What Are Windows Widgets ~repack~ Jun 2026

Windows Widgets are a feature in Windows 11 that allows users to add customizable, live tiles to their desktop. These widgets provide users with quick access to information, such as:

Widgets retrieve data from:

Windows Widgets represent Microsoft’s current, cautious attempt to balance quick information access with security and system stability. While they lack the desktop freedom of Windows 7 gadgets, the Windows 11 implementation offers a modern, web-powered, and secure interface for glanceable data. Their true value lies in convenience—reducing context switching for frequent tasks. However, to rival the widget ecosystems of macOS, iOS, or Android, Microsoft will need to open the platform more aggressively to third-party developers and consider bringing widgets back to the desktop itself. what are windows widgets

: A dashboard you can open by clicking the icon on the taskbar or swiping from the left. Windows Widgets are a feature in Windows 11

Windows widgets are essentially "mini-apps" that update dynamically. You can access them through several methods: and secure interface for glanceable data.

: Some users find them distracting or a "clutter" on the taskbar. There are also concerns that they can consume system resources (RAM/CPU) and slow down your PC, especially if many are running in the background.

| Feature | Windows 11 Widgets | macOS (Ventura+) Widgets | Android (At a Glance) | iOS (Today View) | |----------|--------------------|----------------------------|------------------------|--------------------| | Placement | Fly-out panel | Notification Center / Desktop | Home screen / Lock screen | Home screen / Lock screen | | Interactivity | Low (click opens app) | Medium (some inline actions) | Medium | Medium | | Desktop presence | No | Yes (macOS Sonoma) | Yes | Yes | | Third-party support | Limited | Extensive | Extensive | Extensive |