Exciting Updates for Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 and 10 in the EEA
As part of its commitment to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), Microsoft is implementing significant enhancements to its browser and operating systems for users in the European Economic Area (EEA).These changes are designed to promote user choice and improve the overall experience with Microsoft Edge and Windows.
Key Changes to Microsoft Edge
- The frequency of prompts encouraging users to adopt Microsoft Edge is being reduced, making it less intrusive while keeping it available as an option.
- Users can now set different browsers as their primary choice with ease; this flexibility extends across various file formats and link types.
- These updates will be rolled out gradually, starting from June 2025, as part of Microsoft’s ongoing adaptation to the DMA.
Enhanced User Control Over Default Browser Settings
One of the most impactful changes involves how users can select their preferred default browsers. In Windows 11 and Windows 10, users will notice:
- Reduced notifications insisting on Microsoft Edge as the default choice, allowing for a more seamless experience.
- Expanded application of the selected default browser, now covering links and files such as .htm, .html, .svg, and FTP links.
- Automatic pinning of the chosen default browser to the Taskbar unless the user decides otherwise.
To set your desired browser as the default, navigate to Settings > Apps > Default apps, select your preferred browsing application, and click on Set as default.
Post-change, the Widgets and Lock Screen functionality will direct web content through the newly chosen default browser. Additionally, starting with Edge version 137.0.3296.52, users won’t receive prompts to set Edge as the default unless they specifically open Edge.
Microsoft Store: New Uninstall Options
For the first time, EEA users can uninstall the Microsoft Store app. However, updates for any apps installed through the Store will continue, and users can reinstall the app later if they wish. This is part of Microsoft’s compliance with the DMA. To uninstall the Microsoft Store app:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Locate the app in the list, open its menu, and choose Uninstall.
Windows Search: Integrating Third-Party Search Providers
Microsoft is also updating the Windows Search feature to enhance integration with third-party search services, providing users more options for their search experience. If you want to alter your web search provider, follow these steps:
- Open Settings > Privacy & security > Search permissions.
- Enable the setting for Let search apps show results.
Developers are expected to introduce additional search providers as MSIX packages, which can later be uninstalled through the Installed apps section. An interesting resource where users can download apps for popular search engines like Google and DuckDuckGo can be found here.
Looking Ahead
These exciting changes underline Microsoft’s commitment to user choice and compliance with regulatory norms. However, many members of the tech community agree that these measures should be extended globally, not just in regions necessitating compliance. As of now, these updates are available in preview builds and will gradually launch to all EEA users by June 2025. Microsoft promises to provide ongoing updates about these changes through their official blog.
For further details regarding these updates and features, you can visit the official sources: Source.
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