Windows 11 introduced a variety of new features, and one of the most noticeable additions is the Widgets panel. By default, you’ll see a small weather icon (or another icon) sitting on the left side of your taskbar. Clicking it opens a panel with things like news, weather, stocks, sports, and more.
While some users love this feature, others find it distracting, unnecessary, or just plain clutter on their taskbar. If you belong to the second group, you’ll be glad to know that removing widgets from the Windows 11 taskbar is incredibly simple.
In this guide, we’ll go step by step on how to remove widgets from Windows 11’s taskbar, plus explore extra customization options so you can make your taskbar look exactly the way you want.
What Are Widgets in Windows 11?
Widgets are essentially mini-apps that show quick information at a glance. Some common ones include:
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️ Weather widget – Shows current conditions and forecasts.
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News widget – Displays trending headlines.
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Finance widget – Tracks stocks and crypto.
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⚽ Sports widget – Gives live scores and updates.
It’s Microsoft’s attempt to provide a personalized feed right from your desktop, similar to the old “News and Interests” in Windows 10.
Why Remove Widgets from the Taskbar?
Not everyone wants them, and here’s why:
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Distraction – Constant news updates can be annoying.
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Clutter – If you prefer a clean taskbar, widgets get in the way.
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⚡ Performance – Widgets run in the background and use resources.
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Privacy – Some people don’t want Microsoft pulling personal data to customize the feed.
If you never click on the weather icon, it makes sense to just turn it off.
Method 1: Remove Widgets via Taskbar Settings (Easiest Way)
This is the simplest and most user-friendly method.
Steps:
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Right-click anywhere on your taskbar.
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Select Taskbar settings.
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Under Taskbar items, find Widgets.
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Toggle the switch Off.
That’s it! The widgets icon disappears instantly.
Method 2: Remove Widgets Using Windows Settings
You can also disable widgets directly through the Settings app.
Steps:
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Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
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Navigate to Personalization > Taskbar.
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Locate the Widgets option.
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Switch the toggle Off.
Now your taskbar is widget-free.
Method 3: Remove Widgets via Group Policy Editor (Advanced)
This method is for Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise users who want to block widgets system-wide.
Steps:
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Press Windows key + R, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter. -
Go to:
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Double-click Allow widgets.
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Select Disabled.
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Click Apply > OK.
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Restart your PC.
Widgets will now be completely disabled for all users.
Method 4: Remove Widgets via Registry Editor
If you’re on Windows 11 Home, you don’t have Group Policy Editor. Instead, you can use the registry.
Steps:
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Press Windows key + R, type
regedit, and hit Enter. -
Navigate to this path:
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Find the value named TaskbarDa.
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Double-click it and change the value data:
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0= Disable widgets -
1= Enable widgets
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Click OK and restart your computer.
Method 5: Remove Widgets with PowerShell
If you want a quick command-line solution, PowerShell works.
Steps:
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Right-click the Start menu and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
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Type the following command:
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Press Enter.
This completely uninstalls the Windows Web Experience Pack, which powers widgets.
Note: This is a permanent removal (unless you reinstall from Microsoft Store).
Bonus: Re-Enable Widgets Later
If you ever change your mind:
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Taskbar Settings → Toggle Widgets back On.
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Or reinstall via Microsoft Store → search for Windows Web Experience Pack and install it again.
Troubleshooting Tips
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❌ Widgets toggle missing in Settings → Update Windows to the latest version.
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⚠️ Group Policy settings not applying → Run
gpupdate /forcein Command Prompt. -
Registry change not working → Double-check the path and restart Explorer.
Pros and Cons of Removing Widgets
✅ Pros:
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Cleaner, minimal taskbar.
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Reduces distractions and background processes.
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Slightly improves system performance.
❌ Cons:
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You lose quick access to weather and news.
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Requires extra steps to bring back if removed via PowerShell.
Should You Remove Widgets from Windows 11 Taskbar?
It depends on how you use your computer. If you like quick info at a glance, widgets can be useful. But if you prefer a clean, distraction-free taskbar, removing them is the way to go.
Think of it like decluttering your desk—sometimes less is more.
Conclusion
Removing widgets from the Windows 11 taskbar is quick and easy. Whether you use Taskbar settings, Group Policy, Registry tweaks, or PowerShell, you have multiple options to suit your needs.
Your HP, Dell, Lenovo, or custom-built PC doesn’t need to look the same as everyone else’s—customize it to match your workflow and style.
FAQs
1. Does removing widgets improve performance in Windows 11?
Yes, slightly. Widgets consume background resources, so disabling them can free up memory and CPU.
2. Can I remove widgets without admin rights?
No, you’ll need admin access to use Registry, PowerShell, or Group Policy methods.
3. Will disabling widgets affect other apps?
No, it only removes the taskbar widget panel. Your apps will still run normally.
4. Can I get widgets back after uninstalling with PowerShell?
Yes, by reinstalling the Windows Web Experience Pack from the Microsoft Store.
5. Do widgets work on Windows 11 Home edition?
Yes, but you’ll need to use Settings or Registry to remove them (Group Policy isn’t available).