Digital Markets Act Archives

Winsage

April 2, 2025

This third-party Windows tweaker finally lets you uninstall Edge and set a classic File Explorer style

The latest version of Wintoys, v2.0.81.0, allows Windows 11 users in the European Economic Area (EEA) to uninstall Microsoft Edge, a feature previously restricted to EU users due to regulatory requirements. Wintoys simulates the necessary conditions for this capability, enabling users to remove Edge through Microsoft-sanctioned processes. Additionally, Wintoys v2.0.81.0 includes enhancements such as a Classic File Explorer Theme, System Settings Restoration, Real-Time Updates for system properties, and improved File Explorer functionality. Wintoys is available for download from the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Wintoys new update lets you set classic File Explorer, uninstall Edge and more in Windows 11

Wintoys has released a significant 2.0 update for Windows 11 users after nearly a year without updates. Key features include a new logo supporting light and dark modes, a settings restore button, the option to revert to the classic File Explorer, compliance with the Digital Markets Act allowing uninstallation of Microsoft Edge in unsupported regions, an enhanced Super-user Tweaks menu, and updated system properties cards. The update also addresses bugs and improves performance, although there is a known issue with the Alt + Tab function freezing the app. Wintoys 2.0 is available for free download from the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 and 11 users.

BetaBeacon

February 18, 2025

Aptoide launches its iOS Game Store, with a feature we want even on the Play Store

Aptoide for iOS has fully launched in the EU, offering users an alternative source to download games outside of the Apple App Store. The unique feature that sets Aptoide apart is the App Versions feature, which allows users to revert to a previous version of a game if a new update proves to be problematic.

Winsage

February 10, 2025

Microsoft ‘lies’ about how to uninstall Edge then seemingly removes page from the web

Microsoft has removed a webpage intended to guide users on uninstalling Microsoft Edge, which did not actually provide assistance for removing the built-in browser from Windows 11. The page primarily compared Edge with Chrome and redirected users to a general topic page about Edge. Currently, there is no universal first-party option for uninstalling Edge on Windows 11, although some methods and tools have been attempted, their effectiveness is questionable. Users in EEA countries may have limited options to uninstall Edge due to compliance with the Digital Markets Act.

Winsage

February 5, 2025

Windows 11’s Start menu search gets new, clearer labels, as Microsoft tries to avoid EU regulation trouble

Microsoft is changing the search functionality in Windows 11 for users in the European Economic Area (EEA) to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). The update will separate local search results from web-based results, which were previously combined in the Start menu search using Bing. The new Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27764 features two sections in the search window: “Windows” for local results and “Web search from Bing” for online queries. This change is particularly noticeable for users with their Windows 11 language set to German. The update is selectively rolled out in the EEA, indicating Microsoft may not implement similar changes globally. The aim is to improve user experience by reducing clutter and distractions from irrelevant web suggestions when searching for files or applications on the device.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27754 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27754 has been released to the Canary Channel. SDKs for the 27xxx series builds are not planned for release. Key updates include: - Modernized Windows Hello with new visuals for clearer communication and an improved user experience for passkeys. - Users can now launch items as an administrator from the Start menu or taskbar by holding Shift and CTRL. - Enhanced taskbar previews and animations based on user feedback. - A simplified system tray is being tested, featuring a shortened date/time format and a notifications bell icon based on Do Not Disturb status. Fixes include: - Resolved issues with the Digital Markets Act policy application and update rollback leading to duplicate Windows entries. - Fixed display issues for RAW images in File Explorer and improved the search box functionality. - Corrected widget text overlap on secondary monitors and resolved mouse unlocking issues in games. Known issues include: - New users may face Windows Hello PIN and biometrics issues, with error 0xd0000225. - Investigating reports of rollbacks during installation and display issues with accent-colored window borders. - Desktop backgrounds may not display correctly on multiple monitors. Insiders are reminded that Canary Channel builds are early platform changes and may evolve based on feedback. A clean installation is required to exit the Canary Channel.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Windows 11 build 27754 is out with modernized Windows Hello, new taskbar features, more

Microsoft has released a new Windows 11 update for Canary insiders, featuring Build 27754. Key enhancements include a revamped Windows Hello interface, improved taskbar features, and various updates for user interaction. Users can now launch jump list items as administrators using Shift and CTRL. Taskbar previews and animations have been updated, and a simplified system tray design is being tested. Fixes include resolving issues with the Digital Markets Act policy, incorrect thumbnail displays for RAW images, and problems affecting secondary monitors. Known issues include potential errors with Windows Hello PIN and biometrics on Copilot+ PCs and display problems with desktop backgrounds on multi-monitor systems.

Winsage

November 14, 2024

Windows 11 Canary build 27749 brings fixes for File Explorer, taskbar, Task Manager and more

Windows build 27749 is being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel, focusing on fixes rather than new features. Key updates include: - Narrator: A new shortcut for copying the last spoken phrase to the clipboard and automatic reading of email contents in the new Outlook app. - File Explorer: Resolved excessive spacing in the navigation pane and fixed incorrect display of portrait mode RAW images. - Taskbar & System Tray: The taskbar now shows a search box instead of an icon when set to "Search box." - Input: Updated mouse pointer location visibility for high DPI monitors. - Task Manager: Fixed an issue showing zero apps and processes. - Audio: Prevented certain audio devices from setting volume to 100% upon boot or waking from sleep. - Other Fixes: Addressed issues affecting Git functionality on Arm PCs, KERNELMODEHEAP_CORRUPTION bugcheck, domain joining, and DirectAccess connectivity. Known bugs include an error affecting Windows Hello PIN and biometrics for users transitioning to the Canary Channel on Copilot+ PCs, installation rollbacks, crashes in remote access applications, policy application issues for the Digital Markets Act in EEA regions, and desktop background display problems on multiple monitors.

AppWizard

October 31, 2024

New WhatsApp button will let users of other apps text you – but there’s a catch

A new WhatsApp update will introduce a button for third-party applications, allowing users to receive messages from apps like Facebook Messenger, Telegram, and iMessage directly in WhatsApp. This feature will be found in the Settings menu, enabling users to control cross-platform messaging and organize incoming messages into a separate inbox. However, WhatsApp does not guarantee the same security and privacy for these messages as it does for its native communications. Currently under development, this feature will be limited to users in the European Union due to the Digital Markets Act, which requires interoperability among messaging applications. Participation in this feature will be optional, addressing concerns about potential spam and scams.

Winsage

October 8, 2024

Windows 10 KB5044273 update released with 9 fixes, security updates

Microsoft has released the KB5044273 cumulative update for Windows 10 22H2 and 21H2, which includes nine changes and essential security updates from October 2024 Patch Tuesday. Users can manually check for updates in Settings, and the update will automatically install. After installation, Windows 10 22H2 will be at build 19045.5011 and 21H2 at build 19044.5011. The update addresses several issues, including: 1. A new feature may reposition the profile picture and change the background color in the Start menu. 2. Resolves instances of Microsoft Edge becoming unresponsive in IE mode. 3. Fixes media playback issues with certain surround sound technologies. 4. Adjustments to the Microsoft Entra single sign-on notice for compliance with the European Digital Markets Act. 5. Updates to Country and Operator Settings Asset profiles for mobile operators. 6. Addresses unresponsiveness in Windows Server when using File Explorer and the taskbar. 7. Introduces opt-in notifications for Windows Update upon user sign-in. 8. Fixes directory enumeration issues related to lengthy symbolic link target names. 9. Resolves synchronization issues with Work Folders files when Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is active. A known issue persists where users may encounter 0x80070520 errors when changing their profile picture.