In a significant update for Windows 11, users can now customize their lock screen widgets, a feature long awaited since its initial introduction. The latest Insider update on the Beta Channel allows users to select specific widgets, enhancing personalization and user experience.
Customization Options Unveiled
The previous version of Windows 11 offered a one-size-fits-all approach to lock screen widgets, which included options like Weather, Watchlist, and Sports. However, this all-or-nothing model left many users wanting more control. With the rollout of Windows 11 23H2 Beta Channel build 22635.4870 (KB5050087), users can now enable the Your widgets toggle to handpick their favorites. This new flexibility allows for reordering and removing widgets, tailoring the lock screen to individual preferences.
For IT administrators, there is also the capability to disable lock screen widgets without affecting their availability elsewhere on the system. This can be managed through the Local Group Policy Editor by navigating to Computer Configurations > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Widgets.
Regional Availability and Future Expansion
Currently, this feature is accessible only to Beta Channel Insiders in the European Economic Area (EEA). Microsoft has indicated plans to broaden access to these customizable widgets for Insiders in other regions soon. For those eager to explore this feature ahead of the official rollout, there are methods to enable it using the ViveTool, though this may require technical know-how.
User Feedback and Future Features
While the introduction of customizable lock screen widgets is a positive step, users continue to express their desire for additional features, such as the ability to pin widgets directly to the desktop. This request has garnered significant attention on the Feedback Hub, with many users voicing their opinions. Despite the high volume of feedback, Microsoft has yet to provide a concrete timeline for this enhancement, leaving some users feeling overlooked.
