Microsoft is quietly building some helpful new features for Windows 11 that make sharing audio, using widgets, and adjusting the Start menu much easier.
The company is rolling out a Shared Audio option that lets two people wear Bluetooth LE Audio headphones and listen to the same sound from one PC at once, while also making the Widgets panel less annoying by turning off the news feed by default and separating widgets from news content.
Along with these changes, Microsoft is improving how the Start menu works so it opens faster and feels smoother. Users will get more control to customize the Start menu size and layout, plus privacy settings for people who share their screens often.
The taskbar is also getting fresh customization options, including ways to move and resize it, and these features are being tested with Windows Insider users before a wider release.
Microsoft is also moving parts of Windows 11 to a newer WinUI system to make the operating system respond better and fix performance issues that people noticed after Windows 11 launched. The Recommended section in the Start menu will soon show recently used content more clearly and display files in a smarter way.
Some of these updates are already appearing in the May 2026 optional update, while others are still in testing as Microsoft focuses on making everyday Windows tasks more personal, usable, and responsive.