How to Customize Your Windows 11 Desktop with Live Tiles and Widgets

Windows 10 introduced live tiles to the Start menu, a feature that divided users' opinions. While some loved the concept, others were not too keen on it. However, if you're one of those who enjoyed having live tiles on your desktop, there is a way to bring them back in Windows 11. In this article, we'll show you how to add live tiles and widgets to your Windows 11 desktop.

Adding Live Tiles and Widgets Anywhere on Windows 11

Microsoft initially allowed users to enable live tiles and widgets in Windows 11 using the Registry Editor. However, they later blocked this option, making it more challenging for users to customize their desktops. Nevertheless, there is still a way to add live tiles and widgets to your Windows 11 desktop, and we'll walk you through the process.

The benefit of having live tiles and widgets on your desktop is that you can have up-to-date information at a glance. Whether you want to keep an eye on the weather, stock prices, or any other data, you can have it all displayed on a single screen. However, it's important to note that adding too many widgets can clutter your desktop, drain your laptop's battery life, and affect internet speed. So, choose your widgets carefully.

Get Live Tiles Anywhere with the Free Windows App

To get live tiles and widgets on your Windows 11 desktop, you can download the “Get Live Tiles” app from the Microsoft Store. Once you've downloaded and opened the app, you'll find a settings screen with various options.

In the “All Apps” tab, you'll find a list of common tiles and widgets for different apps, such as weather, Notepad, Microsoft To Do, and more. You can also use the search bar to find specific widgets quickly. To select a widget, simply right-click on it.

Right-clicking on a widget will give you several options:

• Open / Run: Allows you to see the widget in action without activating it first.
• Create a copy and customize: Useful when you want multiple copies of the same widget with different information.
• Create a widget: Allows you to create a widget and place it on your desktop.
• Pin to Start menu: Pins the tile or widget to the Start menu, similar to Windows 10.
• Create a desktop icon: Adds the live tile widget to your Windows 11 desktop.

By selecting “Create a widget,” you can immediately create a widget and place it on your desktop. You can right-click on the widget to set its position or move it around.

If you choose the “Pin to Start menu” option, you can find the live tile widget by pressing the Windows key. However, keep in mind that the Windows 11 Start menu is not designed to accommodate widgets, so they appear small and may not be very useful.

As you can see, live tile widgets work best on the desktop. To quickly view your desktop, press the Windows key + D. Press the same key combination again to return to your previous window.

Creating a custom live tile widget for your favorite Windows 11 app is also possible. In the “Custom Tiles” tab, you can find a list of all the widgets you currently have active. To create a new custom tile, click on the “Create a new custom tile” button.

In the left sidebar, select “Element to execute,” then choose “Installed app” from the drop-down menu. Click on the “Pick an app” button to select the app you want to create a widget for.

After selecting an app, click on the “Save” button at the bottom. You can also add visual branding and images to customize the widget's appearance. Once you're done, click on “Save” to save your changes.

To place the newly created live tile widget on your desktop, simply right-click on it and select “Create a widget.”

And that's it! You've successfully added live tiles and widgets to your Windows 11 desktop.

You can download the “Get Live Tiles” app from the Microsoft Store.

Wrap Up: Customize Your Windows 11 Desktop with Live Tiles

While Microsoft has restricted the customization options for live tiles and widgets in Windows 11, the “Get Live Tiles” app provides a solution. With this app, you can add live tiles and widgets to your Windows 11 desktop, allowing you to personalize your desktop experience. Although there aren't many alternatives available at the moment, this app offers a unique solution. So, go ahead and enjoy customizing your Windows 11 desktop with live tiles and widgets. And don't forget to check out other useful features in Windows 11, such as Focus Sessions.