- Microsoft is modifying the search for Windows 11 in the EEE to comply with the EU digital market law
- The search menu search now separates local results in the web results device, which are still fed by Bing
- Other changes driven by DMA include edge uninstallation and the search for bing dishabilitation, but only for US users
Microsoft is adjusting the Windows 11 search function in the Start menu for users in the European Economic Area (EEE) to comply with the new EU rules (specifically the Digital Markets Law, or DMA). Normally, when you search the start menu, Windows 11 shows the results of both your computer and the Internet (using the Microsoft, Bing) search engine. But now, it seems that Microsoft will make these search results more obviously separated.
MSPOWERUSER reports that the change can be seen in a new preview of Windows 11 Insider Build, the compilation number 27764. A Windows Insider and the X poster X @alex290292 shared a screenshot that shows this new interface of menu user Start (IU) with two sections in the search window; One labeled as “Windows” and the other “bing web search” (keep in mind that your Windows 11 language is configured in German).
The search will soon differentiate between “Windows” and “Microsoft Bing web search.” pic.twitter.com/glodnenaeuDecember 11, 2024
The search for Windows 11 after an EU push after
This change follows several other updates that provide users with how they use Windows 11, including the introduction of the results of custom web search suppliers in the search for Windows and the ability to uninstall Microsoft Edge (the predetermined web browser that is pre -installed in Windows 11) from its device and disable the bing web search. These changes were also brought to meet the DMA, so, although the EU is not leaving aside its regulatory position, Microsoft is playing the ball for now.
The EU digital market law (DMA) is a set of rules designed to prevent large technology companies from using their domain to box competition. Since Windows is very popular, Microsoft has to play fair and not use it as a way to force people to use their other services, such as pushing Bing and Edge instead of allowing users to choose their own search or browser engine . That is where the DMA intervenes: to make sure that companies like Microsoft do not unfair users towards their own products when they should offer real options.
Another intriguing change that we can wait for the initial Windows 11 menu is soon when you click on the right button in an application set there, you will see new ‘jump lists’ that appear. As Mspoweruser explained, a list of jumps is a Flyout menu that provides rapid access to recent files, folders or tasks associated with an application when clicking with the right button on its icon in the taskbar or the start menu.
Microsoft’s decision to separate local search results and website from This case, the EU). The integration of bing hermetically into the search characteristics of Windows 11 seems motivated by Microsoft’s commercial ambition advertising income Closing the gap with the Google market leader is also an ambition of Microsoft.
The separation of the search results of Windows 11 may be interrupting these goals a bit, but you are interested in admitting a greater choice of the user.
An orderly welcome (but only in Europe)
The fact that this update is only applied to the EEE suggests that Microsoft is not interested in implementing it more widely, probably because it would reduce the passive traffic that Bing receives from Windows 11 users worldwide. From a user perspective, this change is a welcome improvement, particularly for those frustrated with the messy and inconsistent that the search for the start menu can feel.
The main concern with the current configuration is that it combines local and web results in a way that does not always serve the best interests of users.
Looking for a file or application on your PC, only to meet with a mixture of content that is actually in Your web device and suggestions (often feel irrelevant) can be more distracting than useful. By giving users a clearer distinction between the results on the device and online, this change ensures that Windows Search serves its planned purpose, in particular to find what he needs on his first PC, instead of acting as a door of Link disguised as Microsoft services.
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