How to Sign In and Out of Widgets on Windows 11

Signing Out of Widgets

Disconnecting the Microsoft account from widgets helps when sharing a computer or switching profiles. Press Win+W or click the taskbar 🖥️ icon to open the Widgets board.

1. Open the Widgets board. Click the Widgets icon on your taskbar 🖥️. Or, press Windows key + W on your keyboard. The Widgets board will slide out from the left.
   
2. Find your user account button. Look for a button, usually in the top-left corner. It might show your picture or initials. Click this button.
   

   💡Tip

   If you don’t see your picture, it might show your name or a generic icon. Clicking it is how you get to your account settings in Widgets.
3. Select “Sign Out”. A menu will show up after you click your account button. Look for “Sign Out” and click it.
   

   ⚠️Warning

   Signing out will reset your Widgets board to how it was when you first got it. Any Widgets you added might disappear. The content will not be picked just for you anymore.

Keep in mind that signing out resets the board to its default state. Any custom widgets you added will disappear, and the feed reverts to generic content, which keeps local browsing private.

Signing In to Widgets (or Switching Accounts)

Linking a Microsoft account brings customized news and weather back to the Widgets board, whether you are starting fresh or swapping profiles. Open the Widgets board by pressing Windows key + W or clicking the taskbar icon.

1. Open the Widgets board. Click the Widgets icon on your taskbar or press Windows key + W.
   
2. Look for the "Sign in" option. When you open Widgets after signing out, or if you have never signed in, you will likely see a "Sign in" button. Or, there might be a message at the top asking you to sign in.
   

   Tip: If you signed out and want to use the same account, you might see your picture or name again. Clicking it might let you sign back in. If you want to use a different account, look for something like "Sign in with a different account".

3. Choose your account. A box will ask you to sign in with your Microsoft account. You might see a list of accounts already on your PC. Pick the one you want to use for Widgets.
   

   Practical Tip: Make sure you sign in with the Microsoft account that has your favorite settings and subscriptions. This helps Widgets know what content is best for you.

4. Enter your details. If asked, type your Microsoft account password. Or, use other ways to prove it's you, like a PIN or Windows Hello. Follow the steps on the screen to finish signing in.
   

   Warning: Be careful when you type your login details. Always check that you are on a real Microsoft sign-in page. This stops you from falling for scams. If you are not sure, close Widgets and go to the official Microsoft website to sign in there.

Signing in triggers an automatic board update. Curated stories, local weather, and relevant calendar details populate the display based on past activity and set preferences.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/stay-up-to-date-with-widgets-in-windows-7ba79aaa-dac6-4687-b460-ad16a06be6e4

Summary

Signing out of Windows 11 Widgets keeps information private on shared PCs, while signing in utilizes a Microsoft account for tailored news and weather.