Microsoft plans to hide the MSN news feed by default in Windows 11 widgets. This move is part of an effort to make widgets “quiet by default,” the company said.
The goal of these changes is to make widgets less distracting and overwhelming, and to reduce unexpected notifications and visual interruptions. Microsoft is testing a new set of settings that includes disabling the automatic opening of the widgets panel when hovering over its taskbar icon, as well as turning off “distracting taskbar icons.” Instead of the MSN feed, the widgets panel will open directly to widgets by default. The company will also limit “taskbar notifications until the user decides to open and interact with widgets.”
New Windows 11 Improvements
These steps are part of Microsoft’s broader efforts to improve Windows 11. The company is also working on removing “unnecessary” Copilot buttons from apps, modernizing the Run window, and fixing File Explorer performance. Additionally, the operating system’s memory usage is being improved.
These changes are expected to make the taskbar less irritating and widgets a more useful part of the operating system. Many users previously avoided widgets due to their intrusiveness. The updates will be rolled out monthly throughout 2026.
Source: The Verge
