Microsoft is making significant adjustments to its Edge browser experience for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), a move prompted by the stipulations of the Digital Markets Act. This regulatory framework is steering the tech giant to adopt a more user-friendly approach, particularly in how it encourages users to select Edge as their default browser.
As part of these changes, Microsoft has announced that Edge will no longer incessantly prompt users to set it as their default browser in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Instead, the browser will only request this designation when users open Edge directly. This update, which was implemented with the release of version 137.0.3296.52 at the end of May, marks a shift towards a less intrusive user experience.
Moreover, users can expect that when they conduct a web search via the Windows search box and click on a result, it will now open in their chosen default browser rather than defaulting to Edge. These enhancements are set to roll out throughout June in the EEA, with the primary change already in effect.
Uninstalling the Microsoft Store
In addition to these browser modifications, Windows users in the EEA will soon have the option to uninstall the Microsoft Store if they choose to do so. However, this feature is not expected to be available until 2025. Microsoft has reassured users that any applications installed via the Microsoft Store will continue to receive updates, ensuring that they remain secure even after the store’s removal.
While these developments are certainly positive for users in the EEA, there remains a sense of frustration regarding the lack of similar changes in other regions, particularly the United States. Without regulatory pressure, Microsoft appears unlikely to alter its approach elsewhere, continuing to promote Edge aggressively in ways that many users find bothersome.
The persistence of prompts and notifications urging users to adopt Edge can be seen as an overreach, leading to a user experience that feels more like an obligation than a choice. As Microsoft navigates these changes, it remains to be seen whether they will extend their newfound leniency to a broader audience, or if users outside the EEA will continue to face the same barrage of Edge-related interruptions.
Analysis: Give Us All a Break, Microsoft
These adjustments are a welcome relief for Windows 11 and 10 users in the EEA, yet they highlight a disparity in user experience across different regions. The expectation is that Microsoft will eventually recognize the value of a less aggressive approach globally, but for now, users outside the EEA may continue to encounter the same relentless promotion of Edge.
As the landscape of digital regulations evolves, it will be interesting to observe how Microsoft adapts its strategies. For those fortunate enough to benefit from these changes, a slightly less intrusive browsing experience awaits, while the rest of the world may still have to contend with the familiar, persistent nudges from Edge.
