Microsoft makes the Desktop Spotlight feature take up less space on your screen

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Key findings

  • The Windows Spotlight user interface is updated to allow hiding search links and minimizing options.
  • The new Desktop Spotlight hotspot experience offers three variations, including a reduced flyout with no search links.
  • Microsoft is working to improve the Windows Spotlight feature to showcase more of the photo scenery.



Windows Spotlight is a great way to keep your desktop fresh every day. Set it up and Windows will automatically find a new scene to set as your wallpaper, and you can specify what kind of themes you want to see. However, some windows covered up the beautiful scenery and displayed buttons that let you dig deeper into what Windows Spotlight shows you. If you'd rather make room to see the photos at their best, we have good news for you, because Microsoft is working on a way to hide more of the Spotlight interface.

Screenshot of the new Windows Spotlight design in Windows 11 Build 23451

Source: Microsoft


This new feature was discovered by PhantomOfEarth on X, who has an excellent track record of finding hidden components in the Windows Preview builds. Sometimes Microsoft adds a new feature to the Insider branch, but since it's still in development, the company automatically disables it until it's properly coded and ready for testing. Luckily, PhantomOfEarth is an expert at digging them out and showcasing them, so we all get a glimpse into Microsoft's plans.

This time they managed to uncover an interesting change to Windows Spotlight:


It seems that Microsoft is finally allowing users to hide the extraneous UI so they can see more of the photo. And if you still prefer the search options underneath, you can just use the third option and leave everything as it was.

If your desktop is getting a little boring and you want something new, check out how to spice up your desktop with a new Windows wallpaper.



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