
Latest Windows 11 Preview Build Introduces Customizable Lock Screen Widgets
This week, Microsoft unveiled the latest preview build for Windows 11, numbered 22635.4870 or KB5050087, in the Beta Channel. A standout feature of this update is the enhanced customization options for lock screen widgets, allowing users to choose which widgets are displayed when their PC is locked.
Understanding Lock Screen Widgets in Windows 11
Lock screen widgets are not a new concept. They were initially rolled out with Windows 10 and made their debut in Windows 11 back in 2024. This feature provides convenient access to essential information at a glance, enhancing user experience. With the recent update, however, users can now specifically select which widgets to display on their lock screens, a feature that was first noted in preliminary tests in November 2024.
How to Enable Custom Lock Screen Widgets
The widget customization feature is being gradually released to Windows Insiders through build 22635.4870. For those eager to try this feature ahead of the widespread rollout, follow these steps to force-enable it:
- Download ViVeTool from GitHub and extract the files to a folder that is easy to locate.
- Open Command Prompt as an Administrator and navigate to the ViVeTool folder using the CD command. For instance, if your files are in C:\Vive, you would enter CD C:\Vive.
- Input the command vivetool /enable /id:50179255, 53672489 and hit Enter.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Adjusting Your Lock Screen Settings
After successfully following the instructions, you can personalize your lock screen by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. Here, click on Your Widgets > Add Widget to select the widgets you wish to display. If you prefer not to use lock screen widgets at all, simply toggle off the Your Widgets option.

Important Considerations
It’s essential to note that modifying these settings requires an activated version of Windows. If you are testing preview builds on a virtual machine, ensure that it is activated using a genuine Windows key beforehand. Insights from former Microsoft employees provide fascinating perspectives on the evolution of these features.
Special thanks to @phantomofearth for contributing the feature IDs.
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