Microsoft is working on a big Start menu update for Windows 11 that includes widgets via new ‘companions’ feature

Enhanced Customization Coming to Windows 11 Start Menu

In an exciting development for Windows 11 enthusiasts, Microsoft is reportedly introducing a new element of customization that could potentially enrich user experience. The latest buzz suggests that the tech giant is considering the integration of widgets directly adjacent to the Start menu, offering a seamless blend of utility and accessibility.

Insights into the most recent Windows 11 preview build hint at the groundwork being laid for what are known as “Adaptive Cards”—a term used by developers to describe widgets. These are not new to the Windows 11 ecosystem, as users are already familiar with them through the Windows 11 Widgets Board. However, the placement and interaction with the Start menu could be an innovative shift.

Curiosity peaked when @thebookisclosed unveiled references to a “CompanionCardReader” within the operating system’s build. This implies the potential for a flexible framework where widgets can be positioned to the left or right of the Start menu. This proposed sidebar interface could provide users with a more dynamic and personalized interaction with their favorite applications.

The concept is still in its nascent stages, and while not yet operational, the idea has generated considerable enthusiasm among users who have longed for a richer Start menu experience since the retirement of live tiles. The anticipation is that this addition could offer a glanceable interface that delivers timely information from preferred apps right within the Start menu.

While the official announcement from Microsoft regarding this feature remains forthcoming, speculation is rife that more details may emerge at an upcoming special Windows event scheduled for May 20. Microsoft is expected to showcase new Windows 11 features and innovations, and there’s hope that this Start menu enhancement will be part of the revelations.

As the Windows community eagerly awaits confirmation and details, the potential for Start menu widgets marks a compelling evolution in the Windows 11 interface, promising a more informative and customizable user experience.

Winsage
Microsoft is working on a big Start menu update for Windows 11 that includes widgets via new 'companions' feature