How to Remove Widgets button from Windows 11 Taskbar?

Windows 11 has brought back widgets, which are similar to the “News and Interests” feature available in Windows 10. While hovering over its icon in Windows 10 Taskbar, the feature opens as a pop-up on the right side of the screen. But in Windows 11, by clicking on its icon on the taskbar, it will show a pop-up window on the left side of the screen. However, the space occupied by widgets on the left side of the screen can be a problem for some users. In this article, we will discuss how to remove widgets from the Windows 11 Taskbar.

There are three simple ways to turn on or off widgets on the Windows 11 Taskbar. These methods are as follows:-

  1. Eliminate Widgets from Windows 11 Taskbar from the Settings app.
  2. Disable Widgets from Windows 11 Taskbar using Group Policy.
  3. Remove Widgets from Windows 11 Taskbar using Registry Editor.

Let’s take a closer look at each method.

1. Remove Widgets on Windows 11 Taskbar using the Settings app

Follow these simple steps to remove widgets on the Windows 11 taskbar using the Settings app:-

Step 1. Click on the Search icon on the Taskbar and type “Settings.” In the available results, click on the Settings app to open it.

Step 2. In the Settings app, click on the Personalization category in the left sidebar.

Step 3. Scroll down from the right-side pane and click on the Taskbar.

Step 4. Here, turn the toggle switch to the Off position next to Widgets.

Once you perform the above steps, the widget icon will become invisible on the Windows 11 taskbar. If you change your mind and want to see the widget icon on the taskbar again, repeat the above steps, and in step 4, turn the toggle switch to the On position next to the Widgets option.

2. Remove Widgets on Windows 11 Taskbar using Group Policy Editor

Follow these simple steps to remove widgets on the Windows 11 taskbar using Group Policy Editor:-

Step 1. Open Local Group Policy Editor.

Step 2. In the Local Group Policy Editor window, navigate to the following path from the left-side pane:-

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Widgets

Step 3. On the right side of the Widgets folder, double-click on the policy “Allow widgets.”

Step 4. Click Disabled.

Step 5. Click Apply.

Step 6. Click OK.

Once you have finished following the aforementioned steps, the widget icon will be promptly removed from the taskbar. If you wish to re-pin the widget icon to the taskbar at a later time, simply repeat the steps outlined above and, during step 4, opt for the “Not Configured” or “Enabled” option. This will allow you to restore the widget icon to its former position on the taskbar. Don’t hesitate to follow these simple instructions to manage your Windows 10 taskbar and personalize your desktop experience!

3. Remove Widgets on Windows 11 Taskbar using Registry Editor

To remove widgets from the Windows 11 taskbar using Registry Editor, follow these steps:-

Step 1. Open Registry Editor.

Step 2. Navigate to the following folder in the left sidebar of the Windows Registry:-

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft

Step 3. Right-click on the Microsoft folder and select New > Key in the context menu.

Step 4. Name it Dsh.

Step 5. Right-click the Dsh key, and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

Step 6. Name newly created REG_DWORD AllowNewsAndInterests.

Step 7. Restart your computer or laptop to apply the changes.

After successfully completing the registry steps mentioned above, all aspects of Windows 11 Widgets will be disabled. This includes the taskbar button, the option in the Settings app, and even the Windows + W shortcut will no longer function.

Conclusion

To sum up, Windows 11 has reintroduced widgets, which are similar to the “News and Interests” feature in Windows 10. However, the space occupied by widgets on the left side of the screen can be a problem for some users. In this article, we have discussed three simple methods to remove widgets from the Windows 11 taskbar: using the Settings app, Group Policy Editor, and Registry Editor. By following these steps, users can easily customize their desktop experience according to their preferences. Whether you want to disable widgets temporarily or permanently, these methods will help you achieve your goal. So, go ahead and try them out!

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