In Windows 11, Microsoft introduced a feature known as Widgets. This unique area is crafted to display dynamic content, providing users with updates from their applications as well as fresh news and information from sources endorsed by Microsoft. But as impressive as it sounds, there’s a catch. The more widgets you have, the more system resources it consumes. These widgets, when activated, pop up on the left side of the screen, accessible with just a simple click on their icon located on the taskbar. But not everyone is a fan. Some users find the widgets a bit intrusive, especially when they are permanently positioned on the taskbar. The good news is, even if you decide to declutter your taskbar by removing the widget icon, you won’t be losing out on this feature. A simple keyboard shortcut, Windows + W, brings it back to life instantly. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that these widgets, by design, are fixed in size and position.
If you’re looking to either enable or disable the Widgets icon on your Windows 11 Taskbar, there are four foolproof methods to achieve this:-
- Removing Widgets from the Taskbar using its Context Menu.
- Deactivating Widgets via the Windows 11 Settings app.
- Disabling Widgets on the Taskbar through the Group Policy.
- Erasing the Widgets icon from the Taskbar utilizing the Registry Editor.
Whether you’re a fan or not, the power to customize is in your hands. Dive in to explore these methods in detail.
How to Remove Widgets on Windows 11 Taskbar using Taskbar Context Menu?
You can only remove Widgets from the Windows 11 Taskbar using the Taskbar Context Menu, which means in the future, if you want, you can not use this procedure to add the Widgets icon to the taskbar.
It is easy; firstly, right-click on the Widget icon on the taskbar. Then, select the “Hide from taskbar” option from the context menu. The widgets icon will no longer be available on the Taskbar.
How to Remove Widgets on Windows 11 Taskbar using the Settings app?
Follow these steps to release Widgets on the Windows 11 Taskbar using the Settings app:-
Step 1. First, click on the Search icon on the Taskbar and type Settings. In the available results, click on the Settings app to open it.
Step 2. Now, click on the Personalization category in the Settings app that opens.
Step 3. Then, scroll from the right side pane and click the Taskbar.
Step 4. After that, turn the toggle to the Off position next to Widgets.
After performing the above steps, the Widgets icon will no longer be visible on the Windows 11 taskbar. If you change your decision and want to see the Widgets icon on the Windows 11 taskbar again, repeat the above steps, and in step 4, turn the toggle to the On position next to the Widgets option.
How to Add or Remove Widgets on Windows 11 Taskbar using Group Policy Editor?
Follow these steps to add or fire Widgets from the Windows 11 Taskbar using the Group Policy Editor
Step 1. First, launch the Local Group Policy Editor.
Step 2. In the Local Group Policy Editor window that opens, navigate for the following path from the left side pane:-
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Widgets
Step 3. On the right side of the Widgets folder, double-click on the policy name “Allow widgets” to change its settings.
Step 4. Select Disabled, and after that, click Apply.
Step 5. Finally, click OK.
Once you complete the above steps, the Widgets icon will be removed immediately from the taskbar. If you want to pin the Widgets icon again on the taskbar on Windows 11, repeat the above steps, and in step 4, select the option “Not Configure” or “Enabled.”
How to Remove Widgets on Windows 11 Taskbar using Registry Editor?
To clear the Widgets from Windows 11 Taskbar using Registry Editor, use the following steps:-
Step 1. First, open Registry Editor.
Step 2. Now, navigate to the following key in the left sidebar of Windows Registry:-
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft
Step 3. Then, right-click the Microsoft folder and select New > Key in the context menu.
Step 4. After that, rename the newly created key as Dsh.
Step 5. Next, right-click the Dsh key and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Step 6. Then, rename the new value as AllowNewsAndInterests.
Step 7. Finally, restart your Windows 11 computer or laptop to apply the changes.
After completing the above registry steps, Windows 11 will disable everything related to Widgets, including the taskbar button and the option in the Settings app. Also, the Windows + W keyboard shortcut will do nothing, which means it will not open the Widgets panel.
Also Read: How to Display Weather on your Windows 11 Taskbar?
Conclusion
Windows 11 introduced the Widgets feature to offer dynamic content updates directly from the taskbar. Although it adds a modern touch to the user interface, not everyone appreciates its constant presence. For those who prefer a cleaner taskbar, there are multiple methods to either add or remove the Widgets icon: using the Taskbar Context Menu, the Windows 11 Settings app, the Group Policy Editor, and the Registry Editor. Each method offers a different approach, catering to users with varying levels of technical proficiency. Regardless of your preference, Windows 11 ensures customization options are at your fingertips.
