Windows will get major changes in Europe due to the Digital Markets Act

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 be able to uninstall apps like Bing or Edgeand changing the default operating system configuration.

The changes will take effect in the coming weeks, so Microsoft has released an update for Windows 10 that includes some of these improvements. Patch KB5034203, currently available in preview for Windows 10 22H2, includes features to ensure DMA compliance in the European Economic Area (EEA) before the deadline.

Among the modifications we find new label for operating system applications. Microsoft will display IDs in the Settings, Start, and Search menus, so Users will always know what are the noteworthy components of Windows. This will be useful for users who go to the Start menu and have no idea about the functionality of each shortcut.

Microsoft too will add more compatibility points in widgets and web search from Windows. The first allows apps to register their content sources so that they are available in the widget bar, and the second gives the user ability to select Google or another search engine from the desktop.

“Apps can bring their unique differentiation to more customers because they are hosted directly on Windows features, and customers can use their preferred interface for common Windows tasks, such as web search,” Microsoft said.

Windows will allow you to uninstall Edge, Bing, and other system apps.

As for system applications, Windows has added the ability to remove them from the Applications section or by right-clicking on the Start menu. Users will be able 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 attention-grabbing option: ability to use Windows without a Microsoft account. EEA users will receive a notification asking if they want to add their data to the operating system. A Microsoft account is required to use some apps or services, so activating it will be a required step for some.

Finally, Windows will stop bothering you when you change your default apps. The operating system will use the user’s settings for browser, email, and other types of links. It should be emphasized that Microsoft apps and services will always select the Edge browser.

Changes in Windows They will be applied gradually and will become available until March 6, 2024.. For Windows 10, users can download an optional cumulative update from the website Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.. This version also displays weather information on the lock screen.