Microsoft is rolling out a significant update to Windows 11's Start Menu search functionality specifically for users in the European Economic Area (EEA). This change comes as part of the company's compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to promote fair competition in digital markets.

The Digital Markets Act and Windows 11

The EU's Digital Markets Act, which came into full effect in March 2024, designates large tech companies as "gatekeepers" and requires them to make their platforms more open and interoperable. For Microsoft, this means modifying how certain Windows features operate in the EEA to provide users with more choice and control.

What's Changing in the Start Menu Search

The updated Start Menu search in Windows 11 for EEA users includes several notable changes:

  • Removal of Bing Integration: Search results will no longer automatically default to Bing-powered web results
  • Local-First Approach: The search now prioritizes local files, apps, and system functions
  • Clearer Result Organization: Results are better categorized between local and web sources
  • Optional Web Search: Users can choose to enable web search if desired

Technical Implementation Details

Microsoft has implemented these changes through a phased rollout of KB5036980 (for version 22H2) and KB5036893 (for version 23H2). The update modifies several system components:

  1. SearchHost.exe: Now handles local and web searches as separate processes
  2. Windows Search Indexer: Enhanced to provide faster local results
  3. UI Components: The search interface has been redesigned to clearly distinguish between local and web results

User Experience Improvements

EEA users will notice several quality-of-life improvements:

  • Faster loading times for local searches
  • More accurate file and app suggestions
  • Reduced system resource usage during searches
  • Clear visual indicators showing whether results are local or web-based

How This Differs from Global Versions

Outside the EEA, Windows 11's search functionality remains largely unchanged, continuing to integrate Bing web results by default. This creates a notable difference in user experience between regions.

Potential Impact on Microsoft's Ecosystem

This change could have several ripple effects:

  • Bing Usage: Potential decrease in Bing traffic from EEA users
  • Third-Party Search: Opportunities for alternative search providers to integrate with Windows
  • Developer Ecosystem: New APIs may emerge for search integration

User Reactions and Industry Response

Early feedback from EEA users has been mixed:

  • Positive: Many appreciate the faster local searches and reduced "web noise"
  • Negative: Some users miss the convenience of unified search
  • Neutral: Several users report they hadn't noticed the change until it was pointed out

Looking Ahead: The Future of Windows Search

This update may signal broader changes coming to Windows search globally. Microsoft could potentially:

  • Offer these search options as configurable settings worldwide
  • Develop more sophisticated local search capabilities
  • Create new monetization models for search in regulated markets

How to Check if You Have the Update

EEA users can verify if they have the new search experience by:

  1. Opening the Start Menu and typing a query
  2. Checking if web results appear automatically
  3. Looking for the new "Search settings" options in Windows Settings

Conclusion

Microsoft's compliance with the DMA has led to meaningful changes in how Windows 11 handles search for EEA users. While this creates regional differences in the Windows experience, it demonstrates Microsoft's willingness to adapt to regulatory requirements while maintaining core functionality.