Microsoft has just released the January preview version of the update for Windows 10, version 22H2, which introduces compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Economic Area (EEA). This update allows European users to uninstall all Windows apps by March 6th.
KB5034203 is a monthly, optional cumulative update unrelated to security that allows Windows administrators to test fixes and improvements that will be introduced in the patch release cycle in February 2024.
This approach enables testing of changes before they are included in the regular Windows update cycle, providing smoother and more reliable user experience.
Microsoft announced on Tuesday that they “have been working on ensuring compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Economic Area (EEA).”
Customers in the EEA who install this update will be able to uninstall all Windows apps, including Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Bing web search, Photos, and Camera.
Although Windows will always use default app settings for links and file types configured by users in the EEA, some Microsoft apps will still open web links in the Microsoft Edge browser (however, the company does not explain what happens after uninstalling Edge).
According to the November 2023 announcement, these compliance changes will be implemented by March 6th, 2024.
Since this optional “C” update does not include security fixes, you will be prompted to install it by clicking the “Download and install” link after checking for updates.
You can also directly download the KB5034203 update from the Microsoft Update Catalog to install it manually.
Other important information in the January preview version for 2024
According to information provided by Microsoft, this preview version of the update also resolves an issue related to certain single-function printers being installed as scanners and a bug that blocks attempts to reconnect in existing remote desktop sessions.
In addition, the optional KB5034203 update for Windows 10 includes numerous fixes and improvements, some of which are particularly important:
– Fixed an issue with Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI). There was a buffering problem that led to incorrect changes in the CurrentTimeZone time zone.
– Fixed an issue with the Integrity Code module (ci.dll). This vulnerability causes the device to become unresponsive.
– Fixed a known issue specifically related to BitLocker data encryption. Mobile Device Management (MDM) services such as Microsoft Intune may not obtain the correct data.
– The update includes quarterly changes to the Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist file, DriverSiPolicy.p7b. This introduces a list of drivers that are vulnerable to Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) attacks.
You can find a complete list of changes included in this update in the KB5034203 support bulletin published by Microsoft earlier today.
FAQ section:
1. What is the January preview version of the update for Windows 10, version 22H2?
The January preview version of the update for Windows 10, version 22H2, is an update released by Microsoft that introduces compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Economic Area (EEA).
2. What does this update allow European users to do?
This update allows European users to uninstall all Windows apps, including Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Bing web search, Photos, and Camera, by March 6th.
3. Will uninstalling Windows apps affect the default app settings?
While Windows will still use default app settings for links and file types configured by users in the European Economic Area (EEA), some Microsoft apps will still open web links in the Microsoft Edge browser (however, the company does not explain what happens after uninstalling Edge).
4. How can I install this update?
You can install this update by clicking the “Download and install” link after checking for updates. You can also directly download the KB5034203 update from the Microsoft Update Catalog to install it manually.
5. What are other important details about this update?
This update also resolves an issue related to certain single-function printers being installed as scanners and a bug that blocks attempts to reconnect in existing remote desktop sessions. It includes numerous fixes and improvements, such as addressing the issue with Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) and fixing the problem with the Integrity Code module (ci.dll).
Key term definitions or jargon:
– DMA (Digital Markets Act) – The Digital Markets Act is a European Union law that aims to regulate large digital platforms to ensure fair competition and consumer protection.
Suggested related links:
– Microsoft homepage
– Microsoft technical support
The source of the article is from the blog elblog.pl