In a move that signals a shift toward more user-focused content curation, Microsoft is testing a major redesign of the Widgets panel in Windows 11. The tech giant is replacing the often-criticized MSN feed with a more streamlined and customizable experience, giving users greater control over what they see and how they interact with their desktop environment.
Let’s dive into what this redesign means for Windows 11 users, why Microsoft is making the change, and how it might impact your day-to-day computing experience.
🔄 What’s Changing in the Windows 11 Widgets Panel?
Since the release of Windows 11, the Widgets panel has featured a curated MSN feed filled with news articles, weather updates, sports scores, and stock information. However, users have often complained about the lack of control over the content shown and the excessive focus on clickbait-style news links.
In response, Microsoft is now experimenting with a revamped widgets board that:
- Removes the MSN news feed entirely (at least in test builds).
- Focuses more on native widgets like Weather, Calendar, Traffic, and Microsoft To Do.
- Adds a new, cleaner layout with cards and tiles that users can move, resize, or remove.
- Introduces tighter integration with Microsoft services and apps, such as OneDrive, Outlook, and Microsoft 365.
This change is currently being tested in the Windows Insider Program’s Dev and Canary channels, indicating it’s still in an experimental phase but may roll out to all users in the near future.
💡 Why Is Microsoft Making This Shift?
There are a few compelling reasons behind Microsoft’s decision to phase out the MSN feed from the Widgets panel:
1. User Feedback
Many Windows 11 users have voiced concerns about the current feed being cluttered, irrelevant, and full of low-quality news. Despite efforts to personalize content through Microsoft Start, the algorithm-driven feed still pushed unwanted articles.
2. Desktop Experience Enhancement
Microsoft has been investing heavily in streamlining the Windows UI, aiming for a more elegant and modern desktop. The MSN feed often broke this visual harmony with a busy, ad-like design. The new widgets panel is minimalist and aligns better with the Fluent Design principles.
3. Monetization Shift
By removing third-party news and ads from the widgets area, Microsoft might be exploring new ways of monetizing the desktop experience, possibly through productivity-focused tools and premium integrations (like Microsoft 365).
🧱 Features of the New Widgets Experience
Here’s a closer look at what users can expect from the redesigned panel:
✅ Modular Design
Users can now choose which widgets appear and arrange them in a grid layout. You’re no longer forced to scroll through a long feed—information is presented upfront and clearly.
☁️ Cloud Integration
Widgets like OneDrive and Outlook Calendar display real-time updates, making the panel a quick glance productivity dashboard.
🧩 Third-Party Widgets Still Available
Microsoft continues to support third-party widgets through the Microsoft Store, encouraging developers to contribute to the ecosystem. Apps like Spotify, Facebook Messenger, and Phone Link already support widgets.
🔕 No More Clickbait or Unwanted News
For users who prefer a distraction-free workspace, this is a welcome change. The lack of a pushy news feed reduces mental clutter and helps maintain focus.
🧪 How to Try It Out
If you want to experience the revamped Widgets panel before its public release, here’s how to access it:
- Join the Windows Insider Program – You can sign up through Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program.
- Choose the Dev or Canary Channel – These channels receive the earliest experimental features.
- Install the Latest Build – Make sure you’re updated to the version that includes the new Widgets UI.
- Restart and Open Widgets – Use the Win + W shortcut or tap the weather icon on your taskbar.
Note: This feature is being A/B tested, so not all Insiders may see it immediately.
💬 Community Response So Far
The response from early testers has been generally positive, especially among users who disliked the previous MSN-based layout.
👍 Praise Includes:
- Cleaner, faster UI
- Less intrusive experience
- Customizability and better utility for work-related tasks
👎 Criticism Includes:
- Some users still want the option to browse news
- A few bugs in resizing and reordering widgets
- Lack of regional content for certain widgets
🔮 What Does This Mean for Microsoft Start and MSN?
The removal of MSN content from the Widgets panel doesn’t mean Microsoft is abandoning its news aggregation services. Instead, it appears the company is reorienting these platforms toward web and mobile, rather than desktop. Microsoft Start, for instance, still exists as a standalone app and website, and MSN remains active as a portal.
This strategic separation allows Microsoft to focus the Windows desktop on utility and productivity, while keeping news consumption on platforms where users are more likely to engage.
📈 Broader Implications for Windows Users
This update is part of a broader effort to make Windows 11 a more personalized, distraction-free, and productive operating system. By giving users control over what appears on their desktops, Microsoft is acknowledging a shift in computing behavior—users want less noise and more relevance.
For example:
- Students can quickly check assignments via Microsoft To Do.
- Remote workers can stay updated with Outlook Calendar and Teams widgets.
- Travelers can glance at maps and traffic without opening a browser.
🧭 Future Outlook: What’s Next?
Looking ahead, Microsoft may expand the widgets experience even further. Some expected developments include:
- Widget Pinning to Desktop – Allowing users to pin widgets directly to the desktop surface (like Android or iOS home screens).
- AI-Powered Suggestions – Using Copilot to suggest useful widgets based on your activity.
- Improved Third-Party Support – More apps building widgets through the Windows Dev Kit.
If successful, this change could lead to a resurgence in how people use widgets—not just as gimmicks, but as powerful productivity tools.
📝 Conclusion
The revamped widgets panel in Windows 11 marks a significant shift in Microsoft’s approach to the user experience. By removing the MSN feed and focusing on customizable, productivity-driven widgets, Microsoft is listening to its users and adapting to modern desktop habits.
This redesign is more than just a cosmetic change—it reflects the evolving relationship between users and their devices, where control, relevance, and focus are key.
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a casual user, the new widgets board has the potential to make your Windows 11 experience cleaner, smarter, and more aligned with your digital lifestyle.
❓FAQs
Q1: Will the MSN feed be removed permanently?
As of now, the feed is removed in test builds, but Microsoft hasn’t confirmed whether this will be a permanent change.
Q2: Can I add my own widgets?
Yes. You can install widgets from supported third-party apps via the Microsoft Store.
Q3: Do I need to be an Insider to get the new panel?
Yes, currently it’s only available in the Windows Insider Program (Dev/Canary builds).
Q4: Can I still read news in Windows 11?
Yes, through the Microsoft Start app or website—but not in the new Widgets panel (in test builds).
Q5: Will widgets come to the desktop?
That’s rumored, and some hints in builds suggest it may happen, but there’s no official confirmation yet.
