Is the new msn com really that bad?

Updated 7 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

The short answer: no, the new msn.com is not “really that bad” — it’s a functional news aggregator and portal, but it has changed significantly from the old version, and many complaints stem from personal preference rather than objective flaws. The site now prioritizes a clean, card-based feed of news, weather, and entertainment, but it also includes more ads, autoplay videos, and a reliance on Microsoft’s AI-curated content, which can feel cluttered or less customizable than before.

Background: What MSN used to be vs. what it is now

MSN (originally Microsoft Network) launched in 1995 as a dial-up online service and later became a web portal. For years, the classic msn.com was a simple page with a search bar, email links, and a list of headlines. It was lightweight, fast, and easy to scan. The new msn.com, redesigned in the late 2010s and continuously updated since, is a full-screen news feed that resembles a social media timeline. It pulls stories from thousands of sources, uses machine learning to personalize content, and integrates Outlook, Office, and other Microsoft services. The shift was intentional: Microsoft wanted to turn the page from a utility into a destination for content consumption.

How the new msn.com works

When you visit msn.com, you see a grid of cards, each showing a headline, image, and source. The layout adapts to your screen size, and you can scroll endlessly. Key features include:

Personalized feed: The site tracks your clicks and reading time to suggest similar stories.
Weather and traffic: Local weather is displayed prominently, and traffic info is available for many metro areas.
Microsoft integration: Outlook, OneDrive, and Office online are one click away from the top bar.
Search: The Bing search box is still at the top, but it’s less prominent than in the old design.
Autoplay videos: Some cards expand into video players that start automatically, which is a frequent source of annoyance.

You can customize the feed by clicking the gear icon, choosing topics you like, and hiding sources. However, the customization is limited compared to what you might expect — you can’t fully block all video autoplay or remove every ad.

Common problems and complaints

Users often cite these specific issues:

Too many ads: The page is dense with sponsored content and banner ads, which can slow down loading and distract from articles.
Autoplay videos: Videos start playing as you scroll, consuming data and making noise. There’s no global setting to disable this; you must mute each video individually.
Slow performance on older devices: The heavy JavaScript and media-rich cards can make the site lag on older computers or low-end phones.
Content quality varies: The feed includes clickbait and low-quality stories from lesser-known sites, alongside reputable news outlets.
Privacy concerns: MSN tracks your behavior to personalize ads and content, which some users find invasive. You can opt out of personalized ads via Microsoft’s privacy settings, but it’s not obvious.

These problems are not unique to MSN — many modern news portals have the same issues. But because MSN was once a simple portal, the change feels jarring to long-time users.

How to make the new msn.com better

If you want to keep using msn.com but reduce the annoyances, try these steps:

Turn off autoplay in your browser: In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > JavaScript (or use an extension like AutoplayStopper). This may break some video features but stops unwanted sound.
Use an ad blocker: A reputable ad blocker can remove most banner ads and sponsored posts, making the page load faster.
Customize your interests: Click the gear icon, select “Personalize,” and choose topics you care about. Also, click “Manage news” to hide specific sources you dislike.
Use the “Minimal” layout: In the settings, you can switch between “Card” and “Minimal” views. Minimal shows smaller text links, which are less flashy but easier to scan.
Clear cookies regularly: This resets the tracking data, so the feed becomes less personalized (and less creepy) but still functional.

These tweaks won’t fix everything, but they address the most common complaints.

Comparisons: MSN vs. other news portals

How does msn.com stack up against alternatives like Yahoo, Google News, or a direct news app?

Yahoo: Similar layout and ad density, but Yahoo has more email and finance features. Both are cluttered, but Yahoo’s news feed is often more tabloid-heavy.
Google News: Cleaner and more focused on headlines, with less autoplay video. However, it lacks the integrated weather and email shortcuts.
Dedicated news apps (e.g., BBC, Reuters): These are much cleaner and more reliable, but they cover only one outlet’s content. MSN aggregates many sources, which is convenient if you want variety.

In terms of pure news delivery, Google News is arguably better. But MSN’s advantage is the integration with Microsoft services and the local weather widget.

Is it safe to use?

Yes, msn.com is a legitimate Microsoft site. It is not a phishing or malware vector. However, you should be aware that the site uses cookies and tracking to personalize ads. Microsoft’s privacy policy allows this, and you can control some of it via the Microsoft privacy dashboard. The main safety concern is not the site itself, but the links it aggregates — some stories may lead to sites with pop-ups or misleading content. Always check the URL before clicking, and use a good antivirus program.

Alternatives if you’re still unhappy

If the new msn.com doesn’t work for you, here are some alternatives:

Startpage or DuckDuckGo News: These are privacy-focused search engines that also aggregate news without tracking.
RSS readers (Feedly, Inoreader): You can build a custom feed from your favorite sources, with no ads and no autoplay.
AllTop: A simple directory of headlines from top sites, organized by topic.
Just use your browser’s new tab page: Many browsers (like Chrome and Firefox) let you add news widgets that are less cluttered.

None of these will give you the same one-stop-shop experience as MSN, but they may be more pleasant to use daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does msn.com keep showing me the same stories?

This happens because the personalization algorithm thinks you like those topics based on your clicks. To fix it, click the “X” on a card, select “Hide this story,” and also use the “Manage news” option to block sources you don’t want. Over time, the feed should diversify.

Can I turn off autoplay videos on msn.com?

There’s no built-in setting to disable autoplay entirely. You can mute each video by clicking the speaker icon, but the video will still play. Your best bet is to use a browser extension that blocks autoplay, or disable JavaScript for the site (which may break other features).

Is msn.com free to use?

Yes, msn.com is completely free. Microsoft makes money through advertising and by promoting its own services. There is no premium tier, and you don’t need to sign in to browse, though signing in syncs your settings across devices.

Does msn.com sell my data?

Microsoft does not sell your personal data to third parties. However, it does use your data for advertising purposes, which means you see targeted ads based on your browsing. You can opt out of personalized ads by visiting Microsoft’s privacy settings and turning off “Personalized ads” for your account.

Why does msn.com show so many celebrity and entertainment stories?

The algorithm prioritizes click-heavy content because it keeps users on the page longer. If you prefer more hard news, you can customize your interests in the settings and specifically select topics like “World News” or “Politics.” You can also hide entertainment sources by clicking the “X” on their cards.

Is there a way to get the old msn.com back?

No, Microsoft has permanently replaced the old portal. However, you can create a similar experience by setting your browser’s homepage to a custom page with links to your favorite sites, or by using a simple news aggregator like AllTop. Some users also use the MSN app on Windows, which has a slightly different layout but the same feed.

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