How to uninstall widgets in Windows 11

Widgets are just one of the new features in Windows 11. Some people like it, some don’t, we’re not going to discuss their usefulness here.

The problem with the application is that the user is not really given the option of wanting it or not. The fact that it is a new function is not a reason to previously enable the option.

The most common complaint I’ve seen on the internet is that Windows widgets use system resources in the background. Open Task Manager> Processes and scroll down to Background Processes section, and you can see for yourself that the app is listed.

Right click anywhere on the taskbar and open your settings. Change the Widgets option to hide the button. The same goes for the Search button, Task View, and Chat in case you want to remove them. This toggle will only prevent you from accidentally opening the widget panel, it will not permanently disable it.

Microsoft changed the way widgets worked in recent builds, so the app runs in the background even with the option disabled. In fact, the screenshot of the Task Manager you see here was taken with the Widgets button disabled. If you want the app to stop running automatically, you need to remove the widgets entirely.

How to uninstall widgets in Windows 11

1. Open a command prompt (or PowerShell) as administrator.

2. Type the following command in the window and press the Enter key.

winget uninstall “Windows web experience package”

You must accept the terms and conditions of the Microsoft Store. Type Y to accept or N to cancel the operation.

If you choose Yes, the Winget package manager will remove the Widgets application package that has the name: MicrosoftWindows.Client.WebExperience. You will see a message in the command window that says Uninstalled successfully. Check the Task Manager and you should no longer see the widgets among the list of background processes. The app toggle will also be removed from the taskbar settings.

Okay, I removed the app, but I want it back now, what do I do? That’s how.

How to reinstall widgets in Windows 11

1. Open the following link in your web browser.

https://www.microsoft.com/store/productId/9MSSGKG348SP

2. It is for an application created by Microsoft, called “Windows Web Experience Pack”. It’s hidden in the Store app, so you won’t find it by searching. Just click the Get button on your browser and the Store app will open for download.

3. Access the Taskbar Settings and the switch should be back, and although it is enabled, the button will not be visible on the taskbar. To fix this problem, disable the option and enable it. The Widgets button will return, click on it and the application should load normally. You do not need to restart your computer for the change to take effect.

Desactivar widgets usings the Group Policy Editor

I came across a different method on Reddit. Note that I was unable to test the following as it requires Windows 11 Pro and I only have Windows 11 Home. This process requires the Group Policy Editor.

1. Press Win + R keys and type GPEDIT.msc.

2. Go to Computer Configuration> Administrative Templates> Windows Components> Widgets.

3. Click the “Allow Widgets” option and set it to Disabled.

4. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

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