Microsoft is implementing changes in Windows 10 and Windows 11 for users in the European Economic Area (EEA) to address criticism regarding the promotion of Microsoft Edge. These changes, in response to the Digital Markets Act, include:
- A broader range of link and file types will be included when users set their default browser via the “Set default” button, covering link types such as ftp, http, https, read, and file types like .htm, .html, .mht, .mhtml, .shtml, .svg, .xht, .xhtml, .xml.
- The default browser will be pinned to the Taskbar unless users opt out.
- Users can set the .pdf file type default for compatible browsers.
- There will be fewer prompts to revert to Edge, and users will not receive reminders to reinstall Edge if it is uninstalled.
- The Bing app will use the default web browser instead of defaulting to Edge.
Additionally, enhancements to Windows Search will allow:
- Apps to provide web search results directly within Windows Search.
- Automatic enabling of web search providers upon app installation.
- Viewing results from multiple web search providers simultaneously with scoping tabs for refined searches.
- Reordering of web search providers in Settings.
These updates are being rolled out in Windows Insider builds and are expected to reach retail versions by early June. It is uncertain if these changes will be extended to other regions.