Microsoft is addressing user frustration with frequent prompts to sign in using their Microsoft accounts on Windows 10 and 11. This change is part of a broader update aimed at complying with the European Economic Area’s (EEA) Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates more user-friendly and transparent handling of single sign-on (SSO) processes.
Background on the Update
In early 2024, Microsoft announced plans to modify how Windows applications handle automatic logins with Microsoft accounts. This shift is driven by the DMA, which requires each application to explicitly request permission to use a user’s Microsoft account. Prior to this update, Microsoft accounts would automatically log in to applications like Outlook and Word without prompting the user. However, starting with these updates, users will now see a Continue to Sign In prompt whenever they launch an application.
User Experience and the DMA
The change was initially met with mixed reactions from users. While the intention behind the update is to enhance privacy and security, the frequent appearance of the Continue to Sign In prompt has been a source of frustration. Microsoft has acknowledged this issue, stating that the prompts should not appear unless there has been no activity on the Windows system for 90 days. However, in some cases, the prompts have continued to appear even when users have already granted permissions.
Microsoft’s Response and Fix
To address this issue, Microsoft has rolled out a fix that will reduce the frequency of these prompts. The update, available in Windows 10 Build 19045.4955 and later versions, is expected to be rolled out as an optional update in the coming weeks. This fix aims to mitigate the problem caused by the DMA requirements, particularly when using certificates for authentication.
Single Sign-On in Europe
The DMA requires SSO notifications to be more transparent and user-friendly. For users in the EEA, the prompts should be less frequent and more relevant. Microsoft is working to ensure that the fix is rolled out to both personal and organizational accounts.
How SSO Works and Bypassing It
The SSO functionality in Windows 10 and 11 is tied to JSON files. Specifically, the IntegratedServicesRegionPolicySet.json file in the System32 folder controls SSO and the removal of Microsoft Edge. Users can modify this file to change their region and customize SSO settings. For instance, changing the Edge Can Be Uninstalled setting to Enabled can allow users to remove Edge, even if they are from outside the EU.
Conclusion
While the changes are designed to enhance privacy and compliance with European regulations, they have introduced some challenges for users. Microsoft is working to address these issues and ensure that the SSO process is as seamless and user-friendly as possible. The fix is a step in the right direction, and users can expect further improvements in the coming updates.
This update highlights the ongoing balance between privacy, security, and user experience in the digital age, especially as more stringent regulations come into play.
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