Windows 11 widgets no longer require a Microsoft account

A highly requested change to the Widgets Panel just made its way to Windows 11.

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What you need to know

Windows 11 now allows you to use the Widgets Panel without signing into a Microsoft account. Until recently, those using local accounts or not signed in could not use the Widgets Panel at all. Microsoft started testing the option to use the Widgets Panel without a Microsoft account in December 2022 withWindows 11 Insider Build 25262. Now, that functionality is generally available.

The change was spotted by Twitter user@PhantomOfEarth. They noted that to use the Widgets Panel without a Microsoft account, your PC needs to have the most recent version of theWindows Web Experience Packinstalled.

Widgets now has another improvement on stable Windows 11: the ability to use the feature without signing in.If you have the latest version of the Windows Web Experience Pack installed (423.3000.10.0), you will have this improvement, no ViVeTool requiredTurn off news when pic.twitter.com/Ncn5FhzCLwFebruary 14, 2023

Following the change, those that are not signed in can see the weather and news through the Widgets Panel. They can also pin widgets from third-party apps, which is more important now thatSpotify and Phone Link widgets are availablein preview. More third-party widgets are expected to roll out in the future.

Windows Central take

The Widgets Panel in Windows 11 is still relatively new. It has the potential to be a powerful tool for controlling apps and browsing information but at the moment it’s quite limited.

In its present form, the Widgets Panel feels more like a form of monetization than a useful feature. It’snot possible to remove news from the panel, which is quite frustrating. Additionally, very few third-party widgets are available. The rollout of Spotify could lead to a wave of new widget experiences on Windows 11, but we’ll have to see if developers decide to use the feature.

Microsoft appears to be listening to feedback about the Widgets Panel. The option to use the tool without a Microsoft account is a welcome change. Hopefully, the company will continue to improve the feature based on user feedback.

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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.