Windows 11 introduced Widgets — a panel that shows you quick info like weather, news, calendar, and sports updates. While some users find it useful, others see it as a distraction or an unnecessary feature that takes up taskbar space.
If you’re in the second group, don’t worry — disabling Windows 11 widgets is simple. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you multiple methods to turn off widgets so you can keep your desktop clean and distraction-free.
Key Takeaways
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Widgets in Windows 11 can be disabled directly from the taskbar settings.
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You can also remove them using Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor.
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Turning off widgets can improve performance and reduce clutter.
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You can re-enable them anytime if you change your mind.
What Are Widgets in Windows 11?
Widgets are like mini dashboards that provide quick access to:
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Weather updates ☁️
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Breaking news 📰
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Sports scores ⚽
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Stock market info 💹
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Calendar & reminders 📅
They appear when you click the Widgets icon (a square with blue and white sections) on the taskbar or press Win + W.
Why Disable Windows 11 Widgets?
Not everyone likes Widgets. Common reasons to disable them include:
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Distraction-free desktop: Focus on work without news popups.
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Performance boost: Fewer background processes.
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Privacy concerns: Prevent unwanted data collection and news feed tracking.
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Cleaner taskbar: Free up space for apps you actually use.
Method 1: Disable Widgets from Taskbar Settings
This is the quickest way.
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Right-click an empty space on your taskbar.
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Select Taskbar settings.
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In the Taskbar items section, toggle Widgets to Off.
✅ The Widgets icon will disappear instantly.
Method 2: Use Keyboard Shortcut to Disable Access
Even after hiding the icon, pressing Win + W can still open Widgets. To completely disable them, you’ll need Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor (see below).
Method 3: Disable Widgets via Group Policy Editor (Windows 11 Pro)
If you’re using Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you can use Group Policy Editor.
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Press Win + R, type
gpedit.msc, and hit Enter. -
Navigate to:
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Double-click Allow widgets.
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Select Disabled > click Apply > OK.
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Restart your PC to apply changes.
Method 4: Disable Widgets via Registry Editor (Works on All Editions)
For Windows 11 Home users, the Registry Editor is the best option.
⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry can cause issues if done incorrectly. Always back up before making changes.
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Press Win + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. -
Navigate to:
(If the “Dsh” key doesn’t exist, create it.)
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Inside Dsh, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value.
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Name it:
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Set its value to 0.
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Restart your PC.
✅ Widgets will be completely disabled.
Method 5: Disable Widgets Startup Services
Widgets run background services. You can stop them from running at startup:
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
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Go to the Startup apps tab.
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Look for Windows Widgets (or similar).
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Right-click > Disable.
Comparison of Methods
| Method | Difficulty | Works On | Reversible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taskbar Settings | Easy | All editions | ✅ Yes |
| Group Policy | Medium | Pro/Enterprise | ✅ Yes |
| Registry Editor | Medium | All editions | ✅ Yes |
| Task Manager | Easy | All editions | ✅ Yes |
Step-by-Step Recap
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Right-click taskbar > Taskbar settings > Turn Widgets Off.
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Use Group Policy Editor (Pro editions) for deeper control.
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Use Registry Editor (all editions) to disable permanently.
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Disable from Task Manager if needed.
Conclusion
Widgets can be helpful for quick updates, but if you prefer a minimalist, distraction-free, and faster PC experience, disabling them is the way to go.
The good news? Windows 11 gives you multiple ways to disable Widgets — from a simple taskbar toggle to advanced system tweaks with Group Policy and Registry. And if you ever miss them, you can always turn them back on.
👉 Try Method 1 first (fastest), and if you want full control, explore the other options.
FAQs
1. Can I re-enable Widgets after disabling them?
Yes, just reverse the steps — toggle Widgets back on in Taskbar settings or change Registry/Policy values.
2. Does disabling Widgets improve performance?
Yes, slightly. It reduces background processes and memory usage.
3. Are Widgets available in all editions of Windows 11?
Yes, Widgets are included in both Home and Pro editions.
4. Will disabling Widgets affect other features?
No, only the Widgets panel is disabled. Other taskbar features remain intact.
5. Can I disable Widgets without admin rights?
You need administrator access for Registry or Group Policy changes, but you can hide the icon without admin rights.