VERIFIEDBy Xavier Rivera· ·1.5 min read
Microsoft to Hide MSN Feed by Default in Windows 11 Widgets
Microsoft will hide the MSN news feed in Windows 11 widgets by default to make the feature quiet and less distracting. The update disables hover-open behavior and taskbar badges while rolling out alongside other Windows 11 improvements throughout 2026.
Source:The Verge
TL;DRAI · 60 sec read
Microsoft is finally ditching the default MSN news feed in the widgets feature of Windows 11. The company will soon hide the feed by default, shifting the focus to actual widgets instead.
This move comes after Microsoft allowed users to disable the MSN feed more than two years ago. Now, the change is being implemented as a default setting to reduce distractions.
Microsoft stated that it is working to make Widgets feel less distracting and overwhelming by making the experience quiet by default. The company is testing a new set of default settings designed to reduce unexpected alerts and visual interruptions.
Several specific adjustments are planned. Microsoft will disable the widgets panel from opening automatically when users hover over its taskbar item. Distracting taskbar badges will be turned off by default as well.
The widgets panel will open directly to the widgets view rather than the MSN feed. Additionally, Microsoft will limit taskbar alerts until users decide to open and engage with the Widgets experience.
These updates address common annoyances with the taskbar. The widgets section previously showed notifications for stocks, weather, or MSN news by default, which often led users to avoid the feature altogether.
The goal is to transform widgets into a more useful component of Windows 11. By reducing interruptions, Microsoft hopes more users will find value in the widgets panel.
The changes form part of a broader initiative to enhance Windows 11. Microsoft is removing unnecessary Copilot buttons from apps, modernizing the Run prompt, fixing File Explorer performance issues, and improving the overall memory footprint. These improvements are being rolled out monthly throughout 2026.
This move comes after Microsoft allowed users to disable the MSN feed more than two years ago. Now, the change is being implemented as a default setting to reduce distractions.
Microsoft stated that it is working to make Widgets feel less distracting and overwhelming by making the experience quiet by default. The company is testing a new set of default settings designed to reduce unexpected alerts and visual interruptions.
Several specific adjustments are planned. Microsoft will disable the widgets panel from opening automatically when users hover over its taskbar item. Distracting taskbar badges will be turned off by default as well.
The widgets panel will open directly to the widgets view rather than the MSN feed. Additionally, Microsoft will limit taskbar alerts until users decide to open and engage with the Widgets experience.
These updates address common annoyances with the taskbar. The widgets section previously showed notifications for stocks, weather, or MSN news by default, which often led users to avoid the feature altogether.
The goal is to transform widgets into a more useful component of Windows 11. By reducing interruptions, Microsoft hopes more users will find value in the widgets panel.
The changes form part of a broader initiative to enhance Windows 11. Microsoft is removing unnecessary Copilot buttons from apps, modernizing the Run prompt, fixing File Explorer performance issues, and improving the overall memory footprint. These improvements are being rolled out monthly throughout 2026.
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