How to Enable or Disable Microsoft Edge Web Widget in Windows 10
Microsoft has adopted the Chromium open source project in the development of Microsoft Edge on the desktop to create better web compatibility. This new Microsoft Edge runs on the same Chromium web engine as the Google Chrome browser, offering you best in class web compatibility and performance.
The new Chromium based Microsoft Edge is supported on all versions of Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows Server (2016 and above), Windows Server (2008 R2 to 2012 R2), and macOS.
The Microsoft Edge Web widget allows you to easily access information that’s important to you. Quickly check in on the latest headlines, weather, sports, and more in a way that’s easy to observe at-a-glance and without the distraction of switching between apps, websites and devices.
If you turn on the Web widget, it will remain open even if you close Microsoft Edge until you close the Web widget.
The Web widget is similar to news and interests on the taskbar in Windows 10.
See also: Get started with the Web widget | Microsoft News Blog
You can use the the WebWidgetAllowed policy to enable or disable the Web widget feature for all users.
If you disable this policy: The Web widget will be disabled for all users. The option to launch the widget from Microsoft Edge Settings will be disabled. The option to launch start the widget at Windows startup (auto-start) will be disabled. The option to launch the widget from Microsoft Edge "More tools" menu will be disabled.
This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable the Microsoft Edge Web widget feature for all users in Windows 10.
You must be signed in as an administrator to enable or disable the Microsoft Edge Web widget feature.
The Web widget is currently only available as part of controlled feature roll-outs in the Microsoft Edge Canary channel, so not everyone will have this feature yet.
EXAMPLE: Web widget with default vertical layout
EXAMPLE: Web widget settings disabled
Here's How:
The downloadable .reg files below will add and modify the DWORD value in the registry key below.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
WebWidgetAllowed DWORD
(delete) = Enable
0 = Disable
1 Do step 2 (enable) or step 3 (disable) below for what you would like to do.
This is the default setting.
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Enable_Microsoft_Edge_Web_widget_feature_for_all_users.reg
Download
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Disable_Microsoft_Edge_Web_widget_feature_for_all_users.reg
Download
4 Save the .reg file to your desktop.
5 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.
6 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.
7 If Microsoft Edge is currently open, then close and reopen Microsoft Edge to apply.
8 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.
That's it,
Shawn Brink
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How to Enable or Disable Microsoft Edge Web Widget in Windows 10
-
New #1
Hi Shawn
I had it for several weeks on Dev Edge but in the last 2versions mine has gone and i have a greyed out widget in tools but the briefcase is not greyed out! I have tried the registry enable but does not work?
I get no entry?
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New #2
Hello mate,
This tutorial is just to enable or disable the Web Widget feature. By default, the registry DWORD will only be there if disabled.
The Launch Web widget setting below is grayed out for me as well, even if the feature is enabled.
How to Turn On or Off Microsoft Edge Web Widget in Windows 10
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New #3
Hi Shawn
Ok cheers very weird i had it for a few months i loved the orb at the side of the screen very weird they have removed it.
I also note the News Icon on Taskbar no longer shows up?
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New #4
IMPORTANT NOTE (at least IMHO):
If you enable the policy:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
WebWidgetAllowed DWORD
0 = Disable
Edge will keep showing you a warning message: "Your browser is managed by your organization":
... but is perfectly safe. Wanted to mention this because I've read the same thing happening to Chrome in the past was related to malware extensions (and is still the first result from web searches)! So don't worry, nothing wrong on our PCs, just a side-effect of forcing this policy
How to Enable or Disable Microsoft Edge Web Widget in Windows 10
Published by Shawn BrinkCategory: Browsers & Email11 Apr 2021
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