As the deadline for compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Economic Area (EEA) nears, Microsoft shared an update on their plan to roll out updates to Windows for customers in the EEA. The recent non-security releases, including Windows 10, version 22H2 Build 19045.4123 and Windows 11, version 23H2 Build 22631.3235, mark the beginning of a controlled rollout to EEA customers.
Key Highlights:
- DMA Compliance: Windows Insider Program channels received DMA changes starting in August 2023, gradually moving to Release Preview channels in November. The DMA updates are now part of optional November 2023 non-security releases.
- Rollout Plan: By March 6, 2024, devices in the EEA with the "Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available" feature enabled will receive DMA changes. Instructions are provided for opting in.
- User Interface Changes: Windows now clearly identifies operating system functionality in Settings, Start, and Search sections for EEA customers.
- Uninstalling Apps: All apps, including Camera, Cortana, Web Search, Microsoft Edge, and Photos, can now be uninstalled from Windows devices.
- Interoperability: Enhanced interoperability points in Windows open more opportunities for app developers to provide unique experiences to users. New interoperability points include feeds in Windows Widgets Board and web search in Windows Search.
- Microsoft Account Sync: Users in the EEA can sync their Microsoft accounts with Windows to access data across devices and Microsoft products they sign into, aiding in restoring settings, apps, and passwords.
- Default Apps Settings: Windows prompts users to easily change their default apps when opening content, maintaining configurability in Settings > Apps > Default apps.
EEA-Specific Functionality:
- Specific features are tailored for the EEA region to ensure compliance and provide relevant experiences to users in that area.
- Functionality in the EEA may not be available outside the region, and Windows identifies the EEA region during device setup to apply specific compliance requirements.
The post emphasizes ongoing collaboration with the European Commission to fulfill compliance obligations and highlights the gradual rollout of Copilot in Windows to various global markets, intending to include the EEA in the future.
Published Date: Thu, 16 Nov 2023 18:00:05 +0000.
Key Highlights:
- DMA Compliance: Windows Insider Program channels received DMA changes starting in August 2023, gradually moving to Release Preview channels in November. The DMA updates are now part of optional November 2023 non-security releases.
- Rollout Plan: By March 6, 2024, devices in the EEA with the "Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available" feature enabled will receive DMA changes. Instructions are provided for opting in.
- User Interface Changes: Windows now clearly identifies operating system functionality in Settings, Start, and Search sections for EEA customers.
- Uninstalling Apps: All apps, including Camera, Cortana, Web Search, Microsoft Edge, and Photos, can now be uninstalled from Windows devices.
- Interoperability: Enhanced interoperability points in Windows open more opportunities for app developers to provide unique experiences to users. New interoperability points include feeds in Windows Widgets Board and web search in Windows Search.
- Microsoft Account Sync: Users in the EEA can sync their Microsoft accounts with Windows to access data across devices and Microsoft products they sign into, aiding in restoring settings, apps, and passwords.
- Default Apps Settings: Windows prompts users to easily change their default apps when opening content, maintaining configurability in Settings > Apps > Default apps.
EEA-Specific Functionality:
- Specific features are tailored for the EEA region to ensure compliance and provide relevant experiences to users in that area.
- Functionality in the EEA may not be available outside the region, and Windows identifies the EEA region during device setup to apply specific compliance requirements.
The post emphasizes ongoing collaboration with the European Commission to fulfill compliance obligations and highlights the gradual rollout of Copilot in Windows to various global markets, intending to include the EEA in the future.
Published Date: Thu, 16 Nov 2023 18:00:05 +0000.
