Microsoft Edge will no longer show nagging prompts asking users to make it their default browser on Windows - but only in Europe. It is one of the key changes Microsoft is making to comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA).
According to the latest announcement from the Windows Insider Program Team, Microsoft is rolling out a number of changes to Windows 10 and Windows 11 to meet the requirements of the DMA. The most notable one involves Microsoft Edge - Windows will no longer pester users to set Edge as the default browser unless they open the app directly.
Unfortunately, the change applies only to users in the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes the European Union member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The feature has been live in the EEA since May 29, 2025, starting with Edge version 137.0.3296.52.
Microsoft Edge and its history of "pestering" users
For a long time, Microsoft has repeatedly crossed the line of acceptable behavior with its reminders to make Edge the default browser. These prompts, including full-screen ads, could appear even when Edge wasn't being used, with a prominent "Confirm" button and a less obvious option to decline.
Microsoft has also not hesitated to use rather underhanded tactics to push users toward Edge. At first, the company made it harder to switch from Edge to another browser in Windows 11. There was also a tool for redirecting Edge links in Windows 11, which Microsoft blocked. The company even told users downloading Chrome from Edge that "Google's browser is so outdated!"
Other changes to comply with the Digital Markets Act
Besides ending the nagging prompts for Microsoft Edge, Microsoft has announced several other changes to comply with the DMA:
- Windows will set more link and file types to open in the browser you choose as your default, including "read", ftp and .svg. When you set a default browser, the system will also automatically pin it to the Taskbar. This update will roll out on Windows 10 and Windows 11 in July 2025.
- Users in the EEA will be able to uninstall the Microsoft Store this year. Helpfully, any app already installed and distributed through the Store will keep receiving updates even after the Microsoft Store is uninstalled, keeping those apps secure and up to date.
- Microsoft is allowing more third-party apps to provide web search results in Windows Search. Users will also be able to reorder web search providers in settings based on personal preference. The Search changes will roll out in early June 2025.
All of these changes are part of Microsoft's commitment to DMA compliance. The Digital Markets Act is designed to ensure that large online platforms in the EU operate fairly and let new rivals enter the market, fostering a more competitive digital environment.
Microsoft says it has worked hard to implement the DMA, engaging with the European Commission and testing DMA compliance features with customers and the industry to make sure it fully meets its obligations.
According to Microsoft's compliance report, its approach to DMA compliance is guided by three core principles: transparency, accountability and open engagement. These principles are backed by internal training, controls and dedicated governance mechanisms.
Summary: Microsoft Edge is making significant changes to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act, including ending the nagging prompts that ask users to make it their default browser. However, these changes apply only to users in the European Economic Area, while users elsewhere still face the pestering prompts. Microsoft is also rolling out several other changes on Windows 10 and Windows 11 to strengthen user choice and comply with the Digital Markets Act, including the ability to uninstall the Microsoft Store and broader web search options in Windows Search.
