Widgets in Windows 11 aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. They can be handy for a quick glance at the news, weather, or your calendar without opening any apps. But if you prefer a cleaner desktop or find them a bit cluttered, turning them off is a ripper move. It’s straightforward — just a couple of clicks in the right spot. Oddly enough, Microsoft makes it a bit tricky to disable them, since you can’t just right-click and switch them off like you’d think. No worries, though — here’s how to do it without tearing your hair out.
Windows 11: How to Disable Widgets
This guide runs through the quickest way to get rid of those pesky widgets and tidy up your taskbar. Doing this will give your desktop a more minimalist look and free up some space for what you actually use. When you’re done, the widgets are out of sight, and Windows won’t bother you with news snippets you don’t want.
Method 1: Using the Taskbar to Kill Off Widgets
This is the easiest, most reliable way. It works smoothly on most setups. The trick is knowing where the settings hide — Windows doesn’t always make it obvious.
- Right-click on any empty space on your taskbar. Yep, that’s the bar at the bottom of the screen. Not on the icons, just some blank patch.
- A menu will pop up, and you want Taskbar settings. Sometimes it’s called Taskbar Personalisation, but it’s the same deal.
- This opens the taskbar customisation page. Scroll down until you see the Widgets toggle. It’s usually a switch next to the word “Widgets”.
- Click that toggle to turn it off. Instantly, the widget icon disappears from your taskbar, and your desktop feels a lot less cluttered. Because, of course, Windows has to make it harder than it needs to be.
- Close the window — all done. No need to restart or anything, it’s all instant.
And just like that, your taskbar looks a whole lot cleaner. If you ever want them back, just follow the same steps and flick that toggle on again. Easy as!
Tips for Disabling Widgets in Windows 11
- Think about whether you actually use widgets every day. Sometimes they sneak in without you noticing.
- Disabling them doesn’t delete anything. If you change your mind later, it’s just one toggle away from bringing them back.
- Using multiple monitors? Yep, the change applies across all your screens.
- Some say their system feels a bit snappier afterward — probably because Windows isn’t draining resources on the widgets anymore.
- While you’re mucking about in the settings, it’s worth having a squiz at other taskbar tweaks. Makes your setup more your own.
FAQs That Might Help
Why bother disabling widgets?
Honestly, if they’re just cluttering your view or distracting you, turning them off clears the space. Plus, some reckon it improves performance since widgets do gobble a bit of system resources.
Can I turn them back on later?
Too right. Same steps — just flick that switch on again if you want them back.
Will disabling widgets hurt my PC or data?
Nope. It’s just a visual switch. Nothing gets deleted, no worries. It’s simply hiding the feature, not removing it.
Does turning off widgets give my system a boost?
In some cases, yeah. Especially on older or lower-powered machines, shutting down unnecessary background features can give a bit of a speed boost.
Is there any risk in disabling them?
Not really. Just a harmless toggle — no fuss, no risk.
Summary
- Right-click on the taskbar.
- Select Taskbar settings.
- Find the Widgets toggle.
- Flip it off.
- Close settings, and enjoy a cleaner desktop.
Wrap-up
Hopefully, this saves someone a few minutes, or at least makes your desktop look a bit more your own.