Windows 11 is fun again and may finally get the love it deserves from Microsoft. An ongoing initiative to improve Windows 11, the rollout of new features, and some interesting tweaks filled an exciting week in Windows.
Instead of moving on from Windows 11 and creating Windows 12, Microsoft decided to fix the operating system. Windows K2 represents a major cultural change, not just some new features.
Windows K2 will improve reliability, reduce overhead and errors, assuming everything goes as planned. It will also reduce the number of ads people see in Windows 11.
An early result of the change is that the MSN feed will be hidden by default inside the Windows 11 widgets panel. Those widgets are still there if you want them, but they’re on a dedicated page. That change is now being tested with Insiders.
Here’s a quick summary of the week’s biggest stories.
The most important news
Inside Windows K2: Microsoft’s great plan to save Windows 11
Microsoft restructured its Windows team to better position Windows 11 as a platform people should want to use.
Microsoft will hide ads by default in the Windows 11 widget panel
A new Windows 11 preview has confirmed that the operating system will soon hide the MSN feed by default.
Windows 11 update brings reliability improvements, AI agents and Xbox mode
Windows 11 optional security-free preview update includes a number of improvements and changes
Xbox mode launches in Windows 11
Microsoft has started rolling out Xbox Mode in Windows 11, introducing a full-screen, controller-friendly interface.
Xbox April Update Brings Incredible Improvements to Xbox and PC
Xbox Series X|S consoles and the Xbox app for PC just received big updates to customization and gameplay options.
OG Xbox Dashboard Rebuilt Using Retail Code for PC
The original Xbox dashboard has been reverse engineered and rebuilt using commercial code, and now runs on PC as a launcher.
Is METROV the new and better way to recreate Windows Phone 8.1?
This custom Android launcher brings back the feel of Windows Phone 8.1 and is starting to get some attention.
Fans revive Windows Phone 8 with 8Marketplace
Windows Phone 8 is experiencing a surprising resurgence thanks to community efforts like 8Marketplace.
Windows 11 should improve for gamers, not just those who use PCs for productivity.
Microsoft may have ended its “This is an Xbox” campaign, but the company is still focused on making Windows 11 a top-tier gaming platform. Xbox mode implemented in Windows 11 this week, bringing a console-style experience to PCs.
Originally called Xbox Full Screen Experience, Xbox Mode has evolved into a more mature interface for console-style gaming on PC. It is still a work in progress and will need a lot of work before Propeller project ships, but things are going in the right direction.
While Microsoft works on official changes to Windows 11 to make it gamer-centric, teammuix reverse engineered and rebuilt the original Xbox dashboard as a launcher for Windows, linuxand Mac.
The goal is to create a full console experience on PC using the original Xbox dashboard as a base.
Speaking of modders and reviving old operating systems, a passion project called 8Market restores access to the application for Windows Phone 8.0. Microsoft closed the Windows Phone 8.1 store in 2019, leaving enthusiasts to fill the void.
However, I wouldn’t recommend using 8Marketplace and a Windows Phone as a daily driver in 2026. But if you miss the interface, METROV is worth a look. It’s an Android launcher that fans have called “the closest I’ve ever felt to using a Lumia again.”
Shopping with Sean
My top shopping recommendation this week is the Logitech MX verticals. It’s been my primary mouse for years and that’s why I have a hard time using flat mice. The ergonomic mouse allows your hand and wrist to rest at a natural angle, reducing strain and fatigue. Right now, it is on sale for $74.99.
The ASUS Zenbook A16 will continue to be my laptop recommendation. It’s thin, light, beautiful and works with the new Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme processor Qualcomm.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your ideas and discuss our latest news, reviews and more.
