With KB5053656, Microsoft enhances Windows 11 to allow devs to build their own widgets

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 26100.3613 (KB5053656) to the Release Preview Channel. With it, the Redmond-based tech giant now allows developers to build their own dynamic and interactive widgets from existing web content.

These widgets can then be added to widget surfaces in Windows 11. This new capability gives users extra options to customize the widget experience the way they prefer.

Elsewhere, KB5053656 brings enhanced communication capabilities to AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs. Live captions now support real-time translation into English for over 44 languages. Additionally, Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs gain real-time translation support for Simplified Chinese.

A new Settings homepage is being gradually rolled out for enterprise-managed PCs, featuring cards like “Recommended settings” and “Bluetooth devices.” Users will also notice “top cards” under Settings > System > About, providing a quick overview of key PC specifications such as processor, RAM, storage, and GPU.

The update introduces a Gamepad keyboard layout for the touch keyboard, allowing Xbox controllers to navigate and type more efficiently. A new system tray icon on the taskbar improves the discoverability of the emoji and more panels.

This update is being rolled out gradually, meaning not all features may be immediately available to all users. Some of them will only be available in the next days.

You can read KB5053656’s full changelog here.