Microsoft’s native Widgets Panel in Windows 11 has struggled to gain traction, largely due to a lack of high-quality, essential tools. A new third-party application called WidBar aims to fix this by allowing you to place functional widgets directly onto the empty spaces of your taskbar.
Developed by Andrea Del Bello, WidBar is currently in beta but already offers a more practical approach to desktop customization than Microsoft’s built-in solution. Here is what you need to know about the app and how it changes the Windows 11 experience.
How WidBar works
WidBar integrates seamlessly with the Windows 11 taskbar, letting you drag and drop widgets into unused areas. The app supports multi-monitor setups, meaning you can place different widgets on different screens without cluttering your primary workspace.
The installation process is straightforward. You download WidBar from the Microsoft Store, and it automatically scans for compatible widget apps. There is no separate plugin store or manual configuration required; once a compatible widget app is installed, WidBar recognizes it and adds it to your available catalog.
Current widgets and developer support
As a beta release, WidBar currently supports two specific widgets:
- Now Playing: Displays current media playback information directly on the taskbar.
- System Metrics: Shows real-time system performance data.
While this selection is small, it highlights a key advantage over Microsoft’s ecosystem. The native Windows 11 Widgets Panel lacks a built-in “Now Playing” widget, forcing users to rely on the Action Center for media controls or third-party apps like “S Media Controls” by Stefan vd.
Del Bello has also provided a template on GitHub for other developers. This allows anyone to create and publish widgets as standard Microsoft Store apps, which WidBar will automatically detect and support without needing approval from the original developer.
Why this matters for Windows users
The contrast between WidBar and Microsoft’s offering is stark. The official Widgets Panel currently hosts only 56 widgets in the Microsoft Store, many of which are low-effort games or promotional content rather than useful tools. WidBar, with just two functional widgets, already provides more immediate utility for everyday tasks.
For users who find the default Windows 11 interface too sparse, WidBar offers a way to reclaim unused taskbar space with practical information. If the developer continues to expand the library with clocks, calendars, and file shortcuts, it could become a viable replacement for the native Widgets Panel.
Source: Windows Central
Over to you: Would you use WidBar to replace the default Widgets Panel, or do you prefer keeping your taskbar clean?
