Previously known as Gadgets, Widgets have returned to Windows 11 after a pause on previous Windows OS like Windows 8. So, what’s new and improved? Microsoft has addressed the security concerns that caused their temporary disappearance, ensuring a safer experience for users. Plus, all your Windows 11 widgets are now conveniently located in a dedicated menu on your Taskbar.
Windows 11 introduces a fresh take on widgets with its built-in widget board accessible by pressing the Win + W keys. However, these widgets are limited to the widget board and cannot be placed directly on your desktop. But don’t worry, if you’re a fan of having widgets on your desktop, there are other third-party widget apps available for you to use on Windows 11. So today in this article we are going to look at how to enable and add desktop widgets to Windows 11.
How to Enable Widgets on Windows 11
Windows 11 Widgets are ready and waiting for you, enabled by default on your system. Want to see your widgets in action? Simply click on the Widget button on your taskbar, or if you’re feeling speedy, use the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + W. If, for some reason, you don’t see the Widgets button on your taskbar, don’t worry! Just head over to Windows Settings then tap on Personalization and finally click on Taskbar and there under Taskbar items toggle the button next to Widgets to enable it.
Just a heads up, toggling the button won’t disable Widgets altogether, it just hides the Widgets button from the taskbar.
Read Also: How To Change the Size & Orientation of Taskbar in Windows 11
Important: To enable and use desktop Widgets on Windows 11 make sure that your OS is on the latest version or build. (Windows 22H2)
How to Add Widgets to Windows 11 PC/Desktop?
On the built-in widget board, you have the freedom to add, remove, and arrange your widgets to your heart’s content. But what if you want to take things a step further and place widgets directly on your desktop? Don’t fret! Windows has got you covered with a third-party app called Widget Launcher. With Widget Launcher, you can easily pin your favorite widgets to your desktop and enjoy a fully customized widget setup.
To download and install the custom widget launcher just go to the Microsoft Store and type widget launcher in the search area and hit the Enter key. Then just click on the Get button and install the custom widgets launcher on your Windows 11 desktop.
After the successful installation of the app tap on the Search icon and type the app’s name and open the app by clicking on open.
Add Desktop Widgets to Windows 11 PC
Once you’ve opened the app, you’ll be greeted with a list of all the fantastic widgets at your disposal, like Weather, Calendar, Clock, CPU Meter, and Notes. Simply pick the widget you want to add to your desktop and click on it. After selecting the widget, you want to add to your desktop in the right panel, simply click on “Launch Widget.” Voila! Your widget will now be proudly displayed on your desktop.
When you first launch some widgets, RSS Feed, Weather, and Slideshow, you may notice they’re blank. Don’t worry, that’s just because they need a little bit of information from you to show their magic. Let’s take the Weather widget for example. To get weather updates for your area, you’ll need to add your location. With a few quick clicks, you’ll have a fully functional Weather widget right on your desktop.
To Wrap This Up
So, this was a brief guide on how to enable and how to add widgets to the Windows 11 desktop. Be creative and put the best widgets for Windows 11 on your desktop. By doing so, you’ll have immediate access to your preferred data straight from your desktop screen. And for such troubleshooting guides and tips & tricks related to Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube
Next Read: FIX: Widgets Not Working/Loading Blank on Windows 11