The Widgets Board has also been modified as part of the Windows 11 update, allowing the removal of Microsoft News and the advertisements feed.
Synopsis:
- Microsoft explains how it’s bringing Windows 11 into compliance with the European Economic Area’s (EEA) Digital Markets Act (DMA).
- As a result of the modifications, PCs in EEA markets will be able to disable Bing in Windows Search, uninstall Microsoft Edge, and disable the Microsoft News feed and widget board advertisements.
- Additionally, Microsoft is ensuring that Windows 11 Update respects user preferences and that consumers can remove practically all in-box software from the operating system.
Windows 11 Update That Microsoft is Bringing
Microsoft recently published a new blog post that explains how Windows 11 Update will be adjusted to comply with the European Economic Area’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). Microsoft has modified the OS in several ways to make it compliant; customers can now select different providers and remove the majority of in-box apps.
The two largest updates are the removal of Bing Search from the Windows Search window and the ability to uninstall the Microsoft Edge web browser. With only a few system apps remaining that cannot be deleted, such as File Explorer and Phone Link, this adds to the already expanding number of in-box apps that users can remove.
Furthermore, Microsoft is updating the Widgets Board so that users can disable the Microsoft News and ad feed while still maintaining widgets for those who choose to use them. It is unclear whether customers outside of the EEA will be able to take advantage of these features, as the company identifies these enhancements as exclusive to Windows 11 PCs in the EEA region.
Microsoft is also updating Windows 11 to make sure the operating system retains user-specified defaults. Windows will now honor your default choice for an email client or web browser. The OS will now additionally prompt users in the EEA to decide whether to sync Windows with a Microsoft account.
Early in the new year, these updates will be made broadly available. They will initially be made available in preview on Windows 11 through the Insider Beta Channel in the upcoming weeks. By March 6th, 2024, Microsoft promises that Windows 11 Update will be completely compliant with the DMA. By that time, Windows 10 will also receive many of these same updates.
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Countries, in particular, that are Affected by These Updates
The European Economic Area (EEA) is a political and economic union that includes 27 European and neighboring countries. The following nations are on the list of EEA members:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Republic of Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
The Digital Markets Act: Explained
Large online platforms operating in EEA markets are required to abide by a set of established norms and standards known as the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The intention is to guarantee that customers are not restricted to the particular services a platform creator wants them to use but rather have the freedom to select the services they want on whichever platform they choose.
For Microsoft, this involves ensuring that the operating system is compatible with alternative services as required and refraining from pressuring consumers to utilize Edge or Bing. Allowing consumers to remove pre-installed software and apps is one of the DMA’s guidelines.
Not only does Microsoft have to follow the DMA, but Google and Apple are also in the same situation and will have to follow these same regulations moving forward.
The DMA’s ultimate goal is to guarantee that consumers always have options for the services and products they utilize. It also seeks to identify third-party services that have been subjected to unjust treatment in the past based on terms and conditions on a platform.
Worldwide Effects and Text-to-Speech Feature
Although the EEA has approved these modifications, it is still unknown if consumers in places like India will profit from the increased flexibility. Microsoft’s dedication to DMA compliance is demonstrated by its text-to-speech feature, which enhances user experiences by enabling the development of real-time interactive bots that use human photos and talking avatar videos.
In line with the DMA’s guidelines, Microsoft’s Windows 11 update represents a move toward user-centric customization. With these modifications, users will be able to enjoy a more customized and compliant Windows experience as they wait for the full release in 2024.
Final Verdict
With these tech giants setting up new parameters and creating a sort of monopoly, it becomes necessary to regulate them. With DMA coming into effect, it might set up a new user-centric dawn. While users wait for the full rollout in 2024, these changes make it possible for Windows to be more personalized and compatible.
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