For over a decade, Microsoft has used a variety of shifting tactics to hinder consumers from reliably accessing their preferred browser or setting it as a default on Windows PCs, the dominant PC computer gatekeeper — a device that has been used by billions of users to access the web at work, school, and home.
In recent weeks, with its back against the wall, Microsoft appears to have started doing the bare minimum to shake off resulting criticism. But the Browser Choice Alliance sees these changes for what they are: belated, reluctant, and partial.
Reluctant compliance
Early in June, Microsoft published a blog outlining updates to Windows in Europe, covering default settings for browsers and other services, and uninstallation of Microsoft apps. It claimed this is part of its “ongoing commitment to compliance with the Digital Markets Act”.
Microsoft failed to acknowledge that these EEA-only updates are over a year late, as it has been subject to DMA gatekeeper obligations since March 2024.
We have not yet seen these changes implemented consistently throughout the EEA on Windows 10 and 11 devices. So it’s not certain what impact these changes will actually have on users’ ability to set alternative browser defaults or change file handling.
An incomplete list
Microsoft’s announced changes leave multiple DMA violations unaddressed:
- S Mode = DMA-free mode: Microsoft continues to block users from changing default browsers and restricts which browsers they can install on “S mode” Windows PCs. Microsoft has actively rejected any changes here.
- Outlook and Teams ignore user choice of browser: Microsoft has confirmed that it considers itself entitled to open web links in its ubiquitous productivity apps in Edge, even when the user has chosen another browser to be their default. This defeats the very purpose of selecting a default browser.
- Progressive Web Apps excluded: Microsoft continues to impede effective uninstallation of Edge. Microsoft still prompts end users to reinstall Edge when trying to use certain progressive web apps that run on Edge.
- Non user-friendly changes: Windows users once were able to switch browsers with one-click in an app, but Microsoft stripped this ability away before its DMA obligations kicked in. Despite the clear user-friendly nature of this feature, Microsoft has resisted its return and instead forces users seeking to set a new default to navigate its clunky settings menu. For example, unlike all other major operating systems, the settings have no clear and intuitive “default browser” category within the Settings menu that sets the default for all file and link types.
- Regressions during updates: Microsoft keeps forcing users back to Edge defaults after certain system updates or due to “errors” in EEA-configured PCs, with no technical explanation for these practices.
Microsoft has a history of partial and temporary fixes when scrutinised – merely shifting to different tactics designed to achieve the same end or reverting to old practices when it feels less scrutinised. Unsurprisingly, Windows users have repeatedly complained about the impact that Microsoft’s practices are having.
Throughout all this, Microsoft continues to violate traditional competition law by blocking alternative browsers from pre installation and default status.
Obfuscation at the DMA workshop
Later in June, Microsoft faced competitors, industry, and regulators during a DMA Compliance Workshop.
At the workshop, Microsoft representatives failed to provide satisfactory answers to questions posed by the Browser Choice Alliance, its members, and other concerned parties, including European Digital Rights (EDRi), The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), Open Web Advocacy, and Mozilla. Instead, Microsoft’s representatives:
- Minimised the importance of the carve outs for their compliance – manifested through S-Mode, Outlook, Teams, OS updates, or Progressive Web Apps.
- Brushed off concrete examples of users experiencing Microsoft dark patterns, suggesting this was simply down to PC configuration.
The Browser Choice Alliance will continue to seek answers to these and other important questions around Microsoft’s compliance.
Why it matters
PCs are, and will remain, a crucial platform to access the internet and perform other important use cases, such as for gaming, education and enterprise.
In Europe, Microsoft continues to have by far the leading market share percentage in PC OS, with an average share of over 70% for the past year, accounting for hundreds of millions of devices.
Users need to be able to choose the browser that is best for them. For example, some users may not wish to share their data with large corporations. Other users may prefer browsers tailored to their use case (e.g., gaming or productivity) or technologies (e.g., new AI features). Other users may want to take advantage of the higher quality, security, and innovation offered by alternative browsers.
But this is bigger than just browsers: it’s about preventing lock-in to the entire Microsoft ecosystem, and protecting consumer choice.
We applaud efforts to scrutinize Microsoft’s conduct in Europe and around the world. But more needs to be done. European regulators need to hold Microsoft accountable for its belated, partial and reluctant compliance, and require changes that will protect consumer choice and facilitate fair competition. And global regulators should likewise increase their scrutiny of Microsoft’s practices.
References:
Meltwater, 2025 Global Digital Report, available at: https://www.meltwater.com/en/global-digital-trends, slide 84.
Meltwater, 2025 Global Digital Report, available at: https://www.meltwater.com/en/global-digital-trends, slide 87.
Statcounter: Desktop Operating System Market Share Europe, May 2024-May 2025, available at: https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/desktop/europe, last accessed 18 June 2025.