Microsoft plans to implement the ability to pin Widgets to the desktop in Windows 11. This feature is currently being tested internally and is expected to be rolled out to Insiders in the near future. The ability to pin widgets to the desktop would allow users to keep important information and frequently used features easily accessible without having to open an app or navigate to a specific page.
Ability to Pin Widgets to Desktop
The upcoming feature allowing users to pin widgets to the desktop on Windows 11 will be reminiscent of Windows 7's old Gadgets feature.
Widgets are a new and exclusive Windows 11 feature that shows web news and useful information with one click. Widgets are small, interactive and customizable modules that can display a variety of information such as weather, news, sports scores, and calendars. With version 22H2, Windows 11 allows third-party developers to implement their own custom widgets. Facebook and Spotify have already provided such modules for public testing.
Microsoft is planning to enhance the widgets experience on Windows 11 by allowing users to pin them directly to the desktop. This move is aimed at increasing user engagement with Widgets. So they will work similarly to Windows 7 Desktop Gadgets, that you could place anywhere on the desktop.
There are currently over 13 widgets available for users to try out, and Microsoft has been expanding the capabilities of the Widgets Panel, including a new full-screen mode and widget picker experience to make adding widgets easier.
App Folders on Desktop
In addition to the Widgets update, Microsoft is also developing the ability to add app folders to the desktop. These are a large effort by Microsoft to enhance the Windows desktop with modern features.
At a glance, app folders replicate the same functionality that you can find in the Start menu. Unlike a traditional folder with LNK shortcut files, the modern implementation will expand to a flyout, like the Start menu folders do.
It is unclear when Microsoft will roll out these features. The company will hold a dedicated session about Windows Widgets at Build 2023, so more information will eventually become available.
Source: Windows Central
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Unless they allow 3rd party widgets, this feature will remain useless.