Windows 11 has a lot of things that make it worthy of upgrading from Windows 10. For instance, there is a significant user interface overhaul, new apps, improved apps, and other features, similar or better than Windows 10 stability, etc.
One of the new features introduced in Windows 11 is Widgets. If you are wondering, yes, Widgets are very similar to Gadgets in Windows 7 and Vista. Unlike in Windows 7 or Vista, where you can add gadgets directly to the desktop, Windows 11 has a dedicated section to add widgets. This is very similar to your phone’s notification center.
Currently, Microsoft supplies some useful widgets like a to-do list, weather, stock, etc., to get started. As time goes, Microsoft may add more widgets. In fact, hopefully, the widgets section will be opened up to developers for awesome third-party widgets and gadgets to enhance the overall Windows 11 experience.
Being a brand-new feature, the new Widgets section can be a bit confusing. To help you with that, this straightforward guide will show you how to add new widgets in Windows 11, remove them, and even customize widgets when needed. So, without further ado, let me show you how.
- How to open the widgets in Windows 11
- Add a new widget in Windows 11
- Remove a widget in Windows 11
- Customize a widget in Windows 11
How to open widgets in Windows 11
To open the Widgets section in Windows 11, click on the Widgets icon on the Taskbar. Generally, the Widgets icon will be right next to the Chat or TaskView icon. Refer to the below image to know what the Widgets icon looks like.
I cannot find the Widgets icon on the Taskbar
If you cannot find the Widget icon, it might be removed or hidden from the Taskbar. In that case, right-click on the Taskbar and select the “Taskbar settings” option. Next, turn on the “Widgets” option under the “Taskbar items” section. This action will instantly show the Widgets icon on the Taskbar.
Add a new widget in Windows 11
To add a new widget in Windows 11, follow the below steps.
- Click on the Widgets icon on the Taskbar.
- Press the “Add Widgets” button.
- Click on the widget you want to add.
- The widget is added to the Widget section.
- Click the “X” icon on the top-right corner of the selection window.
- You can see the newly added widget at the bottom.
First, click on the Widget icon on the Taskbar.
Next, click the “Add Widget” button.
Now, select the widget you want to add.
As soon as you do that, the widget is added. Close the widget selection window by clicking on the “X” icon on the top right corner.
You will see the newly added widget at the bottom of all the old widgets. If needed, you can move the widget to a different place in the Widgets screen. To do that, grab the top of the widget with your mouse pointer and drag & drop where you want to place it.
Remove a widget in Windows 11
To remove a widget in Windows 11, follow the below steps.
- Click the Widgets icon on the Taskbar.
- Click on the “Menu” (…) icon on the widget.
- Press the “Remove widget” option.
- With that, the widget is removed in Windows 11.
First, open the Widgets section and then click the Menu icon (…) appearing on the top-right corner of the widget. From here, click the “Remove widget” option. As soon as you select the option, the widget is removed immediately.
Customize a widget in Windows 11
Windows 11 lets you customize widgets a little bit. That is, you can make them big or small. To change the widget size, click on the “Menu” icon (…) and then choose the “Medium” or “Large” option according to what you need.
Some widgets will have additional customization options. For example, the weather widget lets you change the city. To customize a widget, click on the “Menu” icon (…) and then select the “Customize widget” option.
Depending on the widget, the customization options will be different. In the weather widget’s case, you can change the city and choose between Celsius or Fahrenheit.
The widget icon might be hidden. Go to the “Settings > Personalization > Taskbar” and turn on the “Widgets” option.
Not all widgets support customization. If a widget doesn’t support customization, you will not see the “Customize widget” option.
If you cannot open widgets or use them, it is possible that you are not signed in to your Microsoft Account. An MS account is required to use widgets. So, sign in to your Microsoft Account and then try again.
No. You can only add widgets in the Widgets section. You cannot add them to the desktop.
That is all. It is that simple to add a widget in Windows 11 and remove a widget in Windows 11.
I hope that helps.
If you are stuck or need some help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible.
