Microsoft Start Weather
Microsoft Start Weather: A free, cross-device weather service with forecasts, maps and severe-weather alerts. Ranked #53 of 56 in Weather Apps by our editors (4.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for people wanting free weather across Microsoft platforms.
At a glance
- Editor score4.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forPeople wanting free weather across Microsoft platforms
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Severe-weather alertsYes
- Facts checked3 Oct 2026
Where it wins
- Hourly and 10-day forecasts, plus current conditions
- Maps include temperature, precipitation, wind, humidity and air quality
- Severe-weather alerts and Microsoft account syncing across devices
Where it doesn't
- Map and radar capabilities are less specified than the forecast coverage
- Personalized data syncing requires signing in with a Microsoft account
- Support channels are limited to documentation
Our verdict on Microsoft Start Weather
Microsoft Start Weather brings current conditions, location search and forecasts to web, Windows, iOS and Android. It is aimed at people who want weather information across Microsoft platforms without a subscription. Microsoft also describes weather access through Windows taskbar and Edge experiences, alongside its app and homepage. The service appears under the MSN Weather name in Microsoft support materials, while its current landing page promotes weather within the free MSN app.
Forecast coverage includes hourly and 10-day views, and users can search by location or use location detection. Weather maps show temperature, precipitation, wind, humidity and air quality information, with severe-weather alerts included. That makes the service more than a forecast panel for people who want several weather details in one place. The maps' available controls and radar depth are less clearly specified, so users who need detailed radar workflows should compare alternatives before choosing it.
Microsoft describes the service as free, with no paid tier to weigh against its core features. Signing in with a Microsoft account enables personalized data to sync across devices; people who prefer not to sign in can still use the location and forecast features, but should not expect that cross-device personalization. Microsoft documents support through its documentation. Choose Microsoft Start Weather for free forecasts and broad Microsoft-platform access; consider another weather app if detailed radar capabilities or a wider support offering are central requirements.
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Microsoft Start Weather pricing
Microsoft Start Weather fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Severe-weather alerts | Yes |
| Radar maps | Not verified |
| Forecast horizon | Not verified |
| Map layers | Not verified |
| Platforms | web, windows, ios, android |
| Home-screen widgets | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | start.microsoftapp.net |
| Facts checked | 3 Oct 2026 |
Alternatives to Microsoft Start Weather
- The Weather NetworkA broad Android weather app pairing 14-day forecasts with live maps and local reports.9.3
- VentuskyA map-led weather app with forecast layers, radar, timeline controls and alerts.9.2
- The Weather ChannelA broad Android weather app with long-range forecasts and useful radar tools.9.1
See all Microsoft Start Weather alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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