Earlier this week, a Windows 11 build leaked online giving us the first look at the upcoming OS update. While, the new update comes with a visual overhaul, it also brings back a long lost feature. Tucked between the File Explorer and Task View sits the widgets option. If you have used Windows 7 in the past then you must be familiar with the widgets option. Unfortunately, the widgets option in the leaked Windows 11 build is just News and Interests which was launched for Windows 10 earlier this year.

However, reliable Microsoft insider, Walking Cat claims that Microsoft is planning to add support for third-party widgets that will allow users to customize the widgets menu as per their liking. However, initially, Windows 11 will support only first-party widgets, with third-party support rolling out later.

Windows Widgets will be 1st-party only initially, with 3rd-party support comes later. https://t.co/2qPeJq6Ydm

— WalkingCat (@_h0x0d_) June 20, 2021

This is further confirmed by Rafael Rivera who did not find APIs related to third-party widgets in the leaked build indicating that the initial Windows 11 update will not ship with support for the third-party widgets.

Not seeing any indication that Widgets in Windows 11 will have an API or support third party extensions. It appears to just be a vehicle for serving MSN feeds and forcing users into Edge (ignoring your default browser). i.e. another form of News and Interests from Windows 10. pic.twitter.com/v2GuR6mBGp

— Rafael Rivera (@WithinRafael) June 16, 2021

Posted: Jun 23, 2021 4:56 pm
Related Forum: PC Building Forum

Source: https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11-may-get-support-for-third-party-widgets-after-all/