Microsoft is making positive changes to Windows 11, specifically addressing ads on the widgets board. They also provided an update on overall OS improvements, with good news for those eager for taskbar customization, which is “coming soon.”
Windows Latest reports that a recent preview build, released in the new Experimental channel, includes changes to make the widgets board “quieter.” This is Microsoft’s way of saying it will be less cluttered with advertisements and promoted news stories.
Microsoft stated, “We’re working to make Widgets feel less distracting and overwhelming by making the experience quiet by default. To do this, we’re testing a new set of default settings designed to reduce unexpected alerts and visual interruptions.”
These new default settings mean that simply moving your mouse over the widgets section on the taskbar will no longer automatically open the panel. More importantly, when you do open the widgets board, you’ll get the “widgets experience on first launch.” This means the panel will show only widgets by default, without the MSN news feed.
The MSN feed is where Microsoft generates revenue from the widgets by pushing news stories and ads, which many users prefer not to see by default. However, if you want the MSN feed, you can still easily turn it back on with the new settings. Microsoft is also reducing the number of notification dots on the taskbar for the widgets panel, which often pop up for breaking news. It’s important to remember that these changes are currently in an early testing phase.
Essentially, Microsoft is reducing distractions from the widgets panel and turning off some of Windows 11’s default advertising. This is great news for users and a positive sign that Microsoft is willing to make user-requested changes, even if they might affect their revenue.
I’ve expressed doubts before about Microsoft reducing its upselling in Windows 11, so I’m happy to see actual steps being taken to pull back on the promotional clutter that comes by default with the operating system.
These widget changes are part of a longer blog post from Microsoft about “top improvements” now being tested. The list is extensive, covering everything from making File Explorer faster and generally improving system performance, to important changes in Windows Update.
Another key piece of information in the post is Microsoft’s statement, “We know there’s a lot of excitement for Taskbar customization – and that’s coming soon.”
This means the ability to move the taskbar from the bottom of the screen, along with other useful customization options, is not far off. It seems the rumors about this being a top priority for Microsoft were indeed accurate.
Overall, it’s encouraging to see Microsoft engaging with Windows 11 users, providing regular updates, and quickly implementing promised changes, including reining in some of the OS’s ad-related nuisances. Fixing Windows 11 is still a huge undertaking, but I’m starting to believe Microsoft might actually succeed.
