Windows 10 and 11 introduce customizable lock screen widgets
Windows 10 and 11 users can now use the new lock screen, which features widgets with weather information at the forefront. This option was previously tested among a small group of users and should now be available for everyone using Windows 10 and 11.
You need to go to the system settings to enable the new lock screen in Windows 10 or 11. In the Personalisation tab, navigate to lock screen settings. The new option should be visible under the lock screen customisation section, provided you have an updated operating system and no group policy restrictions—notes Windows Latest.
The new widgets cannot be modified for now, but Microsoft is expected to allow customization of what is displayed on the Windows 10 and 11 lock screens over time. By default, these are small widgets, including weather information, which are significantly more numerous than in the previous version. The user can click on a tile on the lock screen, and after logging in, Windows will automatically open the browser with additional information.
In the case of the weather forecast, these will be additional details on the MSN Weather page. Similarly, lock screen widgets on Windows 10 and 11 (and later in the browser after logging in) may include stock information or trending news topics.
On the one hand, it's pleasing that such changes are being rolled out simultaneously not only to Windows 11 but also to the older Windows 10; however, on the other hand, these moves are not entirely understandable given the upcoming end of support in mid-2025 and Microsoft's explicit encouragement to use the more modern and functional Windows 11. By introducing these valuable new features to Windows 10, Microsoft is somewhat blurring the distinctions between the two systems, distinctions that they should arguably now be emphasizing.
