Folks in Europe are about to see a noticeable shift in how Microsoft handles its Windows app store and its own Edge browser. It looks like the tech giant is making some significant changes to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). This new law is all about making sure big tech companies play fair and give users more choice.
One of the big changes is that people in Europe will now have the option to actually uninstall the Microsoft Store app. For a long time, this has been something you couldn’t do, as it was considered a core part of the operating system. But under the DMA, users are getting more control over what stays and what goes on their machines. Even if you uninstall the store, apps you’ve already installed from it will still get their updates, which is a relief. And if you change your mind, you can always download and install the store again.
Another welcome change is around Microsoft Edge. For many, the constant nudges to make Edge their default browser have been a bit of a pain. Well, those days are likely coming to an end for European users. Unless they actually open Edge themselves, Windows won’t be popping up those reminders anymore. This should make for a less intrusive experience for those who prefer other browsers like Chrome or Firefox.
Speaking of default browsers, setting a different one as your go-to in Europe will also become more straightforward. When you choose another browser, Windows will now automatically pin its icon to your taskbar, making it easier to access. Plus, the change will apply to more types of links and files, not just the usual web pages. Things like ‘read’ links and even some image file types will now open in your preferred browser.
These changes aren’t just about the Edge Store and the browser, though. Microsoft is also making it easier for other apps to integrate with Windows Search. If you install a search app, it can now automatically add its results to your Windows searches. You’ll even be able to rearrange the order of your search providers to prioritize the ones you like best.
It seems like Microsoft is taking these new European rules seriously, aiming to give users in the region a greater say in how their Windows experience works. While these changes are currently rolling out to beta testers, the plan is to make them widely available to Windows 10 and Windows 11 users in Europe in the coming months. For those outside Europe, it looks like they’ll have to stick with the current setup for now.