Windows 11 introduced a new panel for widgets, providing easy access to information such as weather, upcoming calendar events, and traffic data. Only Microsoft could create widgets, but that has now changed. Microsoft announced in May that it is working on a way for third-party applications (software not made by Microsoft) to add their own widgets to the Widgets Panel in Windows 11.
The company has released a new preview version of its Windows applications. SDK, alongside Windows 11 Insider Preview May 2517, which makes other widgets a reality. Developers can start creating widgets for their apps, which can be used on all Windows 11 PCs as soon as the technology comes out in preview.
Microsoft said that an application can create a single widget or multiple widgets, which can contain background images, text boxes, multiple buttons, and other features. It’s like a widget that works on Android and iPhone/iPad devices, but with a higher level of interaction. Microsoft explains in its documentation: “Widgets are not intended to replace applications on websites, but provide conflict-free access to the most important information or often use features that people can read/activate immediately.
It’s important to note that
The widgets are for “full Win32 apps” – it looks like only Microsoft Store apps will be able to provide widgets, but that may change in the future. Microsoft also said that progressive web apps built through the Edge browser will be able to offer widgets “as part of future versions of Microsoft Edge.”
Microsoft says that apps can create a single widget or multiple widgets, which can have background images, text fields, multiple buttons, and other features. Similar to how widgets work on Android and iPhone/iPad devices, but with a higher level of interaction. Microsoft explains in its documentation: “Widgets are not intended to replace applications and websites, but to provide seamless access to the most important information or features that are often used by users that can be read/used directly.
It’s important to note that widgets are for “Win32 packages” – it looks like only Microsoft Store apps will be able to provide widgets, but that may change in the future. Microsoft also said that progressive web apps built from the Edge browser will be able to offer widgets “as part of future versions of Microsoft Edge.”
Apart from that
Windows 11 build 25217 also brings some text fixes for Chinese user interface (IME) users. The Cloud Suggestion feature, which suggests terms based on popular Bing searches, has been updated in the background, so these suggestions should be “new”, according to Microsoft. That’s about it in terms of new features, although Microsoft has confirmed that the new Tamil Anjal keyboard that started rolling out a few weeks ago is now available in many places.
Meanwhile, Microsoft has brought back changes to the Settings app, where users can use a new drop-down menu to choose when the touch keyboard should appear. The company says it hopes to bring it back after it completes the experience design. Finally, although unrelated to this release, Microsoft is also rolling out updates to the Microsoft Store and the Dev channel, making it clear that games are included in Game Pass. The buttons have been redesigned so you can download games from Game Pass or buy them directly. This update also includes performance improvements for the library page.
