Windows 11 includes widgets, an element which has apparently been in the works since the early development stages of Windows 8.

And needless to say, Microsoft is betting big on widgets, each and every feature update coming with new features about this front and extra polishing.

At this point, however, the experience with widgets seems limited, virtually since first-party widgets are available. Microsoft is definitely likely to bring third-party widgets to Windows 11 users, so the company needs to work together with developers to ensure they are doing develop such capabilities for his or her apps.

The 2009 week, the software giant has published developer guidance for widgets, thus making sure that it's helping software makers discover this new feature from the OS.

Microsoft's resources include widgets terminology and principles, as well as guidance to plan an app's widget experience.

"Windows Widgets are small UI containers that display text and graphics, associated with an app installed on the unit. Installed widgets are displayed inside a grid in the Widgets Board: a flyout plane that overlays the Windows desktop once the user clicks Widgets icon on the taskbar, uses the Windows+W shortcut, or swipes from the left fringe of the screen," Microsoft says.

"Widgets help people remain on top of what's vital that you them by aggregating personalized content and quick actions in the apps they will use. They're quickly consumable and actionable. Widgets are considered unsuitable to exchange apps and websites, but instead provide frictionless access to most-needed information or often-used functionalities that individuals can read/trigger immediately. When designing your widget, consider the type of value it will bring to your consumers."

Obviously, it'll take some time until developers embrace widgets en-masse, but at this point, it's very clear that Microsoft is betting big in the long run about this feature.