Windows 11 Side Bar May 2026

But what exactly is this sidebar? How do you customize it, fix it if it’s not working, and use it to boost your daily productivity? This guide covers everything you need to know. Unlike the old desktop gadgets that sat permanently on your screen, the Windows 11 Sidebar is an on-demand overlay . When you click the Widgets icon (or press Win + W ), a panel slides from the left edge of your screen, covering about one-third of your desktop.

| Feature | Windows 11 Sidebar | Rainmeter | Widget Launcher | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | No (slides over apps) | Yes (on desktop) | Yes | | Resource usage | Low (runs via WebView2 ) | Medium | Very Low | | Customization | Limited (size/order only) | Infinite (coding required) | High (drag/drop) | | Best for | Casual news & weather | Hardcore desktop customization | Quick app launching | windows 11 side bar

If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11, you might have noticed a new icon on the taskbar that opens a glossy, glass-like panel sliding out from the left side of your screen. This is the Windows 11 Sidebar (officially called the Widgets Board ), and it represents Microsoft’s modern take on a feature that was popular in Windows Vista and Windows 7. But what exactly is this sidebar