Widgets in Windows 11 provide quick access to news, weather, sports, and other web-based content. While some users find them useful, others consider them distracting, unnecessary, or a waste of system resources—especially if the Widgets panel keeps opening accidentally from the taskbar.
The good news is that Windows 11 lets you disable Widgets completely, and you can turn them back on anytime if you change your mind.
Disable Widgets in Windows 11
The methods below show all the reliable ways to disable Widgets, starting with the easiest built-in option. We recommend using Taskbar settings first, as it’s the simplest and safest approach for most users.
1. Disable Widgets from Taskbar Settings (Recommended)
This is the quickest way to remove Widgets from your system.
- Right-click an empty area of the taskbar.
- Select Taskbar settings.
- Under Taskbar items, find Widgets.
- Toggle Widgets Off.
The Widgets icon will disappear immediately from the taskbar, and the panel will no longer open.
2. Disable Widgets Using Settings App
You can also disable Widgets directly through Windows Settings.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Personalization.
- Click Taskbar.
- Locate Widgets under Taskbar items.
- Turn the toggle Off.
This achieves the same result as the right-click method.
3. Disable Widgets Using Group Policy Editor (Windows Pro & Enterprise)
If you’re using Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, Group Policy provides a system-level way to disable Widgets.
- Press Windows + R, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter. - Navigate to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Widgets - Double-click Allow widgets.
- Set it to Disabled.
- Click Apply, then OK.
- Restart your PC.
This fully disables Widgets for the system.
4. Disable Widgets Using Registry Editor (Windows Home)
If you’re on Windows 11 Home, Registry Editor offers the same control.
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft - Right-click Microsoft, choose New > Key, and name it Dsh.
- Select the Dsh key.
- Right-click in the right pane and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name it AllowNewsAndInterests.
- Double-click it and set the value to 0.
- Click OK and restart your PC.
After reboot, Widgets will be disabled completely.
5. Restart Windows Explorer (If Widgets Still Appear)
If the Widgets icon doesn’t disappear right away, restarting Explorer helps.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Find Windows Explorer.
- Right-click it and select Restart.
This refreshes the taskbar and applies the changes instantly.
6. Re-Enable Widgets If Needed
If you ever want Widgets back, reversing the change is easy.
- Turn Widgets back On in Taskbar settings
- Set Group Policy to Not Configured
- Delete or modify the Registry entry
After restarting, Widgets will return to normal.
Wrapping Up
Disabling Widgets in Windows 11 is a great way to declutter your taskbar, reduce distractions, and keep your system focused on what matters. Whether you use simple taskbar settings or advanced policy-based methods, Windows gives you full control over the feature.
Once disabled, Microsoft Windows feels cleaner and more streamlined—without random news pop-ups or accidental panel openings getting in your way.
