Microsoft is bringing back its old MSN brand with a new logo, replacing “Microsoft Start” with the classic MSN identity. This strategic change repositions MSN as the face of Microsoft’s personalized news services, marking an end to Microsoft Start’s short-lived role. The move is intended to consolidate Microsoft’s digital content efforts under a trusted and recognizable brand.
MSN Comes Back
MSN, short for Microsoft Network, first emerged in 1995 alongside the release of Windows 95. Initially launched as a subscription-based dial-up service, MSN quickly became an essential platform for early internet users, offering news, email, and chat.
By the late 1990s, Microsoft pivoted MSN into a full-fledged web portal, providing a mix of content to rival early internet giants like Yahoo! and AOL. This return to MSN branding underscores Microsoft’s intention to leverage the legacy and recognition associated with its long-standing service.
Why the Shift from Microsoft Start?
Microsoft Start, introduced in September 2021, was designed to revolutionize how users accessed news by integrating machine learning for personalized content recommendations. Despite its innovative approach, Microsoft Start never gained the same recognition as its predecessor.
With the rebranding, Microsoft seeks to align its news offerings with an established name that resonates with a broader audience, capitalizing on decades of trust associated with MSN.
In a statement to Windows Central, a Microsoft spokesperson said the following about the rebranding:
- Launch and Early Years (1995): MSN began as a dial-up service aimed at providing comprehensive internet access and content.
- Transformation in 1998: Microsoft shifted MSN’s focus from an ISP to a web portal, merging it with the Internet Explorer start page.
- Iconic Services: The launch of MSN Messenger in 1999 brought instant messaging to the forefront, while MSN Search in 2005 laid the groundwork for Bing.
- Redesigns and Evolution: Significant homepage updates in 2009 and mobile-friendly improvements in 2014 showcased MSN’s adaptability in the digital age.
What Users Can Expect
Users will experience a seamless transition from Microsoft Start to MSN, with core features like personalized news feeds and AI-powered recommendations remaining intact. The rebranding emphasizes continuity, ensuring that while the name and logo change, the service quality does not.
This decision is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to unify its brand presence and simplify user engagement. The shift also reflects the company’s commitment to tapping into trusted names and established services to maintain user loyalty and recognition in a competitive market. Reinforcing the MSN identity could provide Microsoft with a stronger foothold in the digital content space, leveraging familiarity to attract both returning and new users.
The revival of MSN marks a nod to the past while adapting it to meet modern content consumption needs. The original MSN service was one of Microsoft’s most visible digital products, setting a foundation for today’s web content and services. Now, with a return to this familiar brand, Microsoft signals that even as new technologies evolve, established names with a legacy of trust continue to hold value.
