Microsoft has announced that they are working to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Economic Area. The Redmond-based software giant revealed that the November 2023 non-security preview update for Windows 11 version 23H2 has been released to the Release Preview Channel. The updates will be pushed in a phased manner to devices globally. The company also added that they will release preview changes for Windows 10 in the Release Preview Channel soon. Moreover, the product team is working to make Windows 10 version 22H2 and Windows 11 version 23H2 devices EEA compliant by March 6, 2024.
Microsoft has upgraded the Windows operating system in such a way that it will clearly identify operating system functionality in Settings, Start, and Search modules respectively. The apps in Windows can be uninstalled either via PC or Microsoft Store. The Installed apps dashboard under Settings | Apps will continue to display all the apps that are installed on the PC. You can uninstall the apps based on your requirements.
Powerful API
Windows comes with a robust API, which developers can make use of to create millions of Windows apps. You can enable richer app functionalities such as Toast notifications and Widgets. Microsoft has added more interoperability points in Windows. Microsoft has added dual interoperability points in the EEA. This includes feeds in the Windows Widgets board and Windows Search.
Digital Markets Act Account Syncing
Windows will prompt users in the EEA if they would like to sync their Microsoft account with Windows as per the Digital Markets Act. This will enable Windows data to be made available on their other Windows devices including other related Microsoft products. This functionality will enable users to restore settings, apps, and passwords from another Windows device. Windows will also sync pinned apps and preferences across devices including the ability to locate files and apps.
Windows will prompt customers when they are opening content after the newly installed app registers. You can easily configure app defaults in Settings | Apps | Default apps. The apps prompt users to modify app defaults by opening Windows Settings to the app’s default page. Windows makes use of customers-configured app default settings for link and file types in the EEA. This includes industry-standard browser link types.
You should note that some Windows functionality is only available in the EEA. Windows makes use of the region selected by the user during device setup. If the detected location is EEA, then the required options will automatically appear. The region used for DMA compliance can only by modified through a PC reset after the completion of the device setup.
Copilot in Windows Availability
The Windows 11 version 23H2 Release Preview update does not include Copilot in Windows in the EEA. Microsoft is committed to release Copilot in Windows in a phased manner to Windows Insiders in select global markets. The Copilot in Windows is currently available in North/South America, United Kingdom, and parts of Asia. Microsoft is currently working with the European Commission to finalize compliance obligations.
