How to Disable or Remove Widgets in Windows 11

Widgets—it seems like they were all the rage when Windows 11 first strutted its stuff onto our desktops. They promised quick access to news, weather updates, calendar events, and even a Spotify playlist right from your home screen. For some, these tiny windows of information are the bees' knees, offering convenience in a hectic digital world. But for others, they might feel more like an unwarranted distraction or a drain on precious system resources. If you find yourself among the latter group, fret not! Disabling or removing those pesky widgets from your Windows 11 PC is an easy task. Let's delve into the nitty-gritty of widget management in Windows 11.

Understanding Windows 11 Widgets​

Widgets in Windows 11 serve as miniature applications that provide real-time information without the need to open full-fledged apps. You'll notice that these widgets frequently update, providing you with personalized content based on your interests. However, the downside is that they take up valuable RAM and CPU cycles, potentially slowing down your system, especially on older machines.

Hiding Widgets on the Desktop and Lock Screen​

If you're merely looking to hide the widgets instead of removing them entirely, the process couldn't be simpler. Windows 11 conveniently places a widget button right on your taskbar for instant access to all that information. However, if this button is more of an annoyance, it can be swiftly removed:

1. Right-click an empty area on your taskbar.
2. Select "Taskbar settings."
3. In the Settings window, locate “Taskbar items” and toggle off the “Widgets” option.

Presto! The widget button has vanished, allowing you more space on your taskbar—an uncluttered experience is just a few clicks away.

Removing Widgets from the Lock Screen​

Widgets also have a tendency to intrude on your lock screen, displaying everything from weather to stock market updates. If you'd prefer a clean lock screen, you can wipe those away too:

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to the “Personalization” tab.
3. Click on “Lock screen.”
4. From the drop-down menu next to “Lock screen status,” choose “None.”

This will stop widgets from playing peek-a-boo on your lock screen, but it doesn’t fully disable the feature.

Uninstalling Widgets Completely​

If you've followed the previous steps and still feel a lingering sense of unease knowing widgets can still be running in the background, it's time to go all the way. Uninstalling widgets means they stop using resources altogether:

1. Press Windows + S to access the search menu.
2. Type "powershell" and select “Run as administrator.”
3. Confirm the User Account Control (UAC) prompt by clicking “Yes.”
4. Copy and paste the following command and hit Enter:
   
   Code:

   powershell Get-AppxPackage *WebExperience* | Remove-AppxPackage

With this simple command, the widget feature is completely uninstalled from your system.

Reinstalling Widgets​

Should you change your mind and want those widgets back—fear not; they can be reinstalled just as easily as they were removed. Simply run the following command in PowerShell:

Conclusion​

Widgets can either streamline the way you interact with your digital world or become a source of distraction and resource drain—it's all about how you view them. By following the steps above, you can tailor your Windows 11 experience to be exactly what you want it to be: efficient, tailored, and widget-free if that’s your style. Now, no one is stopping you from enjoying that delightful Spotify playlist, but perhaps outside the clutches of Windows' widget feature! Happy customizing!
Source: SlashGear How To Disable Or Remove Widgets From Your Windows 11 PC