In early 2022, Google introduced a Google Search Console Page Experience Report for Desktop, a valuable tool designed to help site owners assess how well their desktop URLs align with Google’s evolving page experience standards. This launch marked a significant step in Google’s broader strategy to emphasize user experience as a ranking factor across both mobile and desktop platforms.
The newly added Google Search Console Page Experience Report for Desktop became available directly under the Page Experience tab, sitting just below the mobile report. While it mirrored the layout of the mobile version, it omitted the Mobile Usability section—since that component is irrelevant for desktop performance.
What the Desktop Page Experience Report Offers
The Core Web Vitals desktop report provided actionable insights by presenting metrics like the percentage of pages delivering a good user experience and search impressions over time. Users could also drill down into individual URLs to pinpoint performance issues.
The metrics used in this desktop page experience metrics report matched those used in the mobile version:
- Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) – Measures loading performance
- First Input Delay (FID) – Measures interactivity
- Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) – Measures visual stability
These were supplemented by checks for HTTPS security and the absence of intrusive interstitials—two critical signals that reflect a user-friendly browsing experience.
Enhancements and Expanded Reporting
In May 2022, Google upgraded the report to include impressions from additional desktop search features like Top Stories. This update offered desktop performance insights in Google Console, helping site owners track broader visibility across SERPs.
This evolution aligned with Google’s emphasis on Google SEO desktop ranking factors—ensuring that webmasters could understand not just technical performance but how that performance impacted real-world visibility.
User Experience Update for Desktop: A Brief Lifespan
Despite its usefulness, the Google Search Console Page Experience Report for Desktop was removed from Search Console in late 2024. Google stated that the change aimed to streamline the platform and eliminate unnecessary complexity. However, they encouraged site owners to continue using Core Web Vitals desktop reports and HTTPS reports for insights into user experience.
Though the report itself is no longer available, the core idea behind it remains highly relevant. Google continues to prioritize user experience updates for desktop, and maintaining strong performance in Core Web Vitals, secure connections, and clean UX design remains critical for success in search rankings.
Summary of Key Points:
- The Google Search Console Page Experience Report for Desktop launched in early 2022 to align with the desktop ranking update.
- It helped site owners evaluate their URLs against key desktop page experience metrics, focusing on Core Web Vitals, HTTPS, and interstitials.
- The May 2022 update included impressions from new search features like Top Stories.
- As of November 2024, Google removed the report but retained the essential Core Web Vitals and HTTPS reports.
Why This Matters for Your Business
Understanding how your site performs on desktop is vital—especially as Google continues to reward fast, responsive, and secure websites. Even though the dedicated report is gone, the ranking signals it highlighted are more important than ever.
Partner with Digilogy for Superior Desktop SEO Performance
As Google evolves its tools, the need for expert guidance only grows stronger. At Digilogy, we specialize in delivering data-driven digital marketing strategies—including in-depth performance audits and SEO optimization. Whether it’s adapting to the latest user experience updates for desktop or improving Google SEO desktop ranking factors, our team ensures your site stays ahead.
Let Us help you harness the full power of desktop performance insights from Google Console—even beyond the discontinued report.
Ready to optimize your site for Google’s ever-changing algorithms? Connect with Digilogy today.
