How to Add or Remove Widgets on the Windows 11 Desktop (2024)

> Microsoft

Widgets are small apps that can display dynamic information on your desktop. This article explains how to add and remove Windows 11 widgets.

How to Add Widgets in Windows 11

The standard way to use widgets in Windows 11 is through the widgets panel. Here's how it works:

1. Press Win+W to open the widgets board. Or swipe right if you're using a touch screen.

2. Select the plus (+) at the top of the panel.

   

3. Select Pin next to the widget you want to add.

   

4. The widgets you selected will appear in the widgets panel. Select a widget's title to open the source app or website.
   

   

5. Select outside of the widgets panel or press Win+W again to close it.

How to Add Widgets to the Windows Desktop

The widgets board described above is the only built-in, Microsoft-approved way to add widgets to Windows 11. Third-party tools, however, can be used to add widgets directly to the desktop.

If you install Widget Launcher from the Microsoft Store, for example, putting widgets on the desktop in Windows 11 is as easy as selecting one from the list and choosing Launch Widget.

How to Customize Windows 11 Widgets

You can interact with each widget in unique ways. Here's how to access more options

1. Open the widgets board (Win+W or swipe right).

2. Select the three dots in the upper-right corner of the widget.
   

   

3. If your widget can be resized, you'll see those options (Small, Medium, or Large) in this menu.

   Select Customize widget for additional options.
   

   

4. Make any changes you want and select Save.

   

How to Remove Widgets From Windows 11

Removing widgets in Windows 11 is just as straightforward as adding them to the panel.

1. Locate the widget you want to delete.

2. Select the three dots in the upper-right corner of the widget.

   See Also

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3. Select Unpin widget.

   

How to Add the Widgets Panel to the Windows 11 Taskbar

You can add a shortcut to the widgets board to your Windows taskbar:

1. Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.

   

2. Select the Widgets toggle to turn it On.

   

3. The widgets shortcut appears in the lower-left corner of the taskbar. At first, you'll see a generic icon, but it will soon be replaced by the weather widget. Select it to open the widgets panel.

   

How to Customize the Windows 11 News Feed

In addition to widgets, the widgets board displays news stories from various sources. You can't get rid of news altogether, but you can hide individual stories and personalize what shows up in your news feed.

1. Open the widgets board and select your profile image in the upper-right corner.

2. Select Manage interests at the bottom of the pop-up window.

   

3. Select the plus sign next to a category to prioritize those stories in your news feed.

   

4. To teach Windows which kinds of stories you like and dislike, use the thumbs up and thumbs down buttons under any story.