Getting rid of widgets on Windows 11 is a simple task. Widgets are tiny applets that offer quick access to information like weather, news, and calendar events. If you find them annoying or just prefer a cleaner desktop, this guide is for you. You’ll learn how to disable widgets in just a few clicks, making your computer screen refreshingly clutter-free.
How to Get Rid of Widgets on Windows 11
In this section, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to remove widgets from your Windows 11 desktop. This will help streamline your workspace and potentially improve system performance.
Step 1: Open Settings
First, click on the Start Menu and select “Settings.”
Once you’re in the Settings menu, you’ll see a variety of options. This is your main control hub for personalizing your computer.
Step 2: Navigate to Personalization
Next, find and click on “Personalization” in the left-hand menu.
The Personalization tab is where you can tweak everything from your background to your taskbar settings. This is where you’ll make changes to your widget settings.
Step 3: Select Taskbar
Under Personalization, click on “Taskbar.”
The Taskbar section is where you can manage what’s visible on your taskbar, including widgets.
Step 4: Disable Widgets
Locate the “Widgets” toggle and switch it off.
Turning off the Widgets toggle will instantly remove them from your taskbar, leaving more room for other useful icons.
Step 5: Close Settings
Simply close the Settings window to save your changes.
Once you’ve closed the Settings window, your taskbar will remain widget-free until you decide to change it again.
After completing these steps, your desktop will look cleaner, and you’ll have more space on your taskbar for other necessary applications. Disabling widgets can also contribute to a slight performance boost as your system will have fewer active processes.
Tips for Getting Rid of Widgets on Windows 11
- Consider creating a system restore point before making changes, just in case you wish to revert.
- Use focus assist to ensure notifications don’t distract you after removing widgets.
- Explore alternative apps or widgets that might better suit your needs.
- Regularly check for Windows updates to ensure optimal performance even after removing widgets.
- Familiarize yourself with other taskbar settings to further customize your experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I re-enable widgets after disabling them?
Yes, you can easily re-enable widgets by following the same steps and switching the toggle back on.
Do widgets impact system performance?
Widgets can use system resources, so removing them might improve performance, especially on older machines.
Can I remove individual widgets instead of all at once?
No, the current Windows 11 setup only allows you to disable or enable all widgets as a group.
Will disabling widgets affect my apps?
Disabling widgets only affects the tiny applets; it won’t impact your main applications or their performance.
Are there privacy concerns with widgets?
Some users worry about data being shared through widgets, so disabling them can also enhance privacy.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Personalization.
- Select Taskbar.
- Disable Widgets.
- Close Settings.
Conclusion
Removing widgets on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can make your desktop environment cleaner and possibly faster. As we’ve explored, widgets offer convenience but can also be distracting or consume valuable system resources. By disabling them, you’re not just tidying up your digital workspace; you’re also taking control of your computing environment.
This guide has shown you how easy it is to switch off widgets, but remember, you can always bring them back if you miss them. Consider this an opportunity to rethink how you use your taskbar.
Your taskbar should serve your workflow and not just be a catch-all space. If you’re ready for more customization, keep exploring Windows’ personalization settings, and discover how you can fine-tune your PC to your liking. Feel free to revisit these steps or check out further resources online. Keep learning and adapting to make your Windows 11 experience uniquely yours!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.