Windows 11 introduces a significant feature known as widgets, which might remind you of the Windows 10 Start menu's Live Tiles. However, these widgets are accessed via your taskbar, offering a more streamlined and customizable experience. If you're new to Windows 11, experimenting with a few of these widgets can enhance your daily computing experience by providing quick access to essential information.

Table of Contents

• What Are Windows 11 Widgets?
• How to Add Windows Widgets
• How to Remove Windows Widgets
• How to Change Widget Settings
• How to Customize Widget News
• Which Windows 11 Widgets to Add First?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Also read: How to Safely Circumvent the TPM 2.0 Requirement in Windows 11

What Are Windows 11 Widgets?

If you've used Windows 10, you're likely familiar with the "Live Tiles" on the Start menu, which display dynamic content like weather, news, and photos. Windows 11 widgets offer a similar experience but with improvements; they don't clutter your Start menu and are easier to manage.

These widgets are standalone apps added to a widget menu accessible from your taskbar. Clicking the widget icon reveals a dashboard with information on weather, sports, news, traffic, photos, and even your to-do list. You can tailor each widget to your preferences and remove any you don't find useful. Additionally, you can adjust the news feed to show content that interests you.

Also read: How to Restore the Classic Volume Mixer in Windows 11

How to Add Windows Widgets

If the widget icon (a blue and white square) is missing from your taskbar, you'll need to enable the widget feature.

1. Right-click your taskbar and select "Taskbar Settings."
2. Turn the "Widgets" option to "On."

3. The widget icon will then appear next to your Start menu. Note that you can't reposition this icon on the taskbar.

After adding it, click the widget icon to see the default setup, which includes Weather, Sports, Photos, and Suggested Stocks. Below these, you'll find various news stories covering local, national, international, and entertainment topics.

To add a new widget, click the "Add widgets" button located just below the widget tiles and above the news tiles.

Although the selection is limited, adding a widget is as simple as clicking on its name or the " " icon next to it, which will add it to your list below the last existing widget.

How to Remove Windows Widgets

If you want to remove a widget, whether it's a default one or one you've added, follow these steps:

1. Click the three-dot menu button at the top right of the widget you wish to remove.

2. Choose "Remove widget."

This action will delete the widget and any custom settings you've applied. If you decide to add it back later, you'll need to reconfigure your settings, such as selecting specific sports teams or cities for the weather.

Also read: Why Encryption Isn't Working on Windows 11 Home, and How to Resolve It

How to Change Widget Settings

Each Windows 11 widget can be customized to fit your needs.

1. Click the three-dot menu on the widget you want to customize and select "Customize widget." For instance, let's customize the Sports widget.

2. You'll see options to add your favorite teams and leagues. By default, it might be set to the NBA, but you can change it to, say, MLS.

3. The widget will then display the top score(s) from the selected league or team. Click "See more MLS" (or whatever league/team you've chosen) to view more details. This link directs you to the relevant MSN webpage.

4. Besides changing settings, you can rearrange your widgets by dragging and dropping them into your preferred order. Note that you can't rearrange the News section, which sits below the widgets.

5. Drag the individual widget boxes to reorder them as desired.

Also read: A Comprehensive Guide to Windows 11 Context Menus

How to Customize Widget News

The news section, while not technically a widget, can still be tailored to your interests. By default, it shows a mix of various topics.

1. The "Top stories" section remains fixed, but you can customize everything below it. Scroll down to the first news story after "Top stories."
2. Click the three-dot menu at the bottom right and choose "Manage interests." You'll need to be signed into Windows to do this.

3. This will take you to MSN.com, where you can add or remove interests. If you're starting fresh, you'll see a blank slate. Use the categories on the left to filter options, and click the " " button next to topics to add them to your feed. You can also search for specific topics or publications using the search box at the top.

4. Adjust your news sources using the "Tune your feed" option at the bottom left of the page. For example, if you prefer the Associated Press over CNN, you can set AP as your preferred provider. After making these adjustments, your news feed will better reflect your interests.

5. You can also customize individual stories by hiding them, liking, or disliking them. Click the menu button at the bottom right of a story and select "More stories like this," "Fewer stories like this," or "Hide stories from source."

Which Windows 11 Widgets to Add First?

If you're new to Windows 11 widgets, start with a few that can be particularly useful:

• Weather – Get quick weather updates for your current location or any city you choose.
• To Do – Manage your daily tasks by creating and checking off to-do lists.
• Outlook Calendar – Keep your schedule at your fingertips without opening Outlook. Simply link your Outlook account to view your calendar details from the widget.

If you use a "Microsoft Family" account, consider adding the "Family Safety" widget for easy management from your taskbar. The Traffic widget is also handy for checking road conditions before you leave.

Also read: Troubleshooting the Windows 11 Search Bar: 9 Effective Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why haven't my news stories changed after editing my interests?

It might take up to 24 hours for your preferences to take effect. To see changes more quickly, restart your PC. Remember, news stories outside of top stories don't update immediately. If you see content you don't like, you can hide it by clicking the "X" button on the story, or you can dislike it or hide the source as described in the Customize News Widget section.

2. Can I adjust the size of a widget?

Yes, you can. Each widget has default sizes, either Small or Medium. Click the menu icon at the top right of the widget and choose a size to display more or less information. For example, the Sports widget shows one set of scores on Small, three on Medium, and four on Large.

3. What is the purpose of the Search box at the top of the widget menu?

The Windows 11 widget feature includes a search option powered by "Bing Search." When you open the widget menu from your taskbar, you can use this search box to find information, which will open results in the Edge browser. You can't change this default behavior without third-party tools, which may not work well. It's often simpler to use your preferred browser for searches.

4. Do widgets impact my PC's performance?

No, widgets are less resource-intensive than the "Live Tiles" in Windows 8 and 10. However, if you're using your PC on battery power, consider avoiding widgets that update frequently, like Photos. Widgets are less demanding because there are fewer options available, though this may change in future updates.

5. Are widgets the only way to customize my taskbar?

Not at all. While widgets are a useful addition, you can further customize your taskbar by adding items, shortcuts, a search box, a touch keyboard, and more to enhance its functionality.

6. How can I add widgets in Windows 10?

Windows 10 doesn't support the same widget feature as Windows 11. To achieve a similar effect, use Live Tiles within the Start menu. If you prefer Windows 11 widgets, consider upgrading to Windows 11, provided your device meets the system requirements.

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