Taking Control of Your Windows 11 Widgets and Chrome New Tab Page

Many Windows 11 users have noticed unwanted tiles, such as those for Walmart and Amazon, appearing on their Google Chrome New Tab page and within the Windows Widgets board. This can be disruptive to a personalized experience. Fortunately, these elements are managed separately, allowing you to customize both your Windows Widgets and your Chrome New Tab page to display the information you uncover most valuable.

Understanding the Difference: Windows Widgets vs. Chrome New Tab Page

It’s crucial to understand that the widgets displaying weather, news, and stocks are part of the Windows 11 Widgets board, not directly controlled by Google Chrome. The promotional tiles and “Add shortcut” area you see on the New Tab page are managed within Chrome itself. Adjustments need to be made in both locations to achieve your desired setup.

Customizing the Windows 11 Widgets Board

To focus on the widgets you use most often and remove unwanted content from the Windows Widgets board, follow these steps:

• Open the Windows Widgets board: Select the Widgets button on the taskbar, press the Windows key + W, or swipe from the side of the screen (if using touch and the taskbar is centered).
• Remove or hide widgets: On the Widgets board, select the More options button (three dots) in the upper corner of any widget you don’t want to see.
  • Select Unpin widget to stop it from appearing but allow it to reappear when relevant.
  • Select Hide this widget to completely remove it from the Widgets board.
• Pin and arrange widgets: Use the Settings or Widgets gallery options (via the settings button or “+”/Add widgets area) to discover and pin widgets you use frequently, such as Weather, News, Stocks, or Photos. You can as well move widgets by selecting their header and dragging them to the desired position. Resize widgets (options vary by widget) by selecting the More options button and choosing Small, Medium, or Large.
• Adjust language, region, and feed behavior: Select the user account button on the Widgets board. From Language and content, choose your preferred language. To hide the news feed, select the Settings button, then Demonstrate or hide feeds, and set Feed to Off.
• Show or hide the Widgets button on the taskbar: Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings. Under Taskbar items, toggle Widgets On or Off.

Customizing the Chrome New Tab Page

While the provided sources do not detail specific steps for customizing the Chrome New Tab page, it’s important to note that this is where you’ll manage the promotional tiles and shortcut suggestions. Chrome settings allow users to control the content displayed on the New Tab page, including disabling or customizing these features. Refer to Google Chrome’s official help documentation for detailed instructions on customizing the New Tab page.

Key Takeaways

• Windows 11 Widgets and Chrome New Tab pages are separate entities with independent customization options.
• The Windows Widgets board is managed through Windows 11 settings.
• The Chrome New Tab page is managed through Chrome settings.
• You can pin, unpin, hide, and rearrange widgets on the Windows Widgets board.

By understanding the distinction between these two areas and utilizing their respective customization options, you can create a streamlined and personalized digital experience in Windows 11 and Chrome.