Hello! Windows 7 was the last Microsoft operating system with widget support. Subsequently, they disappeared, especially for security reasons. However, many users missed them. On the other hand, the recent release of Windows 11 brought gadgets back to the desktop. As a result, we will see numerous gadgets that we can use to customize the user experience. On the other hand, it is also possible to configure the operation of these gadgets. Consequently, they will display the information that is relevant to the user. We have named the default options. However, it is also possible to add those corresponding to the Microsoft To Do, Outlook Calendar and Traffic applications. In addition, it integrates an MSN news section. Read on to learn more about Widgets in Windows 11.
Which Widgets are available? How can we activate them?
Microsoft has added in its new operating system the Widgets shortcut in the taskbar. In fact, we will find its button right next to the task views. Clicking on its icon will open its dashboard, which will slide down from the left side of the screen. This panel occupies almost half of the screen. Consequently, we will be able to better see the information it provides.
Kindly note that Windows 11 is just getting started. Therefore, compatibility is provisionally limited to some of Microsoft’s own applications such as OneDrive, Calendar, Traffic, Tips and Microsoft To-Do, etc. However, third-party applications are expected to be integrated in the future as well. Perhaps one point against is that the news tab works by default to be opened with Edge. Consequently, it is not possible to set a different web browser.
Add or remove widgets in Windows 11
By default, Microsoft included some gadgets within this panel. However, we can customize it to our liking. With this in mind, we open the widgets’ panel by clicking on its icon located on the taskbar. Once it appears, scroll to the bottom and click on the Add widgets button.
Consequently, a new floating window called Widget Configuration will appear, with all the widgets that are available to add. It is easy to guess which button it is, as it is identified by a blue circle with a plus (+) symbol next to it. Some of them appear as Family safety, To do, traffic, esports, among others. I would like to point out that the gray colored ones cannot be added, as they already are. We only have to click on those we want to add, and they will be included automatically. Once finished, click on the x at the top right to close the menu. Back to the previous menu, you can check that it is already present.
In case we want to delete any of these gadgets that we have available in the panel, the process is even simpler. In fact, all you have to do is click on the button with three dots that appears at the top right of the widget. As a result, we will see a small contextual menu. Once there, just click on the Remove widget button.
Customize size and position
These informative elements may be slightly modified. It is possible to modify these small informative elements. For this purpose, Microsoft offers three sizes (small, medium, and large). In addition, they are made available to developers. Consequently, their availability depends on each developer’s implementation. To change the size, simply open the widget panel by clicking on its icon in the taskbar.
Once inside the panel, it is time to click on the icon with the three dots. Again we will see the context menu. If you look closely, you will notice that there are three size options available: Small, medium and large. By default, it is set as Medium, although we can select the desired size. Once this is done, we will see how the widget changes its size instantly.
It is also possible to change its position within the panel according to our preferences. Consequently, we can keep the most useful ones at the top and the rest at the bottom. To do this, we just need to hover the mouse pointer over the top of the widget. And we will see how it changes its shape and adopts the position of an open hand. It will only be necessary to click and hold it to move it around the panel and place it where we like it best.
Disable and re-enable
We tell you about the emotion and nostalgia that these elements awaken in many users. However, not everyone feels the same way. So, you may want to remove or hide them. It may be that you do not want to use it. Or you may simply feel that they hinder your workflow. Well, you should know that it is possible to deactivate them so that they are no longer displayed. With this in mind, just go to the Windows settings. With this in mind, please press the Win+I combination. Once there, please click on Personalization in the left menu. Now, in the menu on the right, please select Taskbar.
In the new window, we find the Taskbar elements section. Here we find all the elements that are in it and that we can deactivate. Therefore, it will only be necessary to click on the Widgets button so that its icon disappears automatically from the taskbar. In case we want to activate it again in the future, it will be as simple as performing the previous steps again. Therefore, you only have to click again on the Widgets icon to check that it appears again in the bar, and we will be able to use it.
Search from widgets
When we use widgets from our mobile, we can use a search option within its panel. In Windows 11 something similar happens, and we will be able to perform web searches for whatever we want. In addition, this option is in the superior part of the menu. There is a bar with the phrase Search in the web. You only have to enter the term that you want to find and press Enter.
What you need to know is that the search engine will be Bing and the results will be displayed in the Edge browser. However, it is still a very fascinating option. Very well, in this way we have seen what widgets are in Windows 11. An alternative to further customize the system. Bye!
