Explore Windows 11: Customizing the New Lock Screen Widget with Third-Party Apps

Explore Windows 11: Customizing the New Lock Screen Widget with Third-Party Apps

Exciting news for Windows 11 users! You can now showcase your favorite desktop widgets on the lock screen, a feature that includes popular apps like Spotify. This enhancement comes with the release of Windows 11 Build 22635.4870 now available in the Beta Channel. Alongside various fixes and improvements, this update introduces an innovative widget customization feature for your lock screen.

Previously reported by Windows Latest, the ability to customize widgets on the lock screen has finally arrived, addressing the earlier limitation of being restricted to MSN widgets. Despite the previous talks of change, Microsoft has now delivered on this promise, allowing users to enjoy a more personalized experience.

Currently, this exciting update is exclusive to Windows Insiders in the European Economic Area (EEA), with plans for broader availability in the future.

Exploring Windows 11’s New Lock Screen Widget Customization

Customizing Lock Screen Widgets in Windows 11

Windows Latest took the initiative to test these fresh lock screen customization features. To get started with customizing your lock screen widgets, simply navigate to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. Once on the Lock screen settings, you can dive into the “Your widgets” section for easy management.

Available Lock Screen Widgets

Available widgets for customization include options like Weather, Watchlist, Sports, Traffic, and much more. These selections mirror those found in the MSN feed on the taskbar, and a handy “Find more widgets” link will direct you to the dedicated widgets page within the Microsoft Store.

Widgets Page in Microsoft Store

Keep in mind that only widgets supporting the small-size option can be displayed on the lock screen. If a widget is incompatible, an error message will notify you, ensuring you’re aware of any limitations.

Unsupported Lock Screen Widgets Error

During testing, we successfully added a Spotify widget to our lock screen, allowing us to arrange widgets easily by dragging them vertically in the interface.

Reorder Widgets on Lock Screen

The convenience of interacting with lock screen widgets is a game-changer. While on the lock screen, you can start timers, launch focus sessions, check sports scores, monitor stock performance, or quickly glance at the weather—streamlining everyday tasks with only a few taps.

Interact with Lock Screen Widgets

A useful three-dot menu located in the corner of each widget allows further management, directing you to the widget settings page specifically for lock screen widgets.

This significant update certainly improves lock screen interactivity compared to previous iterations, where users were often faced with the same widgets across MSN and lock screens. Those looking to curate a distinct experience on their lock screen can now tailor widget visibility to their preferences.

Furthermore, this build includes provisions for a new group policy labeled “Disable Widgets On Lock Screen”.This feature empowers IT administrators to disable widgets specifically on the lock screen while preserving access to other widgets across managed devices.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this innovative feature that enables lock screen customization! Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I customize my lock screen widgets in Windows 11?

To customize lock screen widgets, go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. In the “Your widgets” section, you can add, remove, or rearrange widgets according to your preference.

2. Which widgets are available for the lock screen in Windows 11?

You can enable widgets such as Weather, Watchlist, Sports, and Traffic for your lock screen. Some third-party widgets from the Microsoft Store, like Spotify, are also available for a more personalized experience.

3. Are there limitations to the widgets I can use on my lock screen?

Yes, only widgets that support small-size display can be added to the lock screen. If a widget is incompatible, an error message will indicate it is not supported for this feature.

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