Microsoft has just released the latest version of its Windows operating system, Windows 11. This new OS is packed with amazing widgets that can make your life easier and more productive. From task managers to media players, these widgets are designed to help you get the most out of your computing experience.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 must-have Windows 11 widgets and how to use them. We will discuss different types of widgets available in the operating system, their features, benefits, and instructions for installation and usage. We'll also provide a comprehensive tutorial on all essential Windows 11 widgets so that you can make full use of this powerful OS.
Scroll down to find out more about some of the greatest time-saving tools for your Windows 11 PC or laptop!
What Are Widgets in Windows 11?
Widgets in Windows 11 are small, interactive applications that can display a wide range of information and provide quick access to useful tools right from the desktop. These customizable widgets are designed to be fast, lightweight, and easy to use, and can be resized and repositioned to suit your personal preferences.
Windows 11 offers a variety of pre-installed widgets, such as weather and news widget, but users can also download additional widgets from the Microsoft Store or other third-party sources. With widgets, users can stay informed and access important information without having to open additional applications.
Overall, widgets are a convenient feature of Windows 11 that can streamline your workflow and save time by providing quick access to useful information and tools. By customizing widgets to display the information that is most relevant to you, you can personalize your desktop and improve your productivity.
How to Use Widgets in Windows 11
To access widgets in Windows 11, simply click on the Widgets icon in the taskbar or press the Windows key + W on your keyboard. From there, you can choose from a variety of pre-installed widgets, such as a clock or weather widget, or download additional widgets from the Microsoft Store or other third-party sources.
Unfortunately, Windows 11 currently doesn't offer a way to drag Widgets to the desktop. However, third-party software such as Widget Launcher can be used to place widgets directly on the desktop. While this isn't a native feature, it's easy to install and use.
Once a widget is added to your Widgets applet, you can customize it to fit your needs. Most widgets have settings that can be accessed by right-clicking on them and selecting "Settings." From here, you can change the size of the widget, its position on the screen, and other options like font size or color scheme.
Top 10 Widgets for Windows 11
Let's take a look at 10 widgets any Windows 11 user should consider downloading and installing. These widgets aim to enhance not only your productivity but also your overall user experience.
- Weather Widget
- Outlook Calendar Widget
- To Do Widget
- Esports Widget
- News Widget
- Photos Widget
- Traffic Widget
- Sports Widget
- Watchlist Widget
- Entertainment Widget
Let's discuss them in more details below.
1. Weather Widget
Features
- Weather updates from any location in the world
- Dynamic weather updates on local conditions
- Predictions and extreme weather warnings
The Weather widget gives you a quick and easy way to stay up-to-date with the latest weather conditions in your local area. It provides detailed information about current temperature, humidity, wind speed, sunrise and sunset times, and more. You can also view hourly forecasts and long-term predictions.
It also allows you to check the weather in other places, making it a great tool for travelers or those with loved ones in other cities. The Weather widget is constantly updated to display the most accurate information so that you can make informed decisions about how to dress and plan your day.
The Weather widget also displays warnings and alerts for severe weather conditions, so you can stay informed and prepared. Overall, this is a must-have widget for anyone who wants to stay on top of the weather.
2. Outlook Calendar Widget
Features
- Custom reminders for events and special days
- Automatically adds local region holidays
- Reminders for predictable and unpredictable dates
If you're looking for an efficient way to stay on top of your schedule, the Outlook Calendar Widget is a great tool to consider. With this widget, you can view all of your upcoming calendar events right on your desktop, making it easier to stay organized and on schedule. You can choose which calendar events you want to display and how you want them to appear. With this flexibility, you can create a calendar view that suits your unique needs.
In addition to displaying your calendar events, the Outlook Calendar Widget also allows you to set reminders for upcoming events. These reminders can be customized to suit your preferences, and you can receive notifications directly on your desktop.
Overall, the Outlook Calendar Widget is a powerful tool that can help you stay on top of your busy schedule. By customizing the widget to display the events that matter most to you, you can improve your productivity and stay focused on what matters most.
3. To Do Widget
Features
- List and organize your daily tasks
- Plan your days and set reminders for important tasks
- Keep a systematic track of your workflow
The Bing To-Do Widget is an excellent tool for anyone looking for a convenient and easy way to stay on top of their daily tasks. With this widget, you can create a customized "to-do" list that will help you remember all of the important tasks that you need to complete each day.
The Bing To-Do Widget is fully customizable, allowing you to choose which tasks you want to display and how you want them to appear. You can set reminders for things that you need to do. This way, you will never forget a deadline or an appointment. This makes it an ideal tool for students, professionals, or anyone who wants to stay organized.
The Bing To-Do Widget is easy to use. You can add tasks quickly, mark tasks as "done" when finished, and change your settings to make it exactly the way you like it. If you're a parent, student, or someone who's busy and needs help staying organized, the Bing To-Do Widget can help. It will help you stay on top of things and be more productive.
4. Esports Widget
Features
- Get the latest updates about Esports events
- Keep up to date with scores and tournaments
- See social media updates
The Esports Widget lets you keep track of all recent and upcoming Esports matches, making it easier to stay updated on your favorite teams and players. You can customize the Widget to show you only the games that you're interested in, and it displays real-time updates on the match scores, team standings, and player rankings.
Whether you're a hardcore Esports enthusiast or just starting to follow the scene, the Esports Widget is a great tool for staying informed. With this Widget, you can easily check the latest tournament schedules and catch up on any missed matches. It's also a great way to discover new teams and players and track their progress throughout the season.
5. News Widget
Features
- See news in real-time
- Choose from a variety of topics and sources
- Filter news by location or language
The News Widget is the perfect tool for keeping up to date on world news. With this widget, you can get real-time updates from numerous sources around the globe. You can choose which topics and sources you want to follow so that you can stay up to date on the news that matters most to you. You can also filter news by location or language, making it easier to stay informed about events happening close to home.
Overall, the News Widget is an excellent tool for anyone who wants to keep their finger on the pulse of world events. With this widget, you can get real-time updates on the news that you care about, all in one place. The widget also makes it easy to discover new topics and sources, so you can stay informed on even more issues around the world.
6. Photos Widget
Features
- View and store photos on Microsoft OneDrive
- Organize and mark photos as favorite
- Create slideshows
With the Bing Photos Widget, you can sync all your photos from your Microsoft One Drive account and have them displayed. You can choose to display a slideshow of your favorite photos, or you can choose to display just one photo that you love.
You can choose which photos you want to display and how long each photo stays on the screen. This makes it easy to create a personalized slideshow that you can enjoy every time you sit down at your computer.
The Bing Photos Widget is a great addition to Windows 11. It's easy to use, customizable, and allows you to enjoy your favorite photos. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or just love looking at beautiful pictures, the Bing Photos Widget is definitely worth trying out.
7. Traffic Widget
Features
- Full traffic map of any destination
- Find alternate routes in case of heavy traffic
- Predict the best time to leave
The Traffic Widget is a must-have for anyone on the move. Whether you are traveling to a new city or exploring your local area, this Widget provides you with accurate and up-to-date information about your surroundings. See your current location, get directions to your desired destination, and check traffic conditions in real time.
The Traffic Widget can help you plan your trips, too. It can give you lots of information about the places you want to go. You can look for restaurants, stores, and fun places like museums. It will tell you where it is, the phone number, and even the website.
You will know what places to see and you won't miss anything important. It's good for both getting to a destination in your area and going somewhere new.
8. Sports Widget
Features
- Information about all types of sports
- Get the latest sports news
- Real-time score updates for ongoing events
The Sports Widget is a great way to keep up with your favorite sports and teams. Whether you're a fan of football, basketball, baseball, or any other sport, this widget has got you covered. You can customize it to display the latest news, scores, and stats for your favorite teams and players, so you never miss a beat.
The widget provides live updates, so you can stay up to date on the latest game scores and standings. You can also use it to keep track of upcoming games and events, so you can plan your viewing schedule accordingly. With the Sports Widget, you'll never miss a game or an important news story again.
9. Watchlist Widget
Features
- Authentic updates on the share market, or a specific company
- View the history of company performance
- Accurate database before and after investments
- Real-time updates on stock and other valuable market prices
The Watchlist Widget is a great tool for anyone interested in keeping up with the stock market. It allows you to keep track of your favorite companies and monitor their performance over time. You can easily customize it to show you the information that you are interested in, such as stock prices, market values, and more. With this Widget, you can stay up-to-date on the latest stock market trends and make informed decisions about your investments.
One of the best things about the Watchlist Widget is that it gives you access to a wealth of information about the stock market. You can see the performance history of various companies and use this data to make informed decisions about your investments.
Whether you are an experienced investor or just getting started, this Widget is a valuable tool that can help you stay on top of the stock market and make the most of your investments.
10. Entertainment Widget
Features
- Details on new movies, TV shows, web series, music, and more
- Updates about new releases, cast, and crew
- Recommendations and notifications based on your interests
The Entertainment Widget is perfect for anyone who loves keeping up with movies, TV shows, and celebrities. With this Widget, you can easily track upcoming releases and receive notifications when they become available. You can customize your watchlist to include your favorite actors, directors, and genres, and the widget will recommend new titles based on your interests.
In addition to tracking your watchlist, the Entertainment Widget provides you with news and updates about the latest movies and TV shows. You can read reviews, watch trailers, and learn about the cast and crew for each title.
The widget also provides you with access to streaming services, making it easy to watch shows and movies whenever and wherever you want. With the Entertainment Widget, you'll never miss out on the latest entertainment news and releases.
Conclusion
There are many incredible Windows 11 widgets available to help you stay informed, organized, and productive. Whether you're looking for a time-saving tool or just want to keep an eye on the weather, there's a Windows 11 widget for you. With the right tools in place, you can get more done with less effort and enjoy an improved computing experience!
We hope this article helped you discover some of the best Windows 11 widgets and how to use them. Thank you for reading!