Windows giant Microsoft takes a step back: drops relentless prompts for EU Edge browser use
Cheers for the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA)! This law's been giving tech titans a solid shake, and Microsoft's no exception. Since September 2023, they've been tagged as a "gatekeeper," ol' Windows being the reason why. As a result, they must yearly report to the EU on their DMA compliance.
And guess what? Microsoft's got some juicy news for us across the European Economic Area (EEA)! Users will now be free to yank the Microsoft Store off their Windows if they please! Any apps previously installed from it'll still chug along and update as usual.
But that's not all! You'll no longer have to deal with those pesky prompts urging you to make Microsoft Edge your go-to browser (though it'll still give it a shot if you open Edge yourself). This change ripples down to other Windows functionalities, like the Widgets Board and Lock Screen, which will now have better manners and respect your default browser choice.
You can learn all the gory details about these Windows 10 and 11 changes within the EEA right here. Savor that European air, as it's gotta smell better now with this increased user freedom! Windows users in the EEA won't feel forced to install Microsoft Edge anymore when it gets uninstalled[1][2]. What a relief, eh?
These upgrades are simply a few of the many concessions Microsoft's made in line with the DMA. They've also given us the option to uninstall Edge entirely and get rid of Bing from Windows search[2]. Even better? Microsoft runs a dedicated DMA compliance website where you can find out all the cool stuff they've done to boost "competition and fairness in the digital sector."
So there you have it, folks! An informal run-down of how the EU's fearsome DMA has gotten Microsoft to play nice and give users more freedom in the EEA. But remember, these updates are only available within the region. Stay tuned for more updates on this front!
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By Rich Stanton
Rich is a seasoned games journalist with 15 years under his belt. His career took off at Edge magazine, and then he bounced around a diverse range of outlets like Ars Technica, Eurogamer, GamesRadar+, Gamespot, the Guardian, IGN, the New Statesman, Polygon, Vice, and more. He served as the editor of Kotaku UK for three years before joining our very own PC Gamer team. He's the author of A Brief History of Video Games[3], a comprehensive account of the medium that the Midwest Book Review called "a must-read for serious game historians and curious video game enthusiasts alike."
- The latest season of gaming news brings a tantalizing victory for EU Windows users, as Microsoft announces changes in line with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), allowing users to uninstall unwanted apps like Microsoft Store and Edge, enhancing competition and fairness in the digital sector.
- In an effort to cater to the evolving landscape, tech titans like Microsoft are modifying their practices to conform with technological advances and regulatory requirements, as demonstrated by Microsoft's newly established DMA compliance website.
- As the gaming world continues to evolve, it's fascinating to witness how legislation such as the Digital Markets Act can lead to significant changes in user experience, ensuring a fairer and more open digital market for all.
