Briefly: Microsoft’s incessant nagging that you just use Edge like some form of high-pressure automobile salesman could be intensely annoying. The excellent news is that these notifications will cease. The dangerous information is that solely customers in Europe might be granted this candy reduction.
The Home windows Insider Program Group writes that as a part of Microsoft’s ongoing dedication to compliance with the Digital Markets Act, a number of new adjustments are being launched to Home windows 10 and 11.
Probably essentially the most notable of those adjustments is the elements regarding Edge. Home windows will now not problem customers to set Edge because the default browser until they open it instantly. Sadly, it solely applies to these within the European Financial Space (the EU, together with Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway). The change is now dwell within the EEA, beginning with Edge 137.0.3296.52, which rolled out on Might 29.
i OnLy UsE yOu To DoWnLoAd ChRoMe
– Microsoft Edge (@MicrosoftEdge) Might 30, 2025
Microsoft has lengthy skirted – many would say surpassed – the boundaries of acceptability with its prompts to make Edge the default browser. The nags, together with full-screen adverts, can seem even when Edge is not in use, some that includes very outstanding “Affirm” buttons and fewer noticeable choices to say no.
Microsoft hasn’t been averse to utilizing soiled techniques to push individuals towards Edge, both. The corporate initially made it more durable to modify from Edge to a different browser in Home windows 11. There was additionally the software that redirected Edge hyperlinks in Home windows 11 that Microsoft blocked. The corporate even advised individuals trying to obtain Chrome from Edge that Google’s browser “is so 2008!“
As for the opposite DMA-compliant adjustments that had been introduced, Home windows will now set additional hyperlink and file sorts to open with no matter browser you set because the default, together with “learn,” ftp, and .svg. Setting the default browser can even pin it to the Taskbar. This replace will roll out on Home windows 10 and Home windows 11 in July.
Customers within the EEA can even be capable of uninstall the Microsoft Retailer later this 12 months. Helpfully, any apps put in and distributed from the shop will proceed to get updates even when the Microsoft Retailer is uninstalled, retaining them safe and updated.
Elsewhere, Microsoft is permitting a number of third-party apps to supply internet search leads to Home windows Search. There’s additionally the choice to reorder internet search suppliers in settings based mostly in your private desire. The Search adjustments are coming in early June.