On Windows 11, you can manage the widgets that appear on the Lock Screen, and in this guide, I'll outline the steps to complete this configuration.
When you start the computer, you'll probably notice up to four widgets in the Lock Screen (the screen before signing in to your account), which usually include details such as weather, sports, traffic, and finance.
Although this information may be helpful for some users, it's not for everyone and can cause unnecessary distractions, especially for people who use their computers for productivity.
If this feature isn't for you, Windows 11 lets you customize or completely disable widgets on the Lock Screen in the Settings app.
In this how-to guide, I'll outline the steps to manage the widget settings in the Lock Screen.
How to manage Lock Screen widgets on Windows 11
On Windows 11, you can show or hide widgets and manage the ones that appear on the Lock Screen.
Enable Lock Screen widgets
To enable widgets in the Lock Screen, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Personalization.
- Click the Lock Screen page from the right side.
- Turn on the Widgets toggle switch.
Once you complete the steps, up to four widgets will appear in the Lock Screen.
It's worth noting that the system enables widgets automatically in the Lock Screen for new installations. However, if this isn't the case, you can use the above instructions to complete the configuration.
Configure Lock Screen widgets
To add, customize, and remove widgets from the Lock Screen, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Personalization.
- Click the Lock Screen page from the right side.
- Click the Widgets setting.
- Click the Add widget button to add more widgets.
- Select one of the available widgets.
- Quick note: You can always use the "Find more widgets" option to download even more widgets from the Microsoft Store.
- Click the Add widget button.
- Click the menu (three dots) button and choose the Customize widget option (if applicable).
- Change the available settings to customize the widget.
- Quick note: Customization options vary per widget.
- Click the Save button.
- Click the menu (three dots) button, then choose Remove to hide the widget from the Lock Screen.
- (Optional) Click and drag each widget to change its order.
After you complete the steps, only the configured widgets will appear in the Lock Screen.
You can also turn on the "Suggest widgets for your lock screen" toggle switch to allow the system to fill unused slots of widgets in the Lock Screen.
If you don't want to show widgets but still want weather information, turn off all the widgets and add only the one that shows the weather. Also, make sure to turn off the "Suggest widgets for your lock screen" toggle switch.
Disable Lock Screen widgets
To completely hide the widgets from the Lock Screen, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Personalization.
- Click the Lock Screen page from the right side.
- Turn off the Widgets toggle switch.
Once you complete the steps, the Lock Screen will no longer show widgets.
FAQs about managing Lock Screen widgets on Windows 11
These are common questions regarding resetting Windows 10 to its default settings.
Can I completely turn off widgets on the Lock Screen?
Yes. Open Settings, go to "Personalization," select "Lock Screen," and turn off the "Widgets" toggle switch. This removes all widgets from the Lock Screen.
Why am I seeing widgets on the Lock Screen even if I didn’t enable them?
Windows 11 automatically enables Lock Screen widgets on new installations. If you prefer not to use them, you can disable the feature in Settings.
How many widgets can appear on the Lock Screen?
Up to four widgets can appear at a time. If you enable “Suggest widgets for your lock screen,” the operating system will automatically fill open slots.
Where can I find more widgets to add to the Lock Screen?
When adding widgets, use the "Find more widgets" option. This opens the Microsoft Store, where you can download additional supported widgets.
Can I customize the information shown inside each widget?
Yes. In the Lock Screen widget settings, click the three-dots menu on a widget and choose "Customize widget." Available customization options vary depending on the widget.
Why don’t I see the Customize widget option?
Not all widgets support customization. If the option is missing, the widget’s layout or data source is fixed.
How do I change the order of widgets on the Lock Screen?
In the widget management page, click and drag widgets to rearrange them. The new order applies instantly.
Can I show only the weather widget and nothing else?
Yes. Add only the weather widget and remove all others. Also turn off "Suggest widgets for your lock screen" so the system doesn't automatically add additional widgets.
Why are new widgets appearing even after I configured my layout?
If the "Suggest widgets for your lock screen" toggle is enabled, Windows will autofill unused widget slots. Turn this feature off to keep your custom layout unchanged.
More resources
Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:
- Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
- Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know
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