Microsoft has announced that Digital Market Directive (DMA) compliant versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems will be available for free to users in the European Economic Area (EEA). This update, which starts rolling out automatically, is expected to be fully rolled out to all EEA users by early April 2024.
Windows 11 will give enthusiastic users who want to benefit from these releases immediately the option to enable the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" feature in Windows Update, underscoring Microsoft's commitment to providing the latest technology to its users . The European Union's Digital Market Directive (DMA) aims to promote a fairer and more competitive digital market.
By aligning with the DMA, Microsoft not only complies with the legislation, but also reaffirms its longstanding philosophy of openness and accessibility. Windows has always been designed as an open platform, allowing users to install apps and app stores without needing to go through Microsoft. This freedom ensures that Windows 11 remains an attractive and versatile platform for users and developers alike.
Microsoft is making very Important CHANGES in Windows 11 in Europe, Mandated by the European Commission
Microsoft, in compliance with the DMA, has implemented significant changes to further enhance accessibility and transparency. These include the redesign of the Edge browser and Bing web search functionality in Windows 11, allowing users to uninstall these apps if they choose to do so using standard Windows mechanisms. This flexibility also extends to third-party web search services and third-party news feeds, which can now more easily integrate their services into the Windows ecosystem.
Microsoft, in addition to these improvements, has also overhauled the sign-in experience on Windows, eliminating the automatic connection of users to other Microsoft products and services at the first sign-in. This change reflects a transition towards greater user autonomy and respect for individual preferences, in line with the spirit of the DMA.
Microsoft tries to adapt to legislative changes and respond to the needs and expectations of its users. As the digital marketplace continues to evolve, Microsoft's adaptability and openness ensures that Windows remains at the forefront of technological innovation, providing a robust, accessible and fair platform for all its users in the European Economic Area and beyond.
