In a significant response to the Digital Markets Act, Microsoft has announced a series of changes aimed at enhancing user experience for Windows users within the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Among the notable adjustments already implemented are the options to uninstall Microsoft Edge and remove Bing results from Windows search functionalities. These updates mark a substantial shift in how Microsoft interacts with users in this region.
On Monday, new features were unveiled that provide users in the EEA with greater control over their systems. One of the most impactful changes is the ability to uninstall the Microsoft Store completely. This allows users to tailor their Windows experience more closely to their preferences without being forced to use Microsoft’s built-in applications.
Additionally, users will no longer receive persistent prompts urging them to set Microsoft Edge as their default browser unless they choose to open it. This feature, which many users in the United States have expressed a desire for, is already active in the EEA, starting with Edge version 137.0.3296.52, which was rolled out on May 29th.
Another critical update involves the default browser settings. Users in the EEA can now set their preferred browser—be it Chrome, Firefox, Brave, or another option—and it will be pinned to the taskbar unless the user opts out. Previously, setting a different default browser only attached it to specific link and file types such as https and .. Now, this functionality extends to additional file types like read, ftp, and .svg.
These default browser changes are currently available to some users in the beta channel, with a broader rollout expected for Windows 10 and Windows 11 in July.
Microsoft has clarified that even if users decide to remove the Store app from their Start menu and Settings, applications installed and distributed via the Microsoft Store will continue to receive updates. Should users wish to reinstall the Store, they can do so at any time, ensuring that they are not left without access to essential applications.
In addition to these features, Microsoft is also enabling third-party apps to integrate their web search results within Windows Search upon installation. Users will have the flexibility to rearrange search providers based on their preferences, enhancing the overall search functionality on their Windows devices.
Updates are set to roll out in early June, including changes to the Microsoft Bing app, the Widgets Board, and the Lock Screen, which will now open web content using the default browser selected by the user. This enhancement is aimed at providing a more seamless and user-friendly experience for all Windows users in the EEA.
