Sudden shifts in widget placement after a Windows 11 update can disrupt your workflow and make your desktop feel less organized. Users have reported that the Widgets button, previously located near the Start menu or search bar, sometimes migrates to the right side of the taskbar or changes size unexpectedly. While Windows 11 offers robust tools for arranging and resizing individual widgets within the Widgets board, relocating the Widgets panel itself or moving the Widgets button to a preferred taskbar position remains restricted by current system design.

Move Widgets Within the Widgets Board

Optimizing your Widgets board layout starts with rearranging individual widgets to suit your daily routine. This process allows you to keep your most-used widgets easily accessible and group similar information together.

Step 1: Open the Widgets board by selecting the Widgets icon on the taskbar or by using the Windows + W keyboard shortcut.

Step 2: Identify the widget you want to move. Make sure the widget is pinned; only pinned widgets can be repositioned. If the widget is not pinned, use the options menu (three dots) on the widget to pin it first.

Step 3: Click and hold the header (top bar) of the pinned widget. Drag the widget to your desired location within the pinned section of the board, then release to drop it in place. This lets you customize the board’s order for quick access to critical information.

Resize Widgets for Better Information Density

Adjusting widget size can help you display more details or save space for a cleaner look. Different widgets support different size options, typically Small, Medium, or Large.

Step 1: Open the Widgets board with the taskbar button or Windows + W shortcut.

Step 2: Locate the widget you want to resize and click the three-dot menu in its upper-right corner.

Step 3: Select the preferred size from the available options. The widget will immediately adjust, showing more or less content depending on your choice. Some widgets only offer one or two size options, so not all widgets can be made smaller or larger.

Current Limitations: Moving or Resizing the Widgets Panel and Taskbar Button

The Widgets panel itself—the area that slides out from the left or bottom edge of the screen—cannot be moved to a different screen location or monitor. Its position is fixed by Windows 11’s design. Similarly, the width of the panel is not adjustable; you can expand or collapse the board using the expand/collapse button, but you cannot set a custom width or restrict it to a single column.

As for the Widgets button on the taskbar, its location is also determined by Windows 11’s system rules and recent updates. Some users have found the button moves from the left side (near the Start menu or search bar) to the far right (near the system tray) after updates, with no built-in option to change its position. Adjusting the overall taskbar alignment to “Left” in Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors only affects the alignment of all taskbar items; it does not allow the Widgets button to be moved independently.

Remove or Show the Widgets Button on the Taskbar

If the new placement of the Widgets button is disruptive or you simply don’t use it, you can remove it from the taskbar:

Step 1: Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.

Step 2: In the Taskbar items section, toggle the Widgets switch to Off to hide the button, or to On to show it again. This does not affect your widgets’ content or their arrangement inside the Widgets board.

Pin, Unpin, or Hide Widgets

Managing which widgets appear on your board helps you focus on relevant information.

  • To pin a widget, click the Add widgets button at the bottom of the Widgets board and select from the available options.
  • To unpin, click the three-dot menu on a widget and select Unpin widget. This removes it from the board but keeps it available for future use.
  • To hide a widget completely, use the Hide this widget option in the same menu.

Tips and Maintenance

If you experience issues with widgets not updating or behaving erratically, ensure that both the Windows Web Experience Pack and Microsoft Edge are up to date. These components power the Widgets feature and may cause problems if outdated. You can check for updates in the Microsoft Store and Windows Update settings.

For feature requests such as moving the Widgets panel or customizing the button’s location, use the Feedback Hub (Windows + F) to submit your suggestions directly to Microsoft. This increases the likelihood of these options being added in future Windows 11 releases.

While Windows 11 offers flexible ways to move and resize individual widgets within the Widgets board, moving the panel itself or the taskbar button is not currently supported. Keeping your system updated and providing feedback to Microsoft are the best ways to influence future options.