Microsoft Removes Key Widgets from Windows 11 Store: What’s Next?

In a puzzling turn of events on November 20, 2024, Microsoft decided to temporarily remove multiple widgets from the already sparse Microsoft Store dedicated to Windows 11 users. Among those disappearing acts were the Calendar and To Do widgets, leading many to wonder about the strategic intent behind this decision.

What’s Missing from the Microsoft Store?​

The Microsoft Store's widget section, which serves as a digital smorgasbord for users seeking quick access to snippets of information and interactive experiences, felt the sting of this culling. Alongside the notable Calendar and To Do widgets, the Photos, Family, and Microsoft 365 Feed widgets were also pulled in specific regions. Microsoft hinted that these removals are part of their ongoing efforts to enhance the Widgets Board, with a promise to bring these functionalities back after refining them.
Is it just me, or isn't it a bit peculiar that Microsoft opted for a full removal instead of just letting these widgets hang around while enhancements are being applied? Perhaps the underlying issues with these widgets weren't something Microsoft felt could be easily patched.

The Current State of Windows 11 Widgets​

Though the widgets panel was touted as a feature to extend user interactivity with Windows 11, it remains largely overlooked by the average user. According to internal data, the Microsoft Store currently showcases only 34 widgets—a rather meager selection when you consider a wider range of applications available on competing platforms.
Many widgets currently on offer suffer from underwhelming ratings, and some, such as the official Spotify widget, miss out on delivering key functionalities. For instance, the Spotify widget primarily shows trending playlists without catering to more personalized user needs—an issue that could drive users away from the widget experience altogether.
On the other hand, despite a few bright spots, like the Battery Meter widget, the overall impression is that Microsoft needs to rally more developers to enhance this sparsely populated panel.

How to Use Widgets on Windows 11​

For those who wish to experiment with the remaining widgets in Windows 11, the process to enable them is straightforward:

1. Open the Windows 11 Settings app.
2. Navigate to Personalization.
3. Toggle Widgets to On.

Once activated, an enticing weather icon will appear in your taskbar's lower-left corner. A quick click leads to a world of widgets—albeit a rather limited one at this stage. Alternatively, you can open the widget panel using the shortcut CTRL+W. Users can add, resize, and rearrange widgets, refreshing their desktop layout however they see fit.

The Bigger Picture: Microsoft’s Struggle in a Widget World​

Microsoft's decision to remove widgets could be an acknowledgment of the feature's infancy. With a lack of variety and quality, the Windows 11 widgets framework feels like it's been left out in the rain. This pruning may ultimately serve as a wake-up call for developers and users alike. Microsoft is seemingly seeking the right mix of functionality and appeal to capture user interest, but will they succeed in revitalizing this feature?
As Windows users, what can we learn from this move? It illustrates Microsoft's ongoing efforts to refine and reshape its offerings, but it also raises questions about their commitment to ensuring a wide array of quality applications. For users, this is a perfect opportunity to engage in discussions around the type of functionality they wish to see, potentially influencing future development.

Conclusion​

While the removals have left the widgets section looking rather empty, this is framed as a temporary setback rather than a permanent issue. Microsoft appears determined to return with a more polished and attractive roster of widgets. For now, though, the wait continues, and we can only hope that the new versions coming down the line will not only fill the gaps left behind but also give Windows 11 the widget selection it deserves.
In summary, the story of the Microsoft Store’s widget removals is one of opportunity mixed with uncertainty. This tidbit of news has opened the door for constructive dialogue around user expectations, developer obligations, and the ongoing evolution of the Windows 11 experience. What are your thoughts on the current state of widgets? Share your opinions on the forum!

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Source: Windows Central Microsoft removes several widgets from the emptiest section of the Microsoft Store