What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Microsoft Start is Microsoft’s personalized news experience, distributed through several surfaces rather than one clearly identical app. On Windows 11, the documented news stream appears in the Widgets board’s Discover dashboard. Related experiences include Windows 10’s News and interests, MSN.com, Microsoft Edge’s homepage or new-tab feed, and the MSN mobile app. Microsoft’s public documentation reviewed here does not establish a current Microsoft Start-branded Android or iOS app, or feature parity between mobile and desktop.
Where Microsoft’s news feed appears
The name “Microsoft Start” is often used broadly, but Microsoft’s documentation uses different labels for different entry points. Treat the surface you are using as important because its controls and account context can differ.
| Surface | What Microsoft documents | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 Widgets | The Widgets board’s Discover dashboard displays a personalized news stream. | Discover is the news stream inside Widgets; it is not the same thing as each individual widget. |
| Windows 10 News and interests | A taskbar feed with news, information cards, location and language settings, followed sources, and story feedback. | Its taskbar controls differ from the Windows 11 Widgets controls. |
| MSN.com | Stories, galleries and videos from thousands of publishers are promoted through MSN. | MSN is a web/content distribution service, not proof that every Microsoft news surface is one app. |
| Microsoft Edge | The homepage and new-tab experiences can show Microsoft news content. | Personalization is associated with the signed-in Edge profile and relevant privacy settings. |
| Android and iOS | Microsoft’s ranking documentation refers to an MSN mobile app. | The material available here does not verify a current Microsoft Start-branded listing or compare mobile features with Windows and web. |
How to customize your Microsoft news feed
Windows 11: use Widgets Discover
- Open the Widgets board from Windows 11.
- Choose Discover to view the news stream.
- Use the account controls to manage followed topics and publishers.
- Review the Following and Blocked tabs to change subscriptions or restore a hidden publisher.
Microsoft says signing in with the same Microsoft account can make feed personalization available across devices. A change may not appear immediately: the feed updates when new content meets your settings.
Give feedback on an individual story
- Hide a story you do not want to see.
- Select More like this to request similar coverage.
- Select Fewer like this to reduce similar coverage.
- Hide the publisher when you do not want that source in the feed.
These actions are signals, not an on/off switch for all content. Microsoft says important news can still be shown prominently.
#1 Best Overall
- [This is a Copilot+ PC] — The fastest, most intelligent Windows PC ever, with built-in AI tools that help you write, summarize, and multitask — all while keeping your data and privacy secure.
- [The Power of a Laptop, the Flexibility of a Tablet] — Surface Pro 12” is a 2-in-1 device that adapts to you. Use it as a tablet for on-the-go tasks, prop it up with the built-in kickstand, or attach the Surface Pro Keyboard (sold separately) to turn it into a full laptop.
- [Incredibly Fast and Intelligent] — Powered by the latest Snapdragon X Plus processor and an AI engine that delivers up to 45 trillion operations per second — for smooth, responsive, and smarter performance.
- [All Day Battery Life] — Up to 16 hours of battery life[1] means you can work, stream, and create wherever the day takes you — without reaching for a charger.
- [Brilliant 12” Touchscreen Display] — The PixelSense display delivers vibrant color and crisp detail in a sleek design — perfect for work, entertainment, or both.
Adjust cards, language and location
Microsoft’s News and interests documentation describes selectable information cards, followed sources, language settings and location settings. On Windows 11, the Widgets option controls access to the experience; Windows 10 uses its own taskbar controls.
For local content, Windows may estimate a general location using Windows Location when enabled. If that is unavailable, Microsoft says technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a cellular modem or an IP address may be used to estimate location. This description does not establish precise tracking or one universal method.
Rank #2
- Laptop Size: This renewed Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ Tablet, has a screen size of 12.3 " and touch display. The 2736 X 1824 Pixel anti-glare screen, mostly reduces fatigue when using it, allowing you to focus on work. With a light weight, this Microsoft Surface refurbished laptop is a great choice for your Business and entertainment.
- Processor: This Renewed Surface Pro 7 Plus Tablet is installed with Intel Core i5-1135 G7 (2.4GHz-4.2GHz, 4Cores, 8Threads, 8 MB Intel Smart Cache), meeting the fast and stable operation of most programs.
- Powerful Memory: This refurbished Tablet has installed 8GB of RAM running memory and 256GB of Solid State Drive for you, allowing you to run multiple software and browsers at the same time with confidence, the Microsoft Surface powerful hard drive gives you enough space to download files!
- Multiple Ports:USB 3.0, microSD card reader(Optional), Headphone jact, Mini DisplayPort, Cover port, Charging port, this Microsoft SurfaceTablet allows you to fully enjoy the pleasure brought by technology.
- System: Windows 11 Pro is recognized as the most stable operating system, which is mostly for both commercial and professional users. Windows 11 Pro provides more security and management features for this used Surface Pro 7 (+) Tablet, as well as supporting virtualization and remote access. Meanwhile, it supports multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, etc.
Why the feed is personalized
Microsoft describes two kinds of personalization:
- Explicit signals: topics and publishers you follow, likes and dislikes, story feedback, blocked sources and related settings.
- Implicit signals: patterns in reading and engagement, subject to applicable privacy settings.
Microsoft says each MSN feed refreshes with personalized content selected and ordered by algorithms with editorial oversight. Its ranking description lists relevance, freshness or timeliness, trends and newsworthiness, brand authority, formatting, click-through behavior and negative signals such as clickbait. Microsoft also says the relative importance of these parameters can change as its algorithms evolve.
That means the feed is not documented as a purely chronological list, and it is not driven only by the interests you selected. Microsoft’s official explanation is: “Each time a consumer views the MSN feed, it refreshes with the latest personalized content.” This describes Microsoft’s system rather than an independent audit of its ranking.
Rank #3
- A PREMIUM PERFORMANCE 2-IN-1 LAPTOP & TABLET — Ready for work, school, and creativity. Built for busy days, big projects, and nonstop multitasking. Run video calls, school and work apps, 20+ browser tabs, and AI tools at the same time without slowing down.
- WITH AI BUILT IN — With a dedicated AI chip (Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Plus), this Copilot+ PC[5] on Windows 11 helps you work smarter and faster. Prompt, create, and automate with ease — ready for even your most demanding tasks.
- A STUNNING 13" OLED TOUCHSCREEN — Sharp colors, real detail, and smooth 120Hz scrolling on the PixelSense touchscreen[1] with LCD display[2]. Tap, scroll, draw, or pinch to zoom — whichever feels right for streaming, sketching, or daily work.
- 15.5 HOURS OF BATTERY (LEAVE THE CHARGER) — Up to 15.5 hours of video playback[3] on a single charge. Work from a coffee shop, take it to class/work, or binge a season on a long flight — it'll keep up.
- THE PORTS YOU NEED — Two USB-C / USB4[4] ports for fast charging, big file transfers, or hooking up to three 4K monitors when you want a full desktop. Wi-Fi 7 keeps you online and fast wherever you are.
Microsoft’s FAQ adds: “Your feed will adjust to reflect your preferences, although news deemed important by our editors will still display prominently so that you don’t miss out on need-to-know information.”
How to stop seeing a publisher in MSN
- Open the story’s feedback or options menu.
- Choose the control to hide or block the publisher.
- To manage blocked sources later, open the relevant Blocked list in the Discover or news-feed settings available on your surface.
If the publisher continues to appear briefly, allow for feed refresh and new-content processing. Microsoft notes that changes depend on new content satisfying the personalization settings.
Rank #4
- Intel Core i5-1035G4 3.70GHz processor, 128GB SSD Drive
- 8GB RAM, Wireless: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
- Ports: Full-size USB 3.0; microSD card reader; Headphone jack; Mini DisplayPort; Cover port; Charging port, Camera: 5MP front-facing and 8MP rear-facing cameras with 1080p HD video recording
- Display: 12.3-inch PixelSense touchscreen display; 2736 x 1824 resolution, Stereo speakers with Dolby Audio-enhanced sound
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home, Intel Iris Plus Graphics
News personalization is separate from ad personalization
Turning off Microsoft’s See ads that interest you setting does not, by itself, stop Edge browsing activity from being used to personalize news. Microsoft documents a separate Edge privacy control for saving browsing activity for personalization, including Microsoft services such as news.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteCheck the privacy settings for the specific Edge profile and service you use. Do not confuse these controls with Windows Start menu or Windows Search personalization: Microsoft documents those recommendations and offers separately from Microsoft Start news.
Best Value
- Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ 12.3" Tablet 2-in-1 Laptop, Amazon Renewed, Core i3 with 128GB SSD and 8GB RAM
- More ways to connect, with both USB-C and USB-A ports for connecting to displays, docking stations and more, as well as accessory charging, Platinum Silver Color
- Standout design that won’t weigh you down — ultra-slim and light Surface Pro 7+ starts at just 1.70 pounds. Aspect ratio: 3:2
- Intel Core i3-1114G5 (1.70-3.0Ghz) | 128GB SSD | 8GB RAM | Windows 11 Professional Installed
- Screen: 12.3” PixelSense Display | Resolution: 2736 x 1824 (267 PPI) | Faster than Surface Pro 6, with a 10th Gen Intel Core Processor – redefining what’s possible in a thin and light computer. Wireless : Wi-Fi 6: 802.11ax compatible. Bluetooth Wireless 5.0 technology
Regional editions and local-news limits
Microsoft says MSN has more than 60 country and language editions, but its FAQ does not provide a publication date for that figure. Local news is not available in every area or country, so the same account settings can produce different results by region. Language, location and the availability of local publishers all affect what appears.
What Microsoft Start is—and is not
- It is a personalized Microsoft news experience available through documented Windows and web surfaces.
- It is not established by these Microsoft pages as one identical application installed everywhere.
- It is not a transparent, strictly chronological timeline.
- It is not controlled exclusively by the topics you manually follow.
- It is not the Windows Start menu, even though the names are similar.
Choosing the right access point
Compare the experience by four practical questions:
- Surface: Do you want Windows 11 Widgets Discover, Windows 10 News and interests, MSN.com, or Edge’s homepage/new tab?
- Account: Are you signed in to a Microsoft account, and which Edge profile or Windows session is active?
- Controls: Does that surface expose followed interests, publishers, cards, language, location and story-level feedback?
- Region and privacy: Which local edition is available, and which browsing-activity or account settings govern personalization?
Current Android and iOS availability under the Microsoft Start name, along with feature differences from Windows and the web, remains unconfirmed by the documentation considered here. Check the relevant official app listing and in-product settings before assuming a mobile experience matches Discover.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
