Microsoft confirms new feature coming to Windows 11

May 25, 2022 17:19 GMT  ·  By

Windows 11 launched last year with widgets, a new feature that allowed users to access information provided by apps like weather, stocks, and so on, right from a dedicated UI on the desktop.

However, the widgets were more or less limited, pretty much because they only supported the apps that were developed by Microsoft and bundled with Windows 11.

The company has now announced that Windows 11 will get third-party widgets, which means that developers will be allowed to create their own widgets for the apps available in the Microsoft Store.

“Widgets in Windows 11 provide a fresh, glanceable, and useful view into app content for users. We’re energized by the customer feedback on Widgets to date; people are enjoying the quick access to content most important to them seamlessly without breaking their flow. Beginning later this year you’ll be able to start building Widgets as companion experiences for your Win32 and PWA apps on Windows 11, powered by the Adaptive Cards platform,” Microsoft explained.

The new widget experience

Microsoft launched widgets in Windows 11 with much fanfare back in 2021 when it announced the new operating system.

“Today, we often pick up our phones to check the news, weather or notifications. Now, you can open a similarly curated view directly from your desktop. When you open your personalized feed it slides across your screen like a sheet of glass so it doesn’t disrupt what you’re doing. For creators and publishers, Widgets also opens new real estate within Windows to deliver personalized content. Our aspiration is to create a vibrant pipeline for global brands and local creators alike, in a way that both consumers and creators can benefit,” the company said.

Most likely, the new third-party widgets would become available later this year with the release of Windows 11 version 22H2.