Windows 10 and 11: Edge browser will be less annoying in future

Contents

Microsoft is adapting Windows 10 and 11 as well as some apps to the requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Among other things, the Edge browser will no longer restrict users. Users will also be able to remove the Microsoft Store, according to the announcement.

Windows 10 and 11: Edge is no longer annoying if it is not the default browser

One of the major changes coming to Windows users in the European Economic Area (EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) with the update is the end of the requirement to select the Edge browser as the default browser. Windows currently displays a message at regular intervals asking users to set Edge as their default browser, even if it is not running.

In the future, the Microsoft browser should only prompt users to set Edge as the default application when the application is open. Also, new: If users have selected another browser as the default, Windows will pin it to the taskbar if desired.

Microsoft is also expanding the scope of third-party browser integration: Currently, Windows already binds supported standard browsers to some link and file types such as HTTPS, HTML and “Read”. Microsoft now wants to extend the scope to other file types such as FTP, SVG, and others. Furthermore, the alternative default browser can be set as a PDF reader if desired.

The changes for the default browser are already active for some users in the beta channel and will be introduced for Windows 10 and Windows 11 for everyone in July.

Microsoft Store removable in future

Users will also be able to uninstall the Microsoft Store, which the company sees as the central point of contact for Windows applications. According to Microsoft, apps that are installed and distributed via the Store will continue to receive updates, even if the Microsoft Store has been removed. Here we see certain parallels with Apple's App Store under iOS, which can also be completely deleted since iOS 18.2.

Interested parties can uninstall the Microsoft Store like conventional applications via Start and Settings. The Microsoft Store can also be reinstalled if required.

Windows search optional with multiple search providers

Microsoft is also expanding Windows Search: app providers can integrate their web searches, which are automatically activated when the app is installed. Windows Search will then display the search results from different providers simultaneously. Individual providers can be hidden if desired. Users can also re-sort the various search providers in the settings.

Microsoft is making the changes to Windows Search available in Windows Insider builds. According to Microsoft, they will be included in the retail builds of Windows 10 and Windows 11 at the beginning of June.

In addition, the Bing app, which is responsible for web search in Windows Search by default, will open web content with the default browser in future and no longer with Edge. The same applies to the “Start Experiences” app in Windows 11, which is responsible for the widgets and feeds in the widgets board and content on the lock screen.

(afl)