Microsoft is now using a Windows driver to prevent users from changing the Windows 10 and Windows 11 default browser manually or through software.

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/new-windows-driver-blocks-software-from-changing-default-web-browser/

New Windows driver blocks software from changing default web browser

Microsoft is now using a Windows driver to prevent users from changing the configured Windows 10 and Windows 11 default browser through software or by manually modifying the Registry.

BleepingComputer
@BleepingComputer bloody hell! it's clear to see that M$$ has learned nothing since the browser wars of the 90s. they really want another anti trust litigation on their hands? they're treading a dangerous path. first by making windows 11 requirements artificially super high; then putting win ten updates behind a paywall that cost more than the OS in a lot of cases, and then this insanity? if I didn't depend on several windows programs I'd have switched to linux long ago.