The screenshot attached is the screen that is reappearing
There is no MSN app listed under installed apps, but it comes up amazing often. Like a virus!!!
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(243.2, 91%, 33%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3ENL%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Neil Lazar
0
Reputation points
There is no MSN app listed under installed apps, but it comes up amazing often. Like a virus!!!
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy
4 answers
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![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(112.00000000000001, 81%, 20%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3ENL%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Neil Lazar 0 Reputation points2026-07-23T13:21:18.14+00:00 -
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![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(6.4, 39%, 10%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3ESD%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Sin-D 12,240 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator2026-07-26T01:56:00.4833333+00:00 Hi Neil Lazar,
I understand the additional screenshot is very helpful.
Based on the image, what is reappearing appears to be the Windows Search panel (the search box on the taskbar), not a standalone MSN application. The "Top sites" and "Trending searches" sections are commonly displayed by Windows Search when web content is enabled.
I'd like to narrow down a few details:
- What version of Windows are you using? (The screenshot resembles Windows 10, but your thread is tagged Windows 11.)
- Does this search panel open by itself while you are using the computer, or only when you click the search box or press a key?
- When the Excel issue occurs, are the cursor movement and ribbon changes happening at the same time that this search panel appears?
As an initial test, please try disconnecting any external keyboard, mouse, or wireless input device (if applicable) and then use the system for a while. Since you are also seeing unexpected behavior in Excel, it would be useful to determine whether a stuck key, keyboard shortcut, or input device issue is triggering both symptoms.
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Neil Lazar 0 Reputation points
2026-07-26T15:03:35.1766667+00:00 Thank you for your assistance. I am moving to a new home over the course of this coming week and will have limited time to focus on my computer issues. I did turn off my mouse and things seem improved, but I need to spend more time with it. Give me a week to move - then I can re-focus.
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Sin-D 12,240 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2026-07-27T00:40:33.8433333+00:00 Hi Neil Lazar,
I understand, and thank you for the update.
Please do not feel any pressure to troubleshoot further while you are in the middle of your move. Take the time you need to get settled into your new home first.
When you have an opportunity to revisit the issue, please let me know:
- Whether the problem returns with the mouse reconnected.
- Whether the Windows Search panel still appears unexpectedly.
- Whether Excel continues to show the cursor movement and ribbon changes.
I will be happy to continue troubleshooting with you at that point. Best wishes for a smooth move, and thank you for keeping me updated.
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Neil Lazar 0 Reputation points
2026-08-05T19:54:24.2366667+00:00 I'm back. The PC I was having problems with was 10 years old. I decided rather than continuing to troubleshoot, I would buy a new pc, and fortunately, I haven't had the same issues with the new one. Thanks for your helps
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Horace Wiggins 530 Reputation points2026-07-23T13:45:00.9633333+00:00 It's not in my apps but I do have this link saved to my favorites. https://www.msn.com/
This is in my account, have you looked at yours?
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Neil Lazar 0 Reputation points
2026-07-23T12:30:33.1033333+00:00 Thank you - I would not find a widget option in task bar settings. I will send a screen shot next time I have the problem. I also am having problems with xls. The cursor moves around the spreadsheet uncontrolably and the ribbon changes randomly.
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Sin-D 12,240 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2026-07-22T01:15:29.7033333+00:00 Hi Neil Lazar,
Please note that our forum is a public platform, and we will modify your question to hide your personal information in the description. Kindly ensure that you hide any personal or organizational information the next time you post an error or other details to protect personal data.
I understand how frustrating it can be when something keeps appearing on your PC and you cannot find it in the installed apps list.
Based on your description, it is not yet clear whether you are seeing:
- MSN content in the Widgets panel,
- MSN opening in Microsoft Edge,
- MSN notifications,
- or an actual application/process running on the device.
Also, could you provide:
- Where exactly MSN appears (desktop, browser, Start menu, notifications, etc.)?
- What happens when it appears?
- A screenshot of the behavior (please ensure no personal information is visible)?
With that information, I can determine whether this is related to Widgets, Microsoft Edge, notifications, or another Windows component and suggest the appropriate next steps.
In the meantime, if the MSN content appears in the Windows Widgets panel, try:
- Right-click the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings".
- Turn "Widgets" off.
- Restart your PC and check whether MSN still appears.
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