Microsoft is preparing several quality-of-life improvements for Windows 11. These updates focus on better personalization, easier usability, and stronger overall performance.
First, the company is expanding Shared Audio. This feature lets two users enjoy audio from the same Windows 11 PC at once using compatible Bluetooth LE Audio headphones. Microsoft is rolling it out gradually with the May 2026 optional update. Users gain simple controls to manage separate audio streams and adjust individual volume levels.
Next, Microsoft is making the Widgets experience less intrusive. Future updates will disable the MSN news feed by default. The company will also separate widgets from news content. In addition, it will turn off the Widgets board hover behaviour right away. Moreover, Microsoft plans to reduce taskbar widget alerts and notification badges that often pull users back to the feed.
At the same time, Microsoft continues to migrate parts of the Windows 11 interface to a newer WinUI-based architecture. This change improves responsiveness and fixes some performance issues that users have reported since the OS launch.
Furthermore, the company is testing new options for greater control over the taskbar. Users will soon adjust its placement and size more easily. These personalisation tools are currently available in the Windows Insider programme.
Microsoft is also adding fresh Start menu customisation features. Users will enjoy more granular layout controls, adjustable menu sizing, and helpful privacy settings for screen sharing. Additionally, the Recommended section will better highlight recently accessed content. The updates will refine how files appear in the menu too.
Overall, these enhancements form part of Microsoft’s wider effort to improve everyday Windows experiences. Some features have already started arriving in recent updates, while others remain in testing. Users can look forward to a more responsive and tailored operating system.