Microsoft is making changes to Windows to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Starting in March 2024, users located in the European Union will have the option to uninstall applications like Bing or Edgeas well as changing the default configuration of the operating system.
The tweaks will go into effect in the coming weeks, so Microsoft released an update for Windows 10 that includes some of these improvements. The patch KB5034203currently available in preview for Windows 10 22H2, enables features to ensure DMA compliance in the European Economic Area (EEA) before the deadline is met.
Among the modifications we find a new label for operating system applications. Microsoft will display the identifiers in the Settings, Start, and Search menus, so Users will always know what the notable components of Windows are. This will be useful for users who access the Start menu and have no idea about the functionality of each shortcut.
Microsoft too will add more points of interoperability in widgets and web search from Windows. The first allows applications to register their content sources so that they are available in the widget panel, while the second gives the user the ability to choose Google or another search provider from the desktop.
“Apps can bring their unique differentiation to more customers by being hosted directly on Windows features, and customers can choose to use their preferred experience for common Windows tasks, such as searching the Internet,” mentioned Microsoft.
Windows will allow you to uninstall Edge, Bing and other system applications
As for system apps, Windows added the ability to uninstall them from the Applications section or by right-clicking on the Start menu. Users will be able to permanently remove the Camera, Photos, Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Bing Web Search apps. The latter will only be available to European users, so the rest of the world will have to look for alternatives to eliminate the browser or search engine.
An option that attracts attention is the possibility of using Windows without your Microsoft account. EEA users will receive a notification asking if they want to add their data to the operating system. The Microsoft account is essential to use some applications or services, so activating it will be a mandatory step for some.
Finally, Windows will stop bothering you when you change default apps. The operating system will use the user’s settings for the browser, email and other types of links. A point to highlight is that Microsoft applications and services will always opt for the Edge browser.
Changes in Windows They will be applied gradually and will be available before March 6, 2024. For Windows 10, users can download the optional cumulative update from Settings > Update & security > Windows update. This version also enables weather status on lock screen.