Microsoft to Grant EU Users the Freedom to Uninstall Edge & Bing from Windows

Microsoft has announced significant changes coming to Windows in response to the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), set to take effect in the European Economic Area (EEA) in March 2024.

Windows users in the European Union will soon enjoy the ability to uninstall various built-in apps, a move aligned with the EU's DMA. Notably, Microsoft will allow EU residents to uninstall apps like Microsoft Bing and Microsoft Edge, providing users the freedom to choose alternative services. This change, however, will not extend to Windows users outside the EU.

Enhanced Interoperability and User Options

Microsoft is introducing interoperability features to Windows 11, allowing third-party vendors such as Google to provide alternative services for Windows Search. Additionally, feeds in Windows Widgets will be open to third-party providers, presenting users with more choices in service providers. These interoperability enhancements are exclusive to versions of Windows sold to EU-based customers.

App Default Settings

To enhance user experience and recognition, Microsoft will now label system apps with a "System" label next to them, making it easier for users to identify operating system components and system apps. Furthermore, Windows will remember customers' configured app default settings for link and file types in the EEA, providing users with more control over their preferences.

However, Microsoft notes that apps will still choose how to open content on Windows, and some Microsoft apps may opt to open web content in Microsoft Edge.

Exclusive Features and Copilot Availability

Unfortunately, the rebranded Bing Chat, now known as Copilot, will not be immediately available to Windows users in the European Economic Area (EEA). Microsoft stated that the initial markets for Copilot include North America, the United Kingdom, and parts of Asia and South America, with plans to expand to the EEA in the future.

DMA Compliance and Availability

Many of these DMA compliance changes are already accessible with the Windows 11 version 23H2 update in the Release Preview Channel. These changes will also extend to Windows 10 in the same channel at a later date, with the goal of updating Windows 11 version 23H2 and Windows 10 version 22H2 PCs in the EEA to ensure compliance by March 6, 2024.

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