This article updated by MiniTool Tech explains the widgets feature of Windows 11. It includes its definition and how to use it. After reading, you'll learn where the widgets are located in Windows 11, what widgets are available, how to add new ones, and how to manage the Widgets icon.

As the next-generation operating system, Windows 11 has been officially released since October 5th, 2021. You can experience its innovative features along with improved utilities like the widgets panel, which has already become popular in Windows 10.

What Are the Windows 11 Widgets?

Similar to the widgets in Windows 10, these small boxes in Windows 11 serve as entry points for different applications or tools, such as news, clocks, weather, and calendars. Besides functioning as app shortcuts, widgets also provide a quick overview of each program's main features. Additionally, you can personalize the widgets section to display only the items you prefer.

The appearance and overall content style of Windows 11 desktop widgets may remind you of the Live Tiles in Windows 10 or its recent News and Interests menu. Furthermore, Windows 11 widgets resemble the gadgets in Windows 7 and Windows Vista, which allowed users to add small icons and display information like weather and news headlines.

However, Microsoft removed them due to security concerns raised by third-party gadgets. Conversely, at least for now, Widgets is entirely powered by official services such as the Edge web browser and MSN (Microsoft Network).

How to Access Windows 11 Widgets

Like the widgets in Windows 10, you can access them from the taskbar. The difference is that instead of finding the widgets by clicking on the Start menu icon located in the bottom-left corner, you can directly access widgets on Windows 11 from the taskbar. There is a widgets icon there, allowing you to open Windows 11 desktop widgets with a single click.

What Are the Popular Widgets?

Below are all the widgets available in the Windows 11 Insider Preview build.

• Outlook Calendar: Displays the current date and lists any upcoming events you’ve added.
• Weather: Shows current weather conditions in your area and the weather forecast for the next three days.
• Traffic: Displays a small map and describes the traffic conditions in your region.
• To-do List: Allows you to create a list of tasks and display it in the widgets menu. You can mark individual tasks as completed.
• Photos: Cycles through photos and images stored in your Microsoft account.
• Entertainment: Lists TV shows and movies recently released on the Microsoft Store.
• Esports: Shows current esports scores and recent results. You can adjust which leagues and teams are displayed.
• Watchlist: Displays stock values. Similarly, you can also select which stocks to show.
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• MLB: Shows the last competition scores and date of Major League Baseball.
• Family Safety: Enables you to quickly set up recommended family safety options from Microsoft’s account. Once done, you can see recent activity from your Microsoft family group members.
• Tips: Shows tips that help you use Microsoft Windows 11 apps better.
• News: Finally, there is a large section at the bottom of the widgets popup showing you the headlines from a range of news sources including "Top Stories."

Also read: Top 5 Solutions to Widgets Not Working on Windows 11

How to Add Widgets to Windows 11 Desktop?

How to get widgets on Windows 11? Generally, it’s straightforward. Just click the Add widgets button between the main widgets and the Top Stories section, then click on the widgets you want to add in the widget settings menu.

Additionally, you can click on the three dots in the top-right of each widget and manage it. You can decide the widget’s size—small, medium (by default), or large; customize the widget; or remove the widget.

Moreover, you can click on the three dots in the bottom-right of each news item to specify your news preferences. You can request more or fewer stories like this, hide stories from the week, manage interests, save it for later, or report an issue. (It appears this feature is unavailable in later Windows 11 versions.)

How to Disable/Enable Widgets?

Lastly, let’s see how to remove or re-add the Widgets icon from/to the taskbar. It’s easy. Just right-click on the blank area on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings, in the new Settings window, find Widgets under Taskbar items section. Then, switch off Widgets to remove it from the taskbar; turn it on to show Widgets on the taskbar. That’s it!

In conclusion, you need to be aware that this is not the final version of Windows 11 widgets. They can differ with the update of Windows 11. However, even if there are changes to widgets, they should be minor.

Also read

• What Is Windows 11 Simulator & Best Windows 11 Simulator
• Where to Get Windows 11 CD Key & How to Activate Win11 with It?
• What to Do If You Encounter Fake Windows 11 Downloader/Installer?

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