How to Disable Widgets on Windows 11: A Complete Guide

Windows 11 came bursting onto the scene with its glitzy new design and a slew of features, one of which is the much-debated Widgets. While some users appreciate the quick access to information they provide, others find them to be an annoying distraction, cluttering up their experience. If you belong to the latter group and are looking to liberate your desktop from these pesky interruptions, you're in the right place!

What are Widgets?​

Widgets in Windows 11 serve as small apps that provide at-a-glance information on your desktop or taskbar—think weather updates, news bites, and sports scores. They can be called up easily with the Win+W shortcut. However, for many users, these widgets seem to take over the interface rather than enhance it. If you find yourself clicking them accidentally or if they’re simply not your thing, here’s how to completely disable them.

The Registry Editor Fix​

To disable the Widgets feature entirely, a few simple steps in the Registry Editor will do the trick. Not familiar with Registry Editor? Don’t worry! It’s simply a tool that lets you view and change settings for your system. However, exercise caution: changing the wrong settings here can have adverse effects, so be mindful of the changes you make.

Steps to Disable Widgets on Windows 11​

1. Open Registry Editor:
   • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
   • Type regedit and hit Enter. If prompted for permission, click "Yes."
2. Navigate to the Register Path:
   • Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft.
   • This folder manages policies for various aspects of Windows.
3. Create a New Key:
   • Right-click on the Microsoft entry.
   • Select New, then Key.
   • Name the new key Dsh.
4. Create DWORD Value:
   • Right-click on the newly created Dsh key.
   • Select New, then choose DWORD (32-bit) Value.
   • Name it AllowNewsAndInterests.
5. Set the Value to 0:
   • Double-click AllowNewsAndInterests.
   • Set its value data to 0. This action effectively disables the widgets.
6. Restart Your Computer:
   • Close Registry Editor and restart your PC.

After these steps, you will not see Widgets on your taskbar, lock screen, or even when invoking the Win+W shortcut. Freedom at last!

What If You Change Your Mind?​

If you ever decide that widgets are worth having back—perhaps out of curiosity, or the weather apps turn out to be life-saving—you can reverse the changes. Simply go back to the Registry Editor, locate the Dsh key, and delete it. Voila! Widgets will reappear, ready to serve, should you choose to engage with them again.

Broader Context: Windows Customization​

Disabling widgets is just one of many ways Windows 11 empowers you to customize your experience. By gaining control over what appears on your taskbar and lock screen, you wield the power of personalizing your desktop to the max. Windows has long been about user experience, and taking the time to configure what's displayed is a way to turn the operating system into a digital home rather than just a tool for productivity.

Why Bother with Widgets?​

For those who may still be on the fence about the usefulness of widgets, consider their advantages. Widgets can streamline access to important information without necessitating multiple app windows or tab toggling. By displaying information in real-time, they aim to enhance productivity. So, whether you’re managing your time, keeping abreast of the latest news, or monitoring the weather outside, take a moment to evaluate whether the convenience outweighs your annoyance with their presence.

Final Thoughts​

Whether you choose to embrace or banish the Windows 11 Widgets completely, you’ve got the tools and knowledge at your fingertips to tailor the operating system to suit your lifestyle. Remember, tech should serve you, not the other way around! Enjoy refining your Windows experience to make it your own, and hopefully, the newfound clarity on your screen will make your digital life a bit smoother.
Feel free to share your experience with disabling widgets or any other handy tips you’ve discovered in Windows 11 in the comments below!

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Source: The Android Soul How to Disable Widgets Entirely on Windows 11