Microsoft has embarked on a significant transformation of its Windows 10 and Windows 11 platforms, aligning its operations with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). This initiative promises to enhance user autonomy for individuals residing in the European Economic Area (EEA), introducing features that allow for greater customization and control over their digital experience.
Microsoft Lets Windows Users Set Browser as Default App for More File Types
In a recent blog update, Microsoft revealed that beta testers within the EEA can now designate a third-party browser as the default application for handling a broader range of protocols, including ftp and read links, alongside the traditional http and https. This expansion also encompasses file types such as:
- .htm
- .html
- .mht
- .mhtml
- .shtml
- .svg
- .xht
- .xhtml
- .xml
When users select a default browser in the EU, the application’s icon will be conveniently pinned to the taskbar, facilitating quick access. Additionally, browsers can now be set as the default for handling PDF files, further enhancing user flexibility. These updates are currently active in the beta channel (Build 26120.4151) and are scheduled for a broader rollout to retail users in the EEA by July.
In a notable shift, Microsoft Edge will no longer prompt users in Europe to set it as their default browser, except when the application is actively opened. For those who choose to uninstall Edge, the company assures that prompts to reinstall it will not appear unless users have installed third-party progressive web apps (PWAs) from the Microsoft Store.
Moreover, following its previous decision to remove Bing from Windows search results, Microsoft is now allowing third-party applications to deliver web search results within its operating system. Starting this month, EEA users will have the opportunity to see results from various search engines, with the added functionality to disable or reorder their preferred search providers.
In a further demonstration of user empowerment, Windows 10 and Windows 11 users in the EEA can now uninstall the Microsoft Store directly from the Start Menu or the Settings app. Importantly, existing applications will continue to receive updates even if the store is uninstalled, and users retain the option to download and reinstall the Microsoft Store at their discretion.
These enhancements signify a pivotal moment for users in Europe, granting them increased choice and control over their digital environments, particularly regarding browser preferences and search functionalities. However, it is worth noting that these updates are exclusive to the EEA, leaving users in regions such as India and the United States with the more traditional, restrictive versions of Microsoft’s operating system.
