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How to Configure Widgets Notifications on the Taskbar in Windows 11

Richard
Written by
Richard
May 23, 2026 Updated Jul 12, 2026 4 min read
Close-up taskbar with glowing notification badges
Close-up taskbar with glowing notification badges

Windows 11 taskbar widget notifications let you see alerts directly on the Widgets icon. These notifications help you stay updated with information from widgets like news or weather.

You can control these alerts through settings within the Widgets panel and Windows Notification settings. This ensures you only get the updates you want, without missing important ones.

For example, you can turn on notification badges that appear right on the Widgets icon on your taskbar. This visual cue ensures crucial widget updates, like breaking news or significant weather changes, don’t slip past you.

⚡ Quick Answer

Enable taskbar notifications by opening the Widgets board, clicking the gear icon for settings, and toggling “Show notification badges on the taskbar” and “Show announcements on the taskbar” to your preference. These options appear within the Notifications section of the Widgets settings.

Rotating Announcements

Windows 11 widget notifications can show quick, rotating announcements right on your taskbar when something important happens, like big news or a sports update.

Badges

Windows 11 widget notifications can appear as small badges on your taskbar to alert you about important things like bad weather or big news. These badges help you quickly see urgent updates without having to open the Widgets panel. If you’re in a focus session, these helpful notification badges are automatically hidden so you can concentrate.

💡Pro Tip
If you are in a “focus session” in Windows, these announcements and badges will be hidden on the taskbar. This keeps your work area clear when you need to concentrate.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Taskbar Notifications for Widgets

Ready to set up these notifications? Follow these steps to control what shows up on your taskbar.

  1. Open the Widgets Board

    First, open the Widgets board. Click the Widgets icon on your taskbar (it often looks like a weather or news icon). You can also press the Windows key + W on your keyboard. This is a quick and useful shortcut.
  2. Access Widget Settings

    Once the Widgets board is open, find the settings button. It usually looks like a gear icon. Click it.
  3. In the settings menu, you’ll see different options. Find and click on the section called Notifications.
  4. Toggle Taskbar Badges

    Here, you’ll see an option called “Show notification badges on the taskbar”. You can turn this On or Off. If you want those alert icons to show up, make sure it is switched to On.

    You can easily control whether windows 11 widget notifications appear as badges on your taskbar. Look for the “Show notification badges on the taskbar” setting. Simply switch this option to ‘On’ if you want to see these alert icons, or turn it ‘Off’ if you prefer a cleaner taskbar and fewer distractions.

  5. Toggle Taskbar Announcements

    Next, you will see “Show announcements on the taskbar”. Like badges, you can turn this On or Off. If you want those quick, rotating alerts to appear, leave it On. If you prefer your taskbar to show its normal display, switch it Off.
Windows 11 taskbar with the Widgets icon visible.
Windows 11 taskbar with the Widgets icon visible.
Widgets notification settings panel in Windows 11.
Widgets notification settings panel in Windows 11.
Notification settings buttons for Windows 11 Widgets.
Notification settings buttons for Windows 11 Widgets.

Summary

Customizing your windows 11 widget notifications helps you get the information you need without feeling swamped by alerts. By adjusting these settings, you can make your Widgets a more useful tool for staying organized and informed. Experiment with turning different notification options on and off to find what works best for your daily routine and preferences.

Try out the settings. Turn things on and off to see what feels best for your day. With a few changes, your Widgets can be a better tool to help you stay informed and organized. Have fun customizing!

How do I add widgets to 🪟 Windows 11 taskbar?

Widgets are integrated into the Windows 11 taskbar by default. To access them, simply click the Widgets icon on the far left of your taskbar. You can then customize which widgets appear by clicking the '+' icon within the Widgets board to add new ones or manage existing ones.

How to customize widgets on taskbar?

To customize widgets on your Windows 11 taskbar, click the Widgets icon. Inside the Widgets board, click the '+' icon to add new widgets or manage your existing ones. You can rearrange, resize, and remove widgets to tailor the information displayed to your preferences.

How to get notifications on taskbar 🪟 Windows 11?

Enable taskbar notifications for widgets by going to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. Toggle on 'Show badges on taskbar apps' and ensure notifications are enabled within the Widgets panel settings. This will display badges or brief announcements for important updates from your widgets.

Why are widgets not working on my taskbar 🪟 Windows 11?

If widgets aren't working on your Windows 11 taskbar, first ensure your system is updated. Try restarting the Widgets service or your PC. Check if Widgets are enabled in Taskbar settings and if your Microsoft account is properly signed in. Corrupted system files can also cause issues.

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Tags: #Windows 11
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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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