How to remove Widgets from taskbar on Windows 11

Yes, you can add or remove the Widgets button from the taskbar, and here's how on Windows 11.

Windows 11 Widgets open
Windows 11 Widgets open

Windows 11 introduces Widgets, a new feature that is similar to News and Interests available on Windows 10. However, in the new version of the OS, the experience appears from the left side of the screen, showing the time and more cards with information about weather, news, sports, and more.

If the Widget button is taking up unnecessary space or you don’t use the feature often, you can remove it from the Windows 11 taskbar since you can always use the Windows key + W keyboard shortcut to open the experience. In the same way, if the button is missing, you can quickly add it back from the Taskbar settings.

In this guide, you will learn the steps to add or remove the Widgets button from the taskbar on Windows 11.

Remove Widgets button from taskbar on Windows 11

On Windows 11, you can remove the Widgets button in two different ways, including using the taskbar context menu or Settings.

From taskbar context menu

To remove the Widgets button, use these steps:

  1. Right-click the Widgets button on the taskbar.

    Unpin Widgets button taskbar
    Unpin Widgets button taskbar
  2. Select the Unpin from taskbar option to remove the Widgets button.

From taskbar settings

To remove the Widgets button with Settings, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Personalization.

  3. Click on Taskbar.

  4. Turn off the Show Widgets button toggle switch to remove the Widgets button.

    Remove Widgets button
    Remove Widgets button

Once you complete the steps, the Widgets button will no longer appear in the taskbar. However, the feature will still be functional when using the Windows key + W keyboard shortcut.

Add Widgets button to taskbar on Windows 11

To add the Widgets button to the taskbar, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Personalization.

  3. Click on Taskbar.

  4. Turn on the Show Widgets button toggle switch to add the Widgets button to the taskbar.

    Add Widgets button
    Add Widgets button

After you complete the steps, the Widgets button will appear on the taskbar.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].