Microsoft Edge Changes: EU Regulations Force User Freedom in Windows 10/11

Users of Windows 10 and 11 are well aware that Microsoft often employs various tactics to steer them toward using the Microsoft Edge browser. When a user attempts to install an alternative browser such as Chrome, Edge may actively attempt to obstruct the process by discouraging the download and installation.

Even if a user successfully installs another browser, Microsoft continues to deploy subtle strategies to persuade users to set Edge as their default. These include, but are not limited to, automatically importing data such as passwords, browsing history, and bookmarks from Chrome without explicit user consent.

However, beginning with the cumulative update released in June, Microsoft will cease these intrusive practices—albeit only within the European Union and a few countries within the European Economic Area. This policy shift is not born of corporate benevolence but rather in response to the EU’s Digital Markets Act.

Specifically, for users within the European Economic Area, Microsoft will implement the following changes:

• Users will be allowed to uninstall the Microsoft Store.
• The Windows 10/11 search bar will support multiple search providers, rather than being restricted solely to Bing.
• Microsoft Edge will become uninstallable.

Regarding browsers, further adjustments will be made:

• When setting a default browser, the system will associate a broader range of file types and protocols beyond just HTTP and HTTPS. Future associations will include MHT, SVG, XML, PDF, and more.

This means users will no longer need to manually configure certain protocol handlers. At present, for example, even if Chrome is set as the default browser, PDF files still open in Edge. The new policy will prevent such forced associations.

It remains unclear whether it is possible to configure non-EU systems to be recognized as EU-based in order to benefit from these privileges. Should Microsoft’s detection mechanism be uncovered, there may be an opportunity to circumvent regional restrictions.

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