firefox automatically becomes the default browser. This supports an upcoming experiment where users will have a “download as default” option via the stub installer marketing page.
Simplifying User Experience vs. Contentious Browser Wars
Windows Report notes that during installation, Firefox automatically selects options like pinning to the taskbar, setting itself as the default browser, and importing data from the previous browser. Choosing the default browser option automatically opens the Windows settings prompt for confirmation. This bypasses the need for users to manually locate and change their default browser settings, which can be confusing or easily forgotten.
While seemingly minor, this change represents a significant move in the increasingly competitive browser landscape. Browsers like Edge, Chrome, and Firefox are constantly vying for dominance on user PCs. Microsoft, in particular, has been criticized for using its control over Windows to promote its Edge browser.
Mozilla’s Stance on Default Browser Choice
Mozilla has been vocal about the importance of respecting user choice in default browser settings. A Mozilla spokesperson previously emphasized that users should have the ability to easily set their defaults and that operating systems should provide official developer support for this functionality. This new initiative, while potentially controversial, aligns with Mozilla’s advocacy for streamlined user control over browser preferences.
