Microsoft Takes Major Step to Clean Up Windows 11 Widgets: MSN Feed to Be Hidden by Default

Microsoft has announced a significant change to the Windows 11 widgets feature: the controversial MSN news feed will now be hidden by default. This move, detailed in a blog post, aims to make the widgets panel 'quiet by default' and reduce visual clutter for users.

'We're working to make Widgets feel less distracting and overwhelming by making the experience quiet by default,' a Microsoft spokesperson said. 'To do this, we're testing a new set of default settings designed to reduce unexpected alerts and visual interruptions.'

The decision follows years of user frustration with the MSN feed, which many considered to be junk content. Microsoft had previously allowed users to disable the feed in 2022, but it remained active for most users until now.

Background

The widgets panel, launched with Windows 11, initially displayed a mix of weather, calendar, and news feeds from MSN. Many users criticized the lack of customization and the overwhelming number of low-quality articles.

In response, Microsoft introduced an option to turn off the feed, but it was buried in settings and not widely known. The new default setting will hide the feed completely, though users can still enable it if they choose.

What This Means

For most Windows 11 users, the change means a cleaner, less distracting experience when opening the widgets panel. The panel will now show only essential widgets like weather, calendar, and to-do lists by default.

This is a strategic shift for Microsoft, acknowledging that the MSN feed was hurting user satisfaction. It also aligns with the company's broader focus on reducing digital noise and improving productivity.

While the feature is still in testing, Microsoft plans to roll it out to all users in a future update. Users can already preview the change by joining the Windows Insider program.

For more details, read the full story at The Verge.