Widgets are one of Windows 11’s most noticeable new features, giving you quick access to news, weather, calendar events, and more. While they can be handy, not everyone wants a panel of live updates distracting them. Fortunately, Windows 11 allows you to remove widgets — either by disabling the widget panel or completely uninstalling the feature from your system. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to uninstall widgets on Windows 11.
Why You Might Want to Uninstall Widgets
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why you might want to remove them:
- Better Performance: Widgets consume RAM and background resources, which can slightly slow down older PCs.
- Distraction-Free Experience: If you prefer a clean desktop without news feeds, widgets can feel intrusive.
- Privacy Concerns: Widgets use your Microsoft account and send data to personalize content, which not everyone is comfortable with.
If any of these reasons resonate with you, uninstalling widgets might be the right choice.
Understanding Widgets in Windows 11
Widgets in Windows 11 are powered by the Windows Web Experience Pack, which delivers news, weather, and other content via Microsoft services. This means that when you uninstall widgets, you are essentially disabling this package and the associated background services.
Method 1: Disable Widgets from the Taskbar
If you don’t want to completely uninstall widgets but simply hide them from view, this is the quickest method.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Right-Click the Taskbar: Anywhere on the empty space of your taskbar.
- Select Taskbar Settings: A settings panel will open.
- Find the Widgets Option: You’ll see a toggle switch next to “Widgets.”
- Turn the Toggle Off: This will instantly remove the widgets icon from your taskbar.
Result: The widget panel is no longer visible, but the feature remains installed.
Method 2: Uninstall Widgets Using Settings
If you want to completely uninstall widgets from Windows 11, you can do so via the Settings app.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open Settings: Press Win + I to quickly open the Settings app.
- Go to Apps: Select Apps from the left sidebar.
- Choose Installed Apps: This will display all apps installed on your system.
- Search for Widgets: Type “Windows Web Experience Pack” in the search bar.
- Click the Three Dots Menu: Next to the package name.
- Select Uninstall: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the removal.
Result: Widgets will be completely removed from your Windows 11 installation.
Method 3: Uninstall Widgets Using PowerShell
For advanced users, PowerShell provides a fast way to uninstall widgets. This is especially useful if you want to automate the process on multiple PCs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open PowerShell as Administrator:
- Press Win + S, type PowerShell, right-click it, and select Run as Administrator.
- Run the Command: Copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage *WebExperience* | Remove-AppxPackage - Wait for the Process to Complete: PowerShell will remove the package from your system.
Result: Widgets are uninstalled, and the taskbar widget icon will disappear.
Method 4: Reinstall Widgets (If You Change Your Mind)
Uninstalled widgets but want them back? No problem!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open Microsoft Store: Press Win + S, type Microsoft Store, and open it.
- Search for Windows Web Experience Pack:
- Click Install: Wait for the installation to finish.
- Re-enable Widgets: Go to Taskbar settings and toggle widgets back on.
Table: Comparison of Widget Management Methods
| Method | Difficulty | Completely Removes Widgets? | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disable via Taskbar | Easy | No | Users who just want to hide widgets |
| Settings App | Easy | Yes | Beginners who want a GUI-based approach |
| PowerShell | Medium | Yes | Advanced users or IT admins |
Pros and Cons of Uninstalling Widgets
Pros
- Frees up system resources.
- Reduces distractions.
- Improves privacy.
Cons
- You lose quick access to weather, news, and other quick-glance info.
- Requires reinstallation if you want them back.
Troubleshooting: What If Widgets Don’t Uninstall?
Sometimes, the uninstall option may be grayed out, or the widgets reappear after updates. Here’s what you can do:
- Run Windows Update: Make sure you’re on the latest build.
- Use PowerShell: This bypasses most restrictions.
- Restart Your PC: Sometimes changes take effect only after a reboot.
FAQs About Uninstalling Widgets on Windows 11
1. Can I remove widgets without affecting other apps?
Yes. Uninstalling widgets only removes the Windows Web Experience Pack, leaving your other apps untouched.
2. Do widgets slow down my PC?
They can consume some background resources, so removing them might slightly improve performance on low-end PCs.
3. Can I hide widgets instead of uninstalling them?
Absolutely! Just toggle them off in Taskbar settings.
4. Will Windows Updates reinstall widgets?
Sometimes, major feature updates may reinstall them, but you can remove them again using the same steps.
5. Is PowerShell safe for uninstalling widgets?
Yes, as long as you run the exact command provided above, it is safe and supported by Windows.
Conclusion
Removing widgets from Windows 11 is easy, whether you simply want to hide them or completely uninstall them. For most users, toggling them off in Taskbar settings is enough to declutter the desktop. If you want to free up resources and keep them gone, uninstalling via Settings or PowerShell is the way to go.
Taking control of your PC’s features helps you create a distraction-free, optimized workspace — and you can always reinstall widgets later if you miss them.
Would you like me to include screenshots of each step (Settings, PowerShell, Microsoft Store) to make the guide even more beginner-friendly?