Microsoft Eases Edge Installation Notifications for Windows Users in EU and Three European Countries

Microsoft will no longer disturb Windows users in the EU, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein with notifications and prompts to set Microsoft Edge as their default browser. Additionally, users in these regions will now have the option to uninstall the Microsoft Store app.

These changes are a response to Microsoft’s commitment to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act. Previously, the company allowed the removal of Edge, Bing, and other applications, as well as changes to the default search engine providers in browsers due to this regulation.

The latest updates are included in Edge version 137.0.3296.52, which was released on May 29, 2025.

When users install third-party browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Brave, or Opera, their shortcuts will be pinned to the taskbar unless the user opts out of this feature.

Upon installing a different browser, it will automatically be set as the default for various types of links and files, including https and .html. Now, users within the European Economic Area will see that this browser is applicable to an even broader range of types, including read, ftp, and .svg.

Default browser settings are already available to some beta users, and Microsoft intends to roll out these options widely across Windows 10 and Windows 11 starting in July this year.

Even after uninstalling the Microsoft Store application, apps installed via the store will continue to receive updates. Users can always reinstall the Microsoft Store if they wish.

Other modifications include automatic permissions for third-party applications to integrate their web search results into Windows Search immediately after installation, as well as the ability to reorder search providers according to user preferences. Following the July update, the Microsoft Bing app, along with the widgets panel and lock screen, will open web content through the user’s default browser.