Windows 11 is fun again and may finally get the TLC it deserves from Microsoft. The ongoing initiative to improve Windows 11, new features rolling out, and some exciting mods for a week full of Windows excitement.
Instead of skipping Windows 11 and making Windows 12, Microsoft decided to tweak the operating system. Windows K2 represents a major culture shift, not just a few new features.
Windows K2 will increase reliability, reduce bloat, and reduce errors, assuming all goes according to plan. It will also reduce the number of ads people see on Windows 11.
The primary result of the change is that The MSN feed will be hidden by default In the Windows 11 widget panel. Those widgets are still there if you want them, but they’re on a separate page. This change is now being tested with Insiders.
Here’s a quick rundown of the week’s biggest stories.
The Biggest News Stories
Inside Windows K2: Microsoft’s master plan for keeping Windows 11
Microsoft has restructured the Windows team to better position Windows 11 as a platform people should want to use.
Microsoft will hide ads by default in the widget panel of Windows 11
A new Windows 11 preview build has confirmed that the OS will soon hide the MSN feed by default.
Windows 11 update brings reliability improvements, AI agents, Xbox mode
Windows 11’s optional non-security preview update includes a number of improvements and changes
Xbox Mode is enabled in Windows 11
Microsoft has started rolling out Xbox Mode in Windows 11, introducing a full-screen, controller-friendly interface.
The Xbox April Update brings great improvements to Xbox and PC
The Xbox Series X|S consoles and the Xbox on PC app have received major improvements to customization and game options.
OG Xbox dashboard rebuilt using retail code for PC
The original Xbox dashboard has been reverse-engineered and rebuilt using retail code, now working as a launcher on PC.
Is METROV the best way to rebuild Windows Phone 8.1?
This custom Android launcher brings back the Windows Phone 8.1 feel and it’s starting to catch on.
Fans bring Windows Phone 8 to life with 8Marketplace
Windows Phone 8 is seeing a surprising resurgence thanks to community efforts like 8Marketplace.
Windows 11 should improve for gamers, not just those who use the PC for productivity.
Microsoft may have ended its “This is Xbox” campaign, but the company is still focused on making Windows 11 a mainstream gaming platform. Xbox Mode has rolled out to Windows 11 this week brings 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’s still a work in progress and a lot of work will be needed before that Project Helix ships, but things are going in the right direction.
As Microsoft is working on official changes to target Windows 11 to the gamer, TEAMUIX Reverse designed 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 control panel as a base.
Speaking of modders and reviving old operating systems, it’s been called a passion project 8 Marketplace Restores app access for Windows Phone 8.0. Microsoft closed the Windows Phone 8.1 store in 2019, leaving enthusiasts to fill the void.
I wouldn’t recommend using 8Marketplace and Windows Phone as a daily driver in 2026. But if you miss the interface, METROV is worth checking out. It’s an Android launcher that fans call “the closest I’ve ever felt to using a Lumia again.”
Shopping with Sean
Here’s my top shopping tip this week Logitech MX Vertical. This has been my main mouse for years and I have a hard time using flat mice because of it. The ergonomic mouse allows your hand and wrist to rest at a natural angle, reducing strain and fatigue. Currently, there is It sells for $74.99.
The ASUS Zenbook A16 will remain my laptop recommendation. It is thin, light, stylish and equipped with new Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme from the processor Qualcomm.
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