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Windows 11 is the newest version of the Windows operating system. It comes with a lot of new features and improvements, one of which is the introduction of widgets. Widgets are small apps that can be added to the desktop to show live information such as weather, news, stocks and more.
Widgets are a great addition to Windows 11 as they provide quick access to useful information, but they can also be distracting and unnecessary for some users. If you want to remove widgets from your Windows 11 PC, this blog post will guide you.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Remove Windows Widgets Windows 11
Widgets in Windows 11 can be a great tool to access useful and real-time information, but they may not be for everyone. The constant flow of information can be a distraction, and some users prefer a more clean and simple desktop layout. Additionally, widgets can take up system resources, leading to slower computer performance and reduced battery life on portable devices.
If you are experiencing any of these issues or simply prefer not to use widgets, it is important to know how to remove them properly.
Method 1: Use the Windows Settings App
To remove widgets in Windows 11, you can use the built-in settings app. Here’s how:
1. Click on the "Start" icon in the taskbar.
2. Select the "Settings" gear icon.
3. Choose "Personalization" from the left-hand menu.
4. Click on "Widgets".
5. Toggle the switch next to "Let Windows track app launches to improve Start and search results" to "Off".
6. Toggle the switch next to "Show recently opened items in Widgets" to "Off".
7. Toggle the switch next to "Show information on your lock screen" to "Off".
Pros:
– This method is easy to follow
– It is a built-in feature of Windows 11
– You can customize which widgets to keep or remove
Cons:
– This method only disables widgets and does not remove them completely
Method 2: Use the Registry Editor
The Registry Editor is a powerful tool that lets you access and edit the Windows registry. You can use this tool to remove widgets from your Windows 11 PC. Here’s how:
1. Press the "Win + R" keys to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "regedit" and press Enter.
3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Feeds
4. Right-click on the "Feeds" folder and select "Permissions".
5. Click on "Advanced".
6. Click on "Disable Inheritance".
7. Select "Convert Inherited Permissions into Explicit Permissions on This Object".
8. Remove all permissions for every user, except for "SYSTEM".
9. Click "Apply" and "OK".
10. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
Pros:
– This method removes widgets completely
– It is a more permanent solution
– It can lead to better computer performance
Cons:
– The Registry Editor is a powerful tool, and editing the registry can cause problems if not done correctly
Method 3: Use a Third-Party App
There are various third-party apps available that can help you remove widgets from your Windows 11 PC. These apps often provide additional features and customization options not available in the Windows settings app. One such app is called "Widgets Tile Remover".
1. Visit the Widgets Tile Remover website.
2. Download and install the app.
3. Launch the app.
4. Click on "Remove all widgets".
5. The app will remove all widgets from your desktop.
Pros:
– Third-party apps often provide additional customization options.
– This method is simple and does not require any technical knowledge.
Cons:
– Third-party apps may come with additional costs or bundled software.
– They may not be reliable or safe to use.
What to Do If You Can’t Remove Windows Widgets Windows 11
If you are having trouble removing widgets from your Windows 11 PC using the above methods, there are a few things you can try:
1. Restart your computer and try again.
2. Make sure that you are logged in as an administrator.
3. Check for any Windows updates and install them.
4. Use the Windows 11 Recovery Environment to repair your computer.
Bonus Tip
Widgets can be a useful tool for accessing real-time information on your Windows 11 PC. If you prefer to keep widgets but want to reduce their distraction, you can adjust the size and position of widgets on your desktop. To do this, simply right-click on a widget and select "Resize" or "Move".
5 FAQs
Q1: How can I disable widgets on the lock screen in Windows 11?
A: To disable widgets on the lock screen in Windows 11, use the settings app. Go to "Personalization" > "Lock Screen" and toggle off "Show widgets".
Q2: Can I remove individual widgets from my desktop?
A: Yes, you can remove individual widgets from your desktop by right-clicking on the widget and selecting "Remove".
Q3: Will removing widgets improve my computer’s performance?
A: Yes, removing widgets can free up system resources and improve your computer’s performance.
Q4: Why can’t I remove widgets from my Windows 11 PC?
A: There could be several reasons why you are unable to remove widgets from your Windows 11 PC, such as lack of administrative privileges, software conflicts, or other system issues.
Q5: Can I customize which widgets to keep or remove?
A: Yes, you can customize which widgets to keep or remove using the Windows settings app. Simply toggle on or off the widgets you want to display.
Final Thoughts
Widgets can be a useful addition to Windows 11, but they may not be for everyone. If you prefer a more clean and simple desktop layout, or experience performance issues, removing widgets may be the best solution. By using the methods outlined in this blog post, you can easily remove widgets from your Windows 11 PC, improving both the performance and appearance of your computer.