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Windows 11 widgets

Microsoft Debloats Windows 11 Widgets In Preview Builds, UI Significantly Improved
Winsage
May 4, 2026

Microsoft Debloats Windows 11 Widgets In Preview Builds, UI Significantly Improved

Windows 11 is undergoing enhancements under the initiative "Windows K2" in response to user criticism. The latest Preview Build 26300.8346 features a revamped widgets panel, introducing a new subsection titled “Widgets is quiet by default” to minimize distractions. Key changes include disabling open-on-hover for the widgets panel, turning off taskbar badging, limiting the widgets experience to the first launch, and minimizing taskbar alerts. These adjustments aim to create a more coherent presentation of information and address critiques of Windows 11’s user interface. Microsoft is facing competition from macOS and Linux, and concerns over reliability and performance have affected Windows 11’s reputation.
Microsoft is finally turning off the MSN feed and ads in Windows 11 Widgets by default
Winsage
May 2, 2026

Microsoft is finally turning off the MSN feed and ads in Windows 11 Widgets by default

Microsoft has modified the default behavior of the Widgets feature in Windows 11, confirming that the MSN feed will no longer be displayed by default when users hover over the Widgets icon. This change is being gradually rolled out through the Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8346. The updated Widgets experience includes several modifications: - The Widgets board will no longer open on hover; users must click the Widgets icon to access it. - Taskbar badging for breaking news and alerts will be turned off by default. - Animated taskbar alerts will only appear after user interaction with the Widgets board. - Upon first launching the Widgets board, users will see core widgets like weather and calendar instead of the MSN news feed. Users can manually customize their Widgets experience by disabling the "Open Widgets board on hover" option, turning off the MSN feed, or completely removing Widgets from Windows 11. Additionally, a redesign of the MSN feed is planned, featuring rounded corners to distinguish it from the Widgets. Microsoft aims to create a calmer operating system by reducing distractions and excessive notifications.
Windows 11 is getting a new news widget, but you're probably not going to like it
Winsage
July 25, 2025

Windows 11 is getting a new news widget, but you’re probably not going to like it

Microsoft is enhancing the user experience of Windows 11 widgets with a new Copilot-powered news feed that replaces the traditional MSN News feed. The redesigned widget system curates content based on user interests, providing concise summaries of relevant news topics and operating significantly faster than the previous version. Users can upvote or downvote articles and exclude specific sources from their feed. Articles will now open directly within the widgets panel instead of redirecting to a separate browser window. The integration of AI aims to improve content delivery, although concerns about potential inaccuracies remain.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
July 24, 2025

Microsoft trials redesigned Windows 11 Widgets Board with new Copilot Discover feed — AI curated stories right on your desktop

Microsoft is piloting a new widgets panel for Windows 11 called Copilot Discover, which replaces the traditional MSN feed with a personalized AI-curated experience. The updated design enhances speed, reduces lag, and presents stories in a less cluttered format with improved readability. A new Notifications button at the top of the feed provides essential updates, and users can customize these notifications. Microsoft is testing a feature that allows users to read stories directly within the widgets panel instead of being redirected to a browser. The layout separates widgets from the main feed, with a dedicated tab for widgets and a fixed weather widget on the main page. The widgets panel can no longer be viewed in full-screen mode and appears as a narrow slide-out feature. The Copilot Discover feed is currently in testing with a select group of users, with a broader rollout expected if feedback is positive.
Free PC Manager app for Windows 10 and 11 just got even better
Winsage
October 31, 2024

Free PC Manager app for Windows 10 and 11 just got even better

Microsoft has launched version 3.14 of its PC Manager, a free utility for Windows 10 and Windows 11, featuring real-time internet speed monitoring from the taskbar, improved storage management to efficiently eliminate unnecessary files, and integration with Windows 11 Widgets for easier access to its features. The tool has received positive feedback for its user-friendly interface and maintenance capabilities.
UniGetUI is the ultimate package manager for Windows PCs
Winsage
October 23, 2024

UniGetUI is the ultimate package manager for Windows PCs

Package managers are essential for software management, and Microsoft has introduced the Windows Package Manager (winget) to simplify application handling on Windows PCs. A new tool, UniGetUI, integrates multiple package managers like Winget and Chocolatey into a single interface, enhancing user experience. It supports various package managers, including Scoop, PowerShell Gallery, Npm, and Pip, catering to diverse user needs. UniGetUI features a built-in backup tool for creating application bundles and offers an intuitive interface that provides an overview of installed packages. It includes a section for app updates, aggregating information from all enabled package managers, and notifies users of pending updates upon startup. UniGetUI is an evolution of WingetUI, designed to simplify app management processes.
How to use Windows 11’s widgets to make your life easier
Winsage
June 19, 2024

How to use Windows 11’s widgets to make your life easier

Widgets in Windows 11 are small app cards that can be accessed through a separate panel on the taskbar. They provide quick access to favorite apps, display a news feed based on selected topics, and allow users to perform actions without opening related apps.
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