How to Disable Widgets Entirely on Windows 11

Windows 11 introduced a new Widgets panel that shows news, weather, sports scores, and more. But for many users, it’s just another distraction—or worse, a performance drain. If you don’t use Widgets and want them gone for good, you can disable them entirely.

Here’s how to do it the right way.

🧩 What Are Windows 11 Widgets?

Widgets in Windows 11 are the pop-out panels you see when you hover over or click the icon next to the Start menu. They pull in personalized content using Microsoft Edge and MSN. For some, it’s useful. For others, it’s unnecessary clutter.

✅ Method 1: Disable Widgets from Taskbar Settings

This is the easiest way to hide the Widgets button and stop accidental triggers.

1. Right-click on the Taskbar
2. Click Taskbar settings
3. Toggle Widgets to Off

This removes the icon and stops the Widgets panel from popping up.

Note: This doesn’t fully disable background widget processes, but it’s a quick first step.

🛑 Method 2: Disable Widgets via Group Policy (Pro & Enterprise Only)

If you’re using Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you can block Widgets system-wide.

1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter
2. Navigate to:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Widgets

3. Double-click Allow widgets
4. Select Disabled, then click Apply > OK
5. Restart your computer

Widgets will be fully disabled—including any background processes.

🧱 Method 3: Disable Widgets via Registry Editor (For All Editions)

If you’re on Windows 11 Home, use this registry tweak:

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter
2. Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\

3. Right-click Microsoft > New > Key, name it Dsh
4. Right-click inside the Dsh key > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value
5. Name it AllowNewsAndInterests
6. Set its value to 0

Restart your PC. This disables Widgets completely—even in Home Edition.

⚠️ Always back up your registry before making changes.

🧼 Optional: Block Widgets with Windows Firewall or Debloat Tools

If you want to go further:

• Use tools like O&O ShutUp10++ or Debloat Windows 11 scripts to disable Microsoft News & Widgets features
• You can also block Widgets.exe or NewsAndInterests.exe using Windows Firewall rules

Final Thoughts

If you’re not using Widgets, disabling them can reduce distractions and even improve performance slightly—especially on older or budget hardware. Whether you’re using Windows 11 Home or Pro, the options above give you full control.