In an unannounced move, Windows 11 Canary build 26212 has introduced support for ‘Start Menu Companions.’ These are widget-like apps that appear alongside pinned apps or the ‘All apps’ list in the Start Menu. Similar to the discontinued Live Tiles feature, they offer at-a-glance information such as weather updates and stock prices using adaptive cards. Developers can create these companions, providing users with customizable content and functionality. The companions are web-content focused, resembling the sidebar widgets already found in Windows 11. This discovery suggests potential improvements to the Start Menu experience, particularly for those who favored the more extensive customization options available in Windows 10.
Windows 11 Unveils ‘Start Menu Companions’ as Widget-Like Updates
