Windows 11 Taskbar: What is the Widgets Feature
Windows 11’s Widgets feature is a dynamic panel that offers personalized information like news, weather, and calendar updates directly on your taskbar.
The Windows 11 Widgets feature acts as a quick information hub. This tool allows users to see important updates, such as weather forecasts or news headlines, without needing to open separate applications. The Widgets panel displays these updates in a single, easily accessible location on the taskbar.
Introduced in Windows 11, the Widgets board can be accessed by clicking an icon on the left side of your taskbar, typically displaying a weather icon.
You can customize the widgets displayed, adding or removing cards to tailor the information feed to your specific interests and needs.
Windows 11 Widgets is a panel on your taskbar offering personalized information like news and weather. Click the Widgets icon on the left of the taskbar or press Windows key + W to open it. You can add or remove widgets to customize the content.
What Are Widgets?
Windows 11 widgets are small, helpful windows that appear on your taskbar, giving you quick updates on things like the weather, news, your calendar, and stocks without needing to open separate apps.
- News headlines you pick
- Current weather and forecasts
- Stock market updates
- Your calendar events
- To-do lists
- And more, depending on what you add!
| 1. Widgets | 2. Start | 3. Search | 4. Task view | 5. Applications | 6. System tray |
The goal is to keep you informed and organized. Widgets bring updates right to your taskbar. Instead of opening lots of apps, you get a quick summary of what’s going on, all in one handy place.
How to Open Your Widgets
The Windows 11 Widgets feature offers quick access to news, weather, and other information. Microsoft designed the Widgets panel for easy access, allowing users to open it by clicking the Widgets icon located on the left side of the Windows 11 taskbar. This design means users do not need to open a separate application.
Hover or Click the Widgets Icon
The Windows 11 taskbar icon, typically on the left, shows weather or two squares. Hovering the mouse over this icon opens the Widgets board. Clicking the icon also opens the Widgets board.
Swipe from the Side (if Centered)
If your taskbar icons are centered (which is the default in Windows 11), you can also swipe inward from the left edge of your screen. This action opens the Widgets board. This method feels natural, especially if you use a touchscreen or prefer gesture-based controls.
Use a Keyboard Shortcut
If the Widgets icon does not appear on the Windows 11 taskbar, the feature may be turned off. This document will provide instructions on how to turn the Widgets feature back on.
Turning the Widgets Icon On or Off
You can easily turn the Windows 11 widgets icon on or off from your taskbar by opening your Taskbar settings.
- Right-Click Your Taskbar
Find an empty spot on your taskbar. Right-click it. Then, select Taskbar settings from the menu. This opens the settings for your taskbar.
- Find Taskbar Items
In the Taskbar settings window, look for a section called Taskbar items. Here you can control icons like Search, Task view, and Widgets.
- Turn Widgets On or Off
The Widgets switch controls the visibility of the Widgets icon on the Windows 11 taskbar. Clicking the Widgets switch to turn it On displays the icon. Clicking the Widgets switch to turn it Off hides the icon immediately.
Changing What’s in Your Widgets
The Windows 11 Widgets feature displays content tailored to each user's interests. This feature uses AI to highlight information important to the individual, moving beyond a random feed to offer personalized updates.
Add and Remove Widgets
Adding new widgets to your Windows 11 screen is simple: just open the Widgets panel, tap the plus (+) button to see what’s available, and then click the plus next to any widget you want to add.
To remove a widget from the Windows 11 taskbar, open the Widgets board. Find the specific widget you wish to remove. Click the three dots located in the widget's top-right corner. Then, from the menu that appears, select "Remove widget."
Move Your Widgets Around
The Windows 11 Widgets feature allows users to arrange widget cards for better usefulness. To reposition a widget card, open the Widgets board. Then, click and drag the specific widget card to the desired location. Users can move widget cards up, down, or sideways. This creates a layout that best suits the user's workflow.
Change Settings for Each Widget
You can change settings for individual Windows 11 widgets, like setting your location for weather or choosing news topics, by clicking the three dots (…) on the widget.
Manage What You’re Interested In
Windows 11 learns what news topics and other information you prefer for your widgets, and you can help it learn by using the like or dislike buttons to manage your interests.
Windows 11 Widgets encourage user exploration. Users can add specific widgets, like news feeds or weather reports, to test widget functions for one to two days. After testing, users can remove or rearrange these added widgets. Users can also add any widget back at any time.
Summary
The Windows 11 widgets feature is a handy way to get quick updates on news, weather, and your schedule without slowing down your computer.
Can I add widgets in 🪟 Windows 11?
Yes, you can add and customize widgets in Windows 11. Click the Widgets icon on your taskbar, then click the '+' button to add new widgets. You can also remove existing ones by clicking the three dots on a widget and selecting 'Remove widget'.
Where are the widgets in 🪟 Windows 11?
Widgets in Windows 11 are accessed via a dedicated icon on the left side of your taskbar, usually displaying a weather icon. Clicking this icon opens the Widgets board, a panel that slides out from the left, offering a quick glance at personalized information.
Are there any useful 🪟 Windows 11 widgets?
Windows 11 offers several useful widgets, including news headlines, weather forecasts, calendar events, stock market updates, and to-do lists. You can customize these to show information relevant to your interests, making it a convenient hub for staying informed and organized.
Should I disable 🪟 Windows 11 widgets?
Disabling Windows 11 widgets is a personal choice. If you find them distracting or don't use them, disabling them can free up taskbar space and potentially reduce system resource usage. However, they offer a convenient way to access personalized information quickly.
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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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