Microsoft is implementing a new wave of updates to Windows 10, Windows 11, and several built-in applications as part of its efforts to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). While some of these updates have already rolled out via beta channels and Windows Insider builds, broader availabid lity for retail versions across Europe will continue throughout the year.
A recent blog post written by the Windows Insider Program Team reads, in part: “As part of Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to compliance with the Digital Markets Act, we are making the following changes to Windows 10, Windows 11, and Microsoft apps in the European Economic Area (EEA).”
New default browser file associations
One of the key updates, featured in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4151, expands the range of file and link types associated with a user’s selected defaulted browser. Previously, limited to http, https, .htm, and .html, the “Set default” function now also includes:
- Links: ftp, read
- Files: .mht, .mhtml, .shtml, .svg, .xht, .xhtml, .xml
Additionally, when a user sets a new default browser, Windows will prompt to pin that browser to the Taskbar unless the user opts out. There’s also a new option to designate a preferred browser for opening .pdf files.
Integrating web search results with Windows Search
Apps operating within the European Economic Area (EEA) are already capable of delivering web search results through the Windows Search feature; however, Microsoft’s latest updates introduce improvements that will help them avoid claims of anticompetitive practices in the future. These improvements include the ability to show results from multiple search engines simultaneously and the ability to sort your search results according to your preferred search engines.
Uninstalling the Microsoft Store
EEA users will now have the ability to uninstall the Microsoft Store. Any Microsoft apps that have already been downloaded will continue to receive updates even if the Microsoft Store is uninstalled. The Microsoft Store can be reinstalled at any time.
Miscellaneous updates to Microsoft apps
Other app-level changes affect how web content is handled by Bing, Edge, and the Start Experiences app. These include:
- Microsoft Bing now opens web-based content using the browser selected as default by the user.
- Microsoft Edge will no longer prompt users to set it as the default browser unless it is manually launched. Furthermore, removing Edge will not trigger reinstall suggestions from other Microsoft apps.
- Start Experiences follows Bing’s lead in defaulting to the user’s preferred browser when launching web-based material.
These features are currently in testing but are expected to roll out broadly to EEA users once finalized.
Maintaining compliance with regulations around the world
These changes are Microsoft’s way of staying on top of evolving laws and regulations, particularly those regarding anticompetitive practices. While these updates are specific to those within the EEA, users in other markets can expect to receive localized updates as Microsoft continues to comply with new and emerging standards around the world.
