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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Microsoft’s “new versions” of Windows 10 and Windows 11 were free, region-specific updates for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), not new annual releases. The March 2024 changes expanded choices around Edge, Bing, search, Widgets, sign-in and data consent. Microsoft documented further EEA browser, Windows Search and Microsoft Store changes in 2025. Delivery is phased, and “Europe” here means the EEA—not every European country.
Which Windows users are covered?
Microsoft’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) changes apply to users in the European Economic Area. The EEA is not synonymous with all of geographic Europe, so the changes should not be assumed to apply in every European country or worldwide. Microsoft said the compliant Windows 10 and Windows 11 versions were available to EEA users at no charge. Microsoft’s March 7, 2024 announcement described the initial rollout.
These were updates and behavior changes to Windows, rather than a separate annual Windows release. Microsoft said automatic delivery began in March 2024 and was expected to reach EEA users by early April 2024. The later changes described below were announced in 2025 and have their own rollout timing.
What changed in the 2024 rollout?
Microsoft described several changes intended to give EEA users and third-party providers more choice in how Windows handles apps and services:
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- Edge and Bing: Microsoft redesigned Edge and Bing web search so users could uninstall them through standard Windows uninstall mechanisms.
- Taskbar search and Widgets: Third-party web search apps could provide results through taskbar search and use a browser of their choice to display them. Developers could also create third-party news feeds for Widgets.
- Automatic sign-in: Windows stopped automatically signing users into related Microsoft services such as Edge, Bing and Start when they first signed in to Windows.
- Data and consent: Microsoft said it introduced EEA data-handling controls covering data about non-Microsoft applications and redesigned consent flows for combining Windows data with other Microsoft services.
What did Microsoft add in 2025?
In a June 2, 2025 Windows Insider post, Microsoft described additional EEA changes. The post’s update notes say the Microsoft Store uninstall option began rolling out to EEA retail PCs running Windows 10 and Windows 11 on August 28, 2025.
More default-browser associations
In addition to HTTP, HTTPS, HTM and HTML, the browser choice can cover registered links and file types including FTP and read links, .mht, .mhtml, .shtml, .svg, .xht, .xhtml and .xml files. PDF selection is available where a browser registers for it. Windows can also pin the selected browser to the taskbar when it is set as the default; users can opt out of that pinning.
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- STREAMLIMED AND INTUITIVE UI | Intelligent desktop | Personalize your experience for simpler efficiency | Powerful security built-in and enabled.
- JOIN YOUR BUSINESS OR SCHOOL DOMAIN for easy access to network files, servers, and printers.
- OEM IS TO BE INSTALLED ON A NEW PC WITH NO PRIOR VERSION of Windows installed and cannot be transferred to another machine.
- OEM DOES NOT PROVIDE PRODUCT SUPPORT | To acquire product with Microsoft support, obtain the full packaged “Retail” version.
More than one Windows Search provider
Installed provider apps can enable their search providers, allowing results from multiple providers to appear in Windows Search. Users can reorder providers in Settings.
Microsoft Store uninstall
EEA users can uninstall the Microsoft Store and reinstall it later. Removing the Store does not stop apps obtained from it from receiving updates, according to Microsoft.
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- Less chaos, more calm. The refreshed design of Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly.
- Biometric logins. Encrypted authentication. And, of course, advanced antivirus defenses. Everything you need, plus more, to protect you against the latest cyberthreats.
- Make the most of your screen space with snap layouts, desktops, and seamless redocking.
- Widgets makes staying up-to-date with the content you love and the news you care about, simple.
- Stay in touch with friends and family with Microsoft Teams, which can be seamlessly integrated into your taskbar. (1)
Microsoft app links and browser prompts
In the EEA, the Bing app and Start Experiences app open web content in the user’s default browser. Edge no longer prompts users to make it the default unless they open Edge directly. Microsoft’s post also distinguishes pinning options: Windows 11 includes a pin-to-Start capability for the selected browser; Windows 10 does not.
How to prioritize Windows updates
For the original 2024 rollout, Microsoft pointed users to the Windows Update setting that prioritizes available updates. On a supported Windows device:
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- Instantly productive. Simpler, more intuitive UI and effortless navigation. New features like snap layouts help you manage multiple tasks with ease.
- Smarter collaboration. Have effective online meetings. Share content and mute/unmute right from the taskbar (1) Stay focused with intelligent noise cancelling and background blur.(2)
- Reassuringly consistent. Have confidence that your applications will work. Familiar deployment and update tools. Accelerate adoption with expanded deployment policies.
- Powerful security. Safeguard data and access anywhere with hardware-based isolation, encryption, and malware protection built in.
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.
- Check Windows Update for available updates and install them when offered.
Microsoft’s current Windows Update guidance says the switch prioritizes eligible non-security updates, features, fixes and improvements. It does not guarantee immediate delivery: Windows updates roll out gradually, and availability can vary by device. Regular security updates continue whether the setting is on or off; enabling it may mean more restarts.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Windows 10 support is a separate issue
The DMA changes do not extend Windows 10’s support lifecycle. Microsoft says Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance or security fixes for Windows 10. This lifecycle change is separate from the EEA-specific features.
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