How to Move or Resize the Widgets Panel in Windows 11

Windows 11’s Widgets panel offers a convenient way to access news, weather, and other important information directly from your desktop. However, navigating its features can sometimes feel less intuitive. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about managing your widgets, optimizing their layout, and troubleshooting common issues.

Understanding Widget Management in Windows 11

The ability to customize the Widgets experience is a key aspect of personalizing your Windows 11 environment. Although the system currently offers some limitations, you can still significantly influence the information you see and how it is presented.

Arranging Widgets Within the Panel

A well-organized Widgets board is a productive Widgets board. Here’s how to arrange your widgets to suit your workflow:

1- Access the Widgets Board. Launch the Widgets panel by clicking the Widgets icon on the taskbar (it looks like a square with a smaller square inside) or by using the keyboard shortcut: Windows key + W.

2- Pin Widgets. Only pinned widgets can be moved. If a widget isn’t pinned, click the three dots in its top-right corner and select “Pin widget.” Pinned widgets stay on the main part of your board.

3- Drag and Drop. Click and hold the header (top bar) of a pinned widget. Drag it to your preferred location within the pinned section of the Widgets board. Release the mouse button to drop the widget into place.

Resizing Widgets for Optimal Display

Adjusting widget size allows you to either maximize the content displayed or minimize the space they occupy:

1- Open the Widgets Board. Use the taskbar icon or the Windows key + W shortcut.

2- Access Widget Options. Locate the widget you want to resize. Click the three-dot menu in its upper-right corner.

3- Choose Your Size. Select from the available size options (Small, Medium, or Large). The widget will instantly resize. Note that not all widgets offer all size options.

Current Restrictions: Where You Can’t Customize

While Windows 11 offers significant flexibility, certain aspects of the Widgets panel remain fixed:

• Panel Location: The Widgets panel itself cannot be moved to a different monitor or a different screen location. Its position is fixed to the left edge of your screen.
• Panel Width: You cannot adjust the width of the Widgets panel beyond expanding or collapsing it. Custom column widths are not supported.
• Widgets Button Position: The location of the Widgets button on the taskbar is also predetermined by Windows 11’s design and updates. There’s no direct setting to move it independently from other taskbar items, although you can hide it if you prefer.

Customizing the Widgets Button

If the placement of the Widgets button is inconvenient, you can easily hide or show it:

• Step 1: Access Taskbar Settings. Right-click an empty area on the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings.”
• Step 2: Toggle the Widgets Button. In the “Taskbar items” section, toggle the “Widgets” switch to “Off” to hide the button, or to “On” to show it.

Managing Widgets: Pinning, Unpinning, and Hiding

Take control of the information displayed on your board by managing your widgets:

• Pin a Widget: Click the “Add widgets” button at the bottom of the Widgets board and select the widgets you want to add.
• Unpin a Widget: Click the three dots on a widget and select “Unpin widget” to remove it from the board.
• Hide a Widget: Use the “Hide this widget” option in the three-dot menu to hide a widget completely from your board.

Troubleshooting Common Widget Issues

Encountering problems? Here are some tips:

• Update Essential Components: Ensure the “Windows Web Experience Pack” and “Microsoft Edge” are up to date. These components are crucial for the Widgets feature. Check for updates in the Microsoft Store and Windows Update settings.
• Provide Feedback: If you wish to request features like moving the Widgets panel or customizing the button’s location, submit your suggestions directly to Microsoft via the Feedback Hub (Windows key + F).

Conclusion:

While some aspects of the Windows 11 Widgets experience are currently limited, the ability to arrange, resize, and manage widgets offers a valuable level of personalization. By mastering these techniques and staying informed about updates, you can tailor the Widgets panel to boost your productivity and create a more enjoyable Windows 11 experience. As Microsoft continues to develop and refine Windows 11, expect further customization options in the future.