Microsoft Build ignored the most barren part of Windows 11, and it's one only third-party developers can fix

Microsoft’s Build conference focused heavily on the future of Windows and computing. There, the tech giant unveiled new tools and hardware to help developers make native Windows apps and AI agents. Microsoft is also working to improve Windows 11 and its first-party apps as part of Windows K2. But there was one part of Windows 11 entirely ignored throughout Build: the Widgets panel.

If you click the weather icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen, the Widgets panel will open up. You may have accidentally summoned it by pressing WIN+W or hovering your mouse in the corner of your desktop.

Unfortunately, the mild surprise of discovering Windows 11 has a Widgets panel is probably the most joy the feature will ever bring you. The selection of Widgets available makes the Windows Phone app store look like the Google Play Store.

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There are 56 widgets available through the Microsoft Store, and only a few of them are useful. Shout out to the makers of MagicPods, who released a widget for their app that makes AirPods feel at home on Windows 11. Calendar Flyout and a handful of utilities are also nifty additions. But let's be serious, the state of the Widgets panel is embarrassing.

Microsoft is building a team of app developers to fix Windows 11's app situation. The company held sessions at Build focused on two different types of native apps. Microsoft even announced the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box to help developers make AI agents. But the tech giant is basically radio silent on the Widgets panel.

Microsoft's remaining app gap

Microsoft has done a tremendous amount of work to fix the Microsoft Store. That store is in a much better place than it was just a few years ago and now includes a massive library of must-have apps.

The ongoing push to create native apps and Arm-optimized apps keeps a stream of apps trickling in or being improved on Windows 11.

But the Widgets panel appears to be a forgotten part of Windows 11. Microsoft has made some improvements to the panel itself, such as separating the MSN feed, but those are almost meaningless if the panel lacks useful widgets.

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Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.