Microsoft is once again making moves to enhance your experience with Windows 11, particularly when it comes to how your PC showcases itself. With its recent Insider Preview Build 22635.4800 rolling out to the Windows 11 Beta Channel, Microsoft is teasing a couple of updates that signal both minor, yet notable tweaks to the operating system's functionality.
Wait—did you just gloss over something called "Top Cards" without a double take? Let’s break down what this is, how it fits into your Windows experience, and the update's implications for tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike.
So far, the feature isn’t going to blow anyone’s socks off. The current iteration provides very basic details about your PC without much depth. It’s like getting a business card for your hardware—just enough to nod and say, “Cool,” but not deep enough to tell you why your graphics card is underperforming for that sweet 4K gaming session. For now, it’s a nice touch for users who want a glanceable overview, particularly helpful for newbies who couldn't tell a CPU from a power brick. Still, for build enthusiasts, this simplicity might leave you hungry for more.
Dream Scenario: Imagine a future where this feature not only showcases your hardware details but actively integrates monitoring tools for real-time component diagnostics. Overclockers, PC builders, and gamers, wouldn’t that be something to write home about? Let’s hope Microsoft can enrich this feature over time.
First available in the European Economic Area (EEA)—yes, an oddly specific rollout—this approach allows web-based widgets to slot right into Windows without the developer needing to re-invent the wheel. From a user perspective, this could mean richer, more diverse widgets in the future. Visualize a Spotify widget showcasing your trending playlists or a live feed widget for crypto prices. The possibilities are (sort of) endless now that devs have HTML to work with.
This update that allows third-party developers to use HTML for widget creation might reignite some interest. HTML is easier to develop for and more widely adopted, meaning app makers no longer need to adhere solely to Microsoft’s quirky Adaptive Card templates. For developers, this means quicker output and possibly—dare I say it—a wider array of meaningful widgets down the road.
In a perfect world, imagine layering these HTML widgets on your desktop directly, customizable to the nth degree. That’s not where we’re at yet—but hey, a tech nerd can dream.
Beta updates are typically hovering around the "almost ready for prime time" phase. This makes them exciting to watch but also ensures more caution for testers not looking to deal with unstable or half-baked features. So, if you're curious about this system memory snoop tool or the widget expansion, you might still want to wait until a stable release to enjoy them without hiccups.
As a Windows Forum staple, you know we’ll keep digging into how these features perform in real-world use. For now, it's an exciting tease that aims to broaden both end-user satisfaction and developer participation. So what do you think? Will "Top Cards" and HTML widgets bring meaningful evolution to Windows life, or are we looking at another "remember when?" moment in OS history? Drop your thoughts below—your rig’s stats deserve a shoutout after all.
Source: PCWorld Windows 11 adds a new feature to show off your PC's build
Wait—did you just gloss over something called "Top Cards" without a double take? Let’s break down what this is, how it fits into your Windows experience, and the update's implications for tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike.
What’s New with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4800?
1. Introducing "Top Cards" in System Settings
Have you ever dived into Windows’ labyrinthian "About" section in Settings (Settings > System > About) when trying to identify your system's various components? Well, Microsoft decided to slap a quick summary on top of that—say hello to "Top Cards." This widget-like addition is designed to display a digestible summary of your PC’s build.So far, the feature isn’t going to blow anyone’s socks off. The current iteration provides very basic details about your PC without much depth. It’s like getting a business card for your hardware—just enough to nod and say, “Cool,” but not deep enough to tell you why your graphics card is underperforming for that sweet 4K gaming session. For now, it’s a nice touch for users who want a glanceable overview, particularly helpful for newbies who couldn't tell a CPU from a power brick. Still, for build enthusiasts, this simplicity might leave you hungry for more.
Dream Scenario: Imagine a future where this feature not only showcases your hardware details but actively integrates monitoring tools for real-time component diagnostics. Overclockers, PC builders, and gamers, wouldn’t that be something to write home about? Let’s hope Microsoft can enrich this feature over time.
2. Expanded Third-Party Widget Capabilities
Ever heard of Windows Widgets? Of course you have—it’s that feature you probably ignored since its relaunch in Windows 11. Historically limited to Microsoft services and a curated list of apps, Widgets are getting a more versatile upgrade. Developers now have greater flexibility to create widgets using good ol’ HTML instead of jumping through hoops with Microsoft’s proprietary Adaptive Card schema.First available in the European Economic Area (EEA)—yes, an oddly specific rollout—this approach allows web-based widgets to slot right into Windows without the developer needing to re-invent the wheel. From a user perspective, this could mean richer, more diverse widgets in the future. Visualize a Spotify widget showcasing your trending playlists or a live feed widget for crypto prices. The possibilities are (sort of) endless now that devs have HTML to work with.
Let’s Talk Widgets: A Meandering Path to Relevance?
Widgets in Windows 11 were meant to bring some pizazz back to the desktop. You know, sort of like the gadgets from Windows Vista and 7, reincarnated—but sleeker, modular, and less prone to being ecosystem-clutter. But let’s face it, the reception thus far has been lukewarm. Many users, especially those on dual or large monitors, find that Widgets lack the customization and practical utility they need.This update that allows third-party developers to use HTML for widget creation might reignite some interest. HTML is easier to develop for and more widely adopted, meaning app makers no longer need to adhere solely to Microsoft’s quirky Adaptive Card templates. For developers, this means quicker output and possibly—dare I say it—a wider array of meaningful widgets down the road.
In a perfect world, imagine layering these HTML widgets on your desktop directly, customizable to the nth degree. That’s not where we’re at yet—but hey, a tech nerd can dream.
Why Beta Matters: A Gateway to Broader Windows Adoption
For those unfamiliar with Microsoft's Insider Program, here comes the recap. There are multiple Insider Channels (Dev, Beta, and Release Preview), each serving a different balance between bleeding-edge features and stability. By hitting the Beta Channel, this means these changes—including "Top Cards"—are likely to make their way to the Average Joe's PCs globally at some point in the not-so-distant future.Beta updates are typically hovering around the "almost ready for prime time" phase. This makes them exciting to watch but also ensures more caution for testers not looking to deal with unstable or half-baked features. So, if you're curious about this system memory snoop tool or the widget expansion, you might still want to wait until a stable release to enjoy them without hiccups.
What Could Come Next?
While “Top Cards” and HTML widget flexibility might seem incremental now, the potential for growth is intriguing. Here are a few possibilities that just might be on the horizon:- Deep-Dive System Diagnostics: What if “Top Cards” matured into a real-time performance dashboard, complete with thermal stats for your GPU, CPU load monitoring, and a summary of your SSD’s lifespan?
- Personalization and Customization: Microsoft has the tools to make “About” as aesthetic as a stripped-down third-party app like HWInfo. Why not spice things up with component images, gaming stats, or even a categorized tree for those who love tinkering?
- Widget Renaissance: While HTML support opens some doors, users need a reason to care. That might mean prioritizing integrations with popular platforms like Discord, Netflix, or even Apple services. Sounds crazy? Maybe not in 2026.
The Bigger Picture: Microsoft’s Drive for Incremental Quality-of-Life Features
While the world waits for groundbreaking changes—like AI-driven personalization or Copilot-level PC management—updates like these reflect Microsoft’s ongoing strategy to fine-tune its OS incrementally. Small quality-of-life changes make life a touch easier for Windows 11 enthusiasts while laying the groundwork for future innovation.As a Windows Forum staple, you know we’ll keep digging into how these features perform in real-world use. For now, it's an exciting tease that aims to broaden both end-user satisfaction and developer participation. So what do you think? Will "Top Cards" and HTML widgets bring meaningful evolution to Windows life, or are we looking at another "remember when?" moment in OS history? Drop your thoughts below—your rig’s stats deserve a shoutout after all.
Source: PCWorld Windows 11 adds a new feature to show off your PC's build
