Last spring the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) took effect, aiming to level the playing field in digital services. The regulation targets major platforms, operating systems, and apps from six big tech companies, including Meta, Alphabet, Apple, and Microsoft.
Uninstall the Microsoft Store, keep apps and updates
Windows has long allowed installation of apps and games from outside Microsoft’s store. Now Microsoft is adding the option to completely uninstall the Microsoft Store itself.
Crucially, apps installed from the Store will remain on the PC and continue to receive updates even after the Store is removed. The Store can be reinstalled at any time.
Easier default browser switching
Windows currently defaults to Microsoft Edge, though users can change that in settings. Even after switching, Edge can still open files with less common extensions unless users manually reassign them, a process many find tedious.
Microsoft will expand the list of links and file types that automatically switch when you change your default browser. The update covers ftp, http, https, read, .htm, .html, .mht, .mhtml, .shtml, .svg, .xht, .xhtml, and .xml. With one click, you will be able to set a new default browser for those types.
From the same place, you will be able to set the chosen browser as the default app for opening PDFs and pin the app to the taskbar and Start menu in one step.
System search and Bing become less intrusive
Microsoft will also let European users pick an alternative web search provider that the system search will prefer. You will be able to prioritize a web search provider so system searches favor that choice.
Links opened from the system search will open in your default browser rather than forcing Edge. The same change applies to links inside system widgets.
Rolling out from Insider to public release
Microsoft is testing these changes in the Windows Insider program. The company expects to roll out the updates to mainstream builds in the coming months.
