Windows 11 has reintroduced widgets, a feature notably absent in its predecessor, Windows 10. These widgets come in the form of a convenient panel, offering swift access to news and information while being highly customizable. While there might be some resemblance to Windows 10’s Live Tiles, the Widgets panel takes things up a notch, providing an even more enhanced user experience. So, what exactly are widgets in Windows 11, and how can you effectively manage widget notifications?
Exploring Widgets in Windows 11
Widgets in Windows 11 serve as your personalized gateway to essential information updates, tailored to your interests. They are presented within a dedicated Widgets panel, accessible via the taskbar or directly on your desktop. Think of widgets as quick shortcuts that deliver information from your preferred apps. Whether it’s the latest global news, weather forecasts, or sports scores, widgets offer a way to stay informed without the hassle of opening multiple apps or conducting repetitive online searches.
To begin using widgets, simply click on the Widgets panel icon on the taskbar (identified by white and blue squares) or press the keyboard shortcut Windows + W. Once you’ve set up your widgets, you can customize them to align with your interests and arrange them according to your preference.
Understanding Two Types of Widget Notifications
Widgets on Windows 11 employ two distinct notification types: rotating announcements and badge notifications.
- Rotating Announcements: These notifications appear in the taskbar and are designed to provide quick updates on recent developments. For instance, the taskbar may display the current weather but will momentarily switch to show an announcement from a specific widget.
- Badge Notifications: Widgets utilize badge notifications to grab your attention when crucial updates, such as weather alerts or breaking news, become available. To delve deeper into these notifications, you can access the Widgets panel to explore additional details.
Configuring Notification Settings for Widgets
You have two primary methods to stay informed about widget updates: manual checks within the Widgets panel or setting up notifications to receive alerts about new developments.
Widget notifications are visible in the taskbar as rotating updates. When there’s a significant announcement pertaining to your interests and widgets, a brief banner will appear in the taskbar to notify you.
For those looking to customize widget notification settings on Windows 11:
- Launch the Widgets panel, either through the taskbar icon or by using the dedicated keyboard shortcut, Win + W.
- Click on your profile picture icon to access Widget settings.
- Within the Widget taskbar behaviours section, toggle the options for “Show Notification Badges” and “Show Announcements” based on your preferences.
Conclusion
The ideal approach is to enable announcements for widgets directly related to your interests, ensuring you receive instant updates on topics that matter to you. Badge notifications without announcements are suitable for less critical interests, preventing constant interruptions. For widgets you rarely use, you can disable both options to maintain an undistracted workspace.
Incorporating widgets into your Windows 11 experience can enhance your ability to stay informed and organized while providing a desktop that’s tailored to your needs. By effectively managing widget notifications on your Windows 11, you can strike the right balance between staying updated and maintaining productivity.
Also Read: How to Get Transparent Taskbar in Windows 11
