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Steps to Disable Widgets Icon from the Taskbar in Windows 11

2024/02/14
PC Repair

Key Notes

  • Easily remove the Widgets icon via Settings in Windows 11.
  • Modify the Registry to disable the Widgets icon without effect on overall functionality.
  • Utilize Group Policy Editor for advanced systems to permanently hide the Widgets icon.

Mastering the Task of Removing Widgets Icon from Your Windows 11 Taskbar

Windows 11 offers a default Widgets icon in the Taskbar that might not suit everyone’s needs. This guide will walk you through multiple methods to effectively remove it.

Removing the Widgets Icon from the Taskbar on Windows 11

For users who find the Widgets feature cluttering their Taskbar, there are three main methods to disable or remove it. Below are detailed steps for each approach you can take.

Step 1: Remove Widgets via Settings

To quickly disable the Widgets icon from your Windows 11 Taskbar:

  1. Launch Settings from the Start menu.

  2. Click on Personalization.

  3. Navigate to the Taskbar section on the right pane.

  4. Toggle the Widgets switch off under the “Taskbar items” section.

  5. (Optional) Re-enable the feature by toggling the switch back on.

Pro Tip: Once completed, the Widgets icon will be removed from your Taskbar, giving you a cleaner workspace.

Step 2: Remove Widgets via Registry Editor

To disable the Widgets icon through Registry Editor, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Start menu.

  2. Type regedit and select it from the search results.

  3. Navigate to the following path:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

  4. Right-click on the TaskbarDa DWORD and select Modify.

  5. Change the value from 1 to 0.

  6. Click OK to apply the changes.

Pro Tip: If you want to restore the Widget icon, simply revert the steps above and change the value back to 1.

Step 3: Remove Widgets via Group Policy Editor

If you’re running Windows 11 Pro, Education, or Enterprise, you can disable Widgets using the Group Policy Editor:

  1. Open the Start menu.

  2. Find gpedit in the search results and open it.

  3. Follow this path:

    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Widgets

  4. Double-click on the “Allow widgets” policy setting.

  5. Choose the Disabled option.

  6. Hit Apply and then OK to finalize your changes.

Pro Tip: To undo your changes, simply follow the same steps and set the policy to “Not Configured”.

Additional Tips

  • Ensure your Windows 11 is updated to avoid compatibility issues.
  • Explore the Settings app for other Taskbar customization options.
  • Remember that removing the icon doesn’t uninstall the Widgets feature; you can always access it with Windows Key + W.

Summary

Removing the Widgets icon from the Windows 11 Taskbar can streamline your interface and reduce distractions. Whether you choose to do this via Settings, Registry, or Group Policy, the steps are straightforward and easily reversible if you change your mind.

Conclusion

Taking control of your Windows 11 Taskbar by removing the Widgets icon allows for a more tailored experience. Explore these methods to find what works best for your workflow, and enjoy a cleaner digital environment.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I restore the Widgets icon after removing it?

Yes, you can restore the icon by reversing the steps followed in any of the methods outlined above.

Will removing the Widgets icon affect my system’s performance?

No, removing the Widgets icon does not impact system performance as the feature itself remains intact; only the icon visibility is altered.

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