Windows 11 includes a Widgets panel that opens from the taskbar and shows news, weather, calendar, and other personalized content. In managed environments you may want to allow Widgets for some users or block them for others. For example to reduce distraction, control internet-sourced content, or keep shared or kiosk devices consistent. With Microsoft Intune you can set this centrally using a Settings catalog profile: add Allow Widgets under Widgets and set it to Allow or Block. This guide walks through creating and assigning that profile.
Why Allow or Block Widgets?
Controlling Widgets at the policy level helps with:
- Focus and productivity . The Widgets panel can pull in news and other content that distracts from work; blocking it keeps the taskbar and experience simpler.
- Content and data . Widgets fetch content from the internet, which may conflict with content filtering, data usage, or privacy policies.
- Consistency . On shared or kiosk devices, disabling Widgets avoids irrelevant or inappropriate content and keeps the UI predictable.
- Flexibility . You can allow Widgets for some groups (e.g. standard users) and block them for others (e.g. kiosks or locked-down devices) by using separate profiles and assignments.
What You’ll Configure
You will create one Settings catalog configuration profile for Windows 10 and later (Widgets are a Windows 11 feature; the setting applies where supported), add Allow Widgets under Widgets, set it to Allow or Block, then assign the profile to the users or devices where you want the setting applied.
Step 1: Create the Configuration Profile
In the Microsoft Intune admin center, go to Devices → Windows → Configuration profiles. Click Create → New policy. Set Platform to Windows 10 and later and Profile type to Settings catalog. Click Create.
On Basics, enter a Name (e.g. “Widgets – Block” or “Widgets – Allow”) and optionally a Description. Click Next.
Step 2: Set the Widgets Policy
On Configuration settings, click Add settings. Search for Widgets. Open Widgets, select Allow Widgets, and set it to Allow or Block depending on your policy. Click Next.
Set scope tags if your tenant uses them, then on Assignments add the groups (or All Users / All Devices) that should receive this policy. Click Next, then Review + create, and Create.
After the profile syncs to targeted devices, the Widgets panel will be allowed or blocked according to your setting. Blocked users will not see or open the Widgets panel from the taskbar.
Wrap-up
You can allow or block Windows Widgets with Microsoft Intune by creating a Settings catalog profile for Windows 10 and later, adding Allow Widgets under Widgets, and setting it to Allow or Block. Assign the profile to the users or devices where you want the setting applied. Use Block for kiosks, shared PCs, or groups where you want a focused taskbar; use Allow (or leave unconfigured) where Widgets are acceptable.
