How to Completely Remove the Windows 11 Widgets Panel
The Windows 11 widgets panel can be handy, but it also uses system resources even when you’re not looking at it. If you want to disable it for good, there are three main methods you can choose from. Each method varies in how fully it removes the feature—pick the one that fits your needs and Windows edition.
1. Settings App Method (Quick Hide)
This is the easiest way to get the widget icon off your taskbar. It doesn’t stop the widget services from running in the background, but it clears up your taskbar.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Personalization > Taskbar.
- Turn off the Widgets toggle.
Your taskbar icon is gone, but under the hood, Windows still runs the widget processes. Use this if you just want a clean taskbar and don’t mind the services staying active.
2. Command Prompt Method (Full Removal)
For a deeper cleanup that actually uninstalls the core widget package, use the winget command. This removes the Windows Web Experience Pack, which powers the widgets.
- Search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
winget uninstall “Windows web experience Pack”
- Restart your PC.
After reboot, the widget services are gone. If you ever change your mind, you can reinstall the pack from the Microsoft Store.
3. Group Policy Editor Method (Enterprise-Grade Control)
If you run Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you can disable widgets at the policy level. This blocks the feature entirely, including its board and lock-screen presence.
- Press Win+R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
- Navigate to:
Computer Configuration
└─ Administrative Templates
└─ Windows Components
└─ Widgets
- In the right pane, double-click these settings and set them to Disabled:
- Allow Widgets
- Disable Widgets Board
- (Optional) Disable Widgets On Lock Screen
- Close the editor and restart your PC.
These policies prevent Windows from loading any widget components. To restore widgets later, set these policies back to Not Configured and reboot.
Which Method Should You Use?
- Just hide the icon: Use the Settings App method if you’re fine with widgets running unseen.
- Remove the services: Use the Command Prompt method for a simple, one-time uninstall.
- Block at the OS level: Use Group Policy if you need to lock down widgets on multiple machines or enforce it in a business environment.
Pick the approach that matches your needs and Windows edition. Once you’ve applied your chosen method, you’ll reclaim system resources and enjoy a widget-free Windows 11 experience.
