Microsoft shares the secret to making Windows 11 widgets

Third-party widgets are on the way to Windows 11, and Microsoft wants to help developers make them.

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What you need to know

Windows 11 includes a widgets panel that lets you easily digest and interact with content from the web. At the moment, that panel is limited to first-party apps from Microsoft, but that is set to change later this year. Microsoft confirmed back in May 2022 that developers will be able to create widgets as companion experiences for Win32 and PWA apps. Now, the company has shared guidelines and advice for creating widgets.

Microsoft’swidgets overview pagebreaks down the benefits of using widgets, explains how they work, and defines the terms developers need to know to create them (viaNeowin). For example, some developers may not know that it’s possible to create multiple widgets for a single app.

Microsoft’s widget principles

Third-party widgets will be powered by Microsoft’s Adaptive Cards platform. Widgets will work even when an app is closed. Microsoft hasn’t shared a release date for third-party widget support apart from saying that it will come “later this year.”

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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.