Microsoft adapts Windows 11 to EU requirements by sharing local search with Bing web search

Desktop with Start menu in Windows 11. Source: Windows Blog

Microsoft is making changes to Windows 11 for users in the European Economic Area (EEA) to comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Here's What We Know

In the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27764 beta, the company is separating search results into "Windows" and "Search the web with Bing". This change allows users to clearly distinguish between local and web search results.

The search will soon differentiate between "Windows" and "Web search from Microsoft Bing". pic.twitter.com/gLODnEnaeU

- Alexander S (@alex290292) December 11, 2024

Previously, Microsoft, under the DMA, had already allowed you to disable Bing web search, remove Microsoft Edge, and add third-party search providers like Google.

The update also adds support for third-party access keys and other changes to the Start menu. For example, right-clicking on pinned apps will now display jump lists for apps that support them.

Source: @alex290292, mspoweruser