In March 2024, Microsoft rolled out an incremental update for Windows 11, introducing a series of lock screen widgets designed to provide users with quick access to vital information such as weather updates, sports scores, traffic conditions, and financial news. While the intention behind these widgets is to enhance user experience, feedback has been mixed. Some users have expressed concerns that the widgets contribute to a cluttered interface, reminiscent of adware, prompting a desire for a more streamlined look.
Disabling Lock Screen Widgets
For those who prefer a cleaner aesthetic, disabling the lock screen widgets is a straightforward process. Users can achieve this by navigating to the Settings page on their Windows 11 device. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Press the Windows 11 keyboard shortcut “Win + I” to open Settings.
- Proceed to the “Personalization” section and scroll down to select “Lock screen”.
- Locate the drop-down menu next to “Lock screen status” and click to open it.
- Select “None” from the drop-down options.
- This action will effectively disable all lock screen widgets on your Windows 11 PC.
While Microsoft does not currently provide an option to customize these widgets directly through the Windows Settings, users can personalize their experience via MSN’s settings page. This alternative method allows for a tailored selection of information cards. Here’s how to customize the lock screen widgets:
- Visit MSN’s Settings page and ensure you are logged into your Microsoft account, which should match the one linked to your PC.
- Under the Information cards section, you can turn off the toggles for any widgets you wish to remove from the Windows 11 lock screen.
By following these steps, users can either disable the lock screen widgets entirely or customize them to retain only the information that matters most to them. For those looking to further refine their Windows 11 experience, additional tutorials are available, including one on removing the “Recommended” section from File Explorer.
