Breaking Free: Microsoft Allows Uninstallation of Default Windows Apps
In a groundbreaking move prompted by EU regulation, Microsoft is ushering in a new era for Windows users. To comply with the Digital Markets Act, Microsoft is making significant changes to its policy, allowing users to uninstall default apps on their Windows 11 PCs. This includes the Edge browser, Camera, Cortana, and Photos, providing users with unprecedented control over their PC experience. While this change is a welcome shift, there are some catches to be aware of. Let’s delve into the details of this transformative update and its implications for Windows users.
The Uninstall Revolution: Liberation for Windows Users
Microsoft’s blog post detailing compliance with the Digital Markets Act reveals the pivotal change – the ability to uninstall default apps. Chief among them is the Edge browser, a notable departure from Microsoft’s previous stance on promoting Edge on Windows 11 PCs. This move comes as a response to EU regulations, giving users more autonomy over their software choices.
What You Can Uninstall: Edge, Camera, Cortana, and More
The list of uninstallable default apps extends beyond Edge, encompassing Camera, Cortana, and Photos. Even Bing from Web Search is on the uninstallation menu. This flexibility empowers users to tailor their PCs to their preferences, removing apps they deem unnecessary or prefer to replace with alternatives.
The Catch: Limited to the European Economic Area (EEA)
While the uninstallation freedom is a welcome change, there’s a catch – it applies only to PCs sold in the European Economic Area (EEA). While this includes most European countries, PCs sold in the U.S. and other regions won’t benefit from the uninstallation option for Edge and Bing. However, Camera and Photos remain on the uninstallation list for all users.
Widgets Board Changes for EEA PCs
EEA PCs will also witness changes to the Widgets Board. Users can now turn off the Microsoft News and ads feed, providing more control over the content displayed alongside widgets. However, this specific change is not extended to PCs sold outside the EEA.
Rollout Details and Compliance Deadline
These transformative changes are set to roll out to the Release Preview Channel for Windows Insiders as part of update version 23H2. Windows 10 in the EEA will also receive these updates (versions 22H2 and 23H2) by March 6, 2024. The timeline aligns with compliance efforts to adhere to the Digital Markets Act, ensuring users have more choices and preventing large companies from exerting undue influence over competition.
