Lock screen widgets Archives

Winsage

February 13, 2025

How to Disable Lock Screen Widgets on Windows 11

In March 2024, Microsoft released an incremental update for Windows 11 that included lock screen widgets for quick access to information like weather, sports scores, traffic, and financial news. User feedback has been mixed, with some finding the widgets cluttered. Users can disable the lock screen widgets by going to Settings, selecting Personalization, then Lock screen, and choosing "None" from the drop-down menu next to "Lock screen status." To customize the widgets, users can visit MSN's Settings page, log into their Microsoft account, and toggle off any unwanted widgets under the Information cards section.

Winsage

February 5, 2025

Microsoft finally allows customizing Windows 11 lock screen widgets, here is how to do that

Microsoft has released a new preview build of Windows 11, designated as 22635.4870 (KB5050087), in the Beta Channel. This build introduces the ability to customize lock screen widgets, allowing users to select which widgets are displayed when their PC is locked. The customizable feature is currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders using this build. To enable it manually, users need to download ViVeTool, run specific commands in Command Prompt, and restart their computer. The customization requires an activated Windows installation.

Winsage

February 5, 2025

Windows 11 lock screen widgets get a much-needed boost, while desktop pinning remains ignored

Users can now customize lock screen widgets in Windows 11 with the latest Insider update on the Beta Channel, allowing them to select, reorder, and remove specific widgets. This feature is part of the Windows 11 23H2 Beta Channel build 22635.4870 (KB5050087). IT administrators can disable lock screen widgets through the Local Group Policy Editor without affecting their availability elsewhere. Currently, this feature is available only to Beta Channel Insiders in the European Economic Area (EEA), with plans for broader access in other regions. Users have requested additional features, such as the ability to pin widgets to the desktop, but Microsoft has not provided a timeline for these enhancements.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4870 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4870 (KB5050087) has been released to the Beta Channel, available only to users who have not transitioned to updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2. New features include the rollout of lock screen widgets for Insiders in the European Economic Area (EEA), allowing customization of widgets like Weather, Watchlist, Sports, and Traffic. A new group policy, "Disable Widgets On Lock Screen," is also introduced for IT administrators in the EEA. Changes and improvements include the addition of people icons in File Explorer for users signed in with a work or school account, showing Live Persona Cards from Microsoft 365. Fixes include resolving Start menu crashes, color discrepancies in the account manager flyout, and issues with File Explorer rendering and reliability. Known issues involve slow closing of File Explorer and crashes on the Settings Home page. Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 23H2, with features rolled out gradually. Features may evolve or be removed based on feedback, and localization will occur over time.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Windows 11 KB5050087 beta improves Lock Screen widgets, File Explorer, fixes USB issues

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Beta build 22635.4870 (KB5050087), enhancing the Lock screen widget experience, refining File Explorer, and addressing USB-related issues. This build is part of the 23H2 version, following build 26120.3073 (KB5050090) from version 24H2. The update introduces customizable lock screen widgets for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), allowing personalization of widgets like Weather and Sports. A new group policy, "Disable Widgets On Lock Screen," is also available for IT administrators in EEA regions. File Explorer enhancements include displaying people icons in the "Activity" column for users with work or school accounts, showing Live Persona Cards from Microsoft 365. Fixes include resolving Start menu crashes, color discrepancies in the account manager flyout, rendering issues in File Explorer, and USB device recognition problems. Known issues involve slow closing times for File Explorer, potential crashes in the Settings Home page, and enterprise-specific information appearing on non-managed PCs.

Winsage

November 14, 2024

Microsoft shuts down the Windows 10 Beta Channel just five months after reopening it

Microsoft is closing the Insider Beta Channel for Windows 10, which will be the last time a Windows 10 build is released to this channel. Users can switch to the Release Preview channel for future builds. Windows 10 is approaching its end of life on October 14, 2025, but Microsoft will continue to provide builds through the Release Preview Channel. Features backported from Windows 11 to Windows 10 have been limited, focusing on enhancing Microsoft services. Insiders in the Beta Channel will be automatically transitioned to the Release Preview Channel. Users will have the option to purchase an additional year of support for Windows 10.

Winsage

November 9, 2024

Windows 11 users could finally get the lock screen options they should’ve had all along

Microsoft is preparing to roll out new customization options for lock screen widgets in Windows 11 and 10, allowing users to selectively choose which widgets to display. This change, discovered in a recent Canary channel build, will enable users to add, manage, and customize widgets directly on their lock screens. The enhancements are expected to improve user experience and may not be available to the general public until early 2025.

AppWizard

October 9, 2024

Android 16 could let you put ANY app in a floating bubble — here’s a first look

Google is developing a new feature for Android that allows users to place any app in a floating bubble, enhancing multitasking capabilities. This feature, referred to as "bubble anything," was discovered in the Android 15 QPR1 beta and can be activated through a new “bubble” button in the app's context menu. It aims to improve multitasking, especially on Android tablets, and may be included in the upcoming Android 16 release. The existing bubbles API, introduced in Android 11, has seen limited adoption primarily for messaging apps, but the new feature could expand its use across various applications.

AppWizard

October 9, 2024

Google testing recent apps on the taskbar for Android tablets and foldables

In 2022, Google introduced a taskbar in Android 12L for tablets and larger screens, allowing access to six pinned apps and two suggested ones. Investigations suggest that upcoming updates in Android QPR Beta 2 may redesign the taskbar to replace suggested apps with recently used apps, similar to features in devices from Samsung and OnePlus. The timeline for this update is uncertain, and it is unclear if it will be included in Android 15. Currently, the feature is not activated, and there is no official announcement regarding its public availability. Additionally, Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 is rumored to introduce features like quick keyword switching and lock screen widgets, which are still in testing.

Winsage

July 27, 2024

Huge Windows 11 2024 Update preview is overflowing with new features

Lock screen widgets can now be customized in Windows 11 under Personalization settings.