Microsoft announces widgets for Windows 11, promising 'personalized feed powered by AI'

Windows 11 Widgets Official (Image credit: Microsoft)

What you need to know

Windows 11 will include widgets that will work with developer apps.
Before the OS was officially announced, it was believed that the widgets might be limited to Microsoft.
Developers will be able to use widgets to build interactive experiences.

Windows 11 Widgets Fullscreen — Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

Before the official announcement of Windows 11, it was believed that widgets might be limited to content from Microsoft, essentially making it a repurposed news and interests widget. That is not the case, as Microsoft explained that it will open the platform up to developers.

Microsoft's Panos Panay calls widgets a "beautiful sheet of glass" that delivers a personalized feed powered by AI." He didn't detail how the feature will work, but it has been confirmed by Microsoft that at some point, developers will be able to access it.

This is a developing story. We will add more information as it becomes available.

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.