Microsoft has taken significant steps to align its Windows 10 and 11 operating systems with the competition regulations outlined in the Digital Markets Act (DMA) for users in the European Union. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to compliance, setting it apart from other tech giants. In March 2024, Microsoft launched a dedicated Digital Markets Act Compliance website, detailing its plans to adapt Windows and LinkedIn to meet these new standards. The latest updates, announced on Monday, include a range of enhancements aimed at improving user experience.
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As part of this initiative, users are invited to subscribe to a complimentary newsletter that promises three time-saving tips every Friday. Additionally, subscribers will receive free copies of Paul Thurrott’s Field Guides for Windows 10 and Windows 11, typically priced at .99, as a welcome gift.
- Default browser. Users in the European Economic Area (EEA) will notice an expanded range of file and link types that can be associated with their chosen default web browser. This includes not only the common formats but also ftp, http, https, and various file types such as .htm, .html, and .xml. New options for “Pin to Taskbar” and “Pin to Start” will also be available in the Settings menu, enhancing accessibility for users.
- Windows Search. The Windows Search feature will now allow applications to provide web search results directly within the interface. When installed, these apps will automatically register as web search providers, enabling users to filter and reorder search results according to their preferences, thereby personalizing their search experience.
- Microsoft Store. In a notable shift, EEA users will have the option to uninstall the Microsoft Store app. However, apps downloaded from the Store will continue to receive updates, ensuring they remain secure and functional. Users will also have the flexibility to reinstall the Store app at their convenience, with these changes set to roll out later this year.
- App changes. The Bing and Start Experiences apps will now direct web content to the user’s default browser, rather than defaulting to Microsoft Edge, unless it is set as the default. Furthermore, Microsoft Edge will no longer prompt users to set it as their default browser unless they open it directly. If Edge is uninstalled, other Microsoft applications will refrain from suggesting its reinstallation, with the exception of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) installed via Edge.
These updates represent a thoughtful approach to compliance and user choice, and they are anticipated to enhance the overall experience for Windows 11 users across the globe.
