Windows 11 update is removing Microsoft account requirement for widget boards

One of the flagship features of Windows 11 is the Widgets panel, which is essentially a reboot of Windows 10’s News & Interests and is one of the ways MSN is pushed to users. By default, the Widgets drawer also gives you access to weather, sports scores, financial updates, and more.

However, in Windows 11, accessing the widget drawer requires a Microsoft account. If you don't have a Microsoft account, you can't view anything in the widgets panel. This includes local traffic, Microsoft To Do lists, Microsoft Store updates, Microsoft Movies & TV content, sports, and esports.

For some people, the Widgets board is useless. On the other hand, some people may want to give it a try, but they don't want to link their Microsoft account to other Windows 11 services. It looks like Microsoft is listening to feedback, as the tech giant is rolling out a new preview update that removes the account requirement.

Widget board forces Microsoft account login

Starting early next year, you will be able to use and browse widgets without linking your Microsoft account Parts board.

Windows Widgets Board without a Microsoft Account

As you can see in the screenshot above, Microsoft has removed the login requirement, allowing Or users without a Microsoft account can access the widget board. So you can now get regular weather updates and sports updates, pin your favorite apps to your board and also have access to a personalized dynamic feed.

The widget board may get better in the coming weeks

Widgets on Windows have the potential to change the way the desktop looks to the user rather than a grid of icons. Widgets are expected to get better as more third-party widgets become available in the coming months, and Microsoft also plans to announce new features for widgets next year.

For those who don’t know, Windows has always had a history of widgets. Back in the early 2000s, Vistas had a widget-like feature, they were called widgets. While the same experience isn't available on Windows 11 yet, hopefully the Widgets project will eventually evolve into something bigger.

Hate widget boards? Here's how to remove it now

If you don't want to use the Widget Board at all, remember that removing the feature is very simple: right-click on the button and click Unpin from Taskbar.

Widget Board Settings in Windows 11

Another way to delete widgets is to open Windows Search or the Start menu and look for "Taskbar set up". Or you can open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, where you'll see the Widgets setting.

You can turn off widgets and other features (like search) and the button will automatically disappear from your taskbar.

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