- Windows 11 is removing the MSN news feed from the Widgets panel by default.
- Widgets will now open directly to user-pinned tools instead of news content.
- The change is rolling out in Insider builds, with wider release expected in 2026.
Microsoft finally ditching the MSN news feed from the Widgets dashboard on Windows 11 is one of those changes that feels overdue. The feed has never really served the purpose of Widgets, and in practice, it often pushed low-quality or repetitive news rather than anything genuinely useful. It’s hard to argue that it belonged there in the first place.
What stands out more is the direction the company is finally taking. Widgets are being pushed back toward utility instead of content consumption. That is the right call, but it also exposes a bigger gap on Windows 11 today. Outside of weather, the widget lineup is still underwhelming. Calendar, stocks, and a few system integrations do not add much day-to-day value for most people.
Widgets are losing the MSN feed by default
Microsoft is now changing Windows 11 so the Widgets panel no longer opens directly into the MSN news feed. Instead, it starts with user-selected widgets. The news content is still available, but it is no longer the default experience.
This is rolling out through Windows Insider builds first, with wider updates expected in 2026. It is part of the company’s effort to reduce unnecessary distractions and address pain points across Windows 11, including Taskbar alerts and automatic panel pop-ups.
Why removing MSN from Widgets improves the experience
For most users, the MSN feed added more noise than value. It mixed headlines, sponsored content, and trending stories in a way that often felt random rather than useful. It also created a disconnect from what Widgets were supposed to be (quick and personal information at a glance).
Removing it from the default view makes the desktop feel more controlled and less cluttered. However, it also highlights a weakness. If the software giant is serious about Widgets being useful, it cannot rely on a news feed as the main attraction.
What Microsoft still needs to fix in Widgets
This change puts pressure on Microsoft to improve the actual widget ecosystem. Currently, most widgets outside of weather feel basic or redundant. Calendar integration is limited, stocks are niche, and third-party support has not fully filled the gap.
If MSN is no longer the default content layer, the company has to make Widgets worth opening on their own. That means better first-party widgets, deeper system integration, and more practical use cases that go beyond glanceable data. Perhaps, allowing users to place widgets on the actual desktop can also help.
Until that happens, removing MSN is a good cleanup step, but not a complete solution.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech in 2010. With over 22 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
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