New lock screen widgets arrive for all Windows 10 and 11 users

Windows 10 and 11 users can now take advantage of the new lock screen, which features widgets with weather information prominently displayed. 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.

For now, the new widgets cannot be modified, but Microsoft is expected to allow customisation of what is displayed on the Windows 10 and 11 lock screens over time. By default, these include small widgets with 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.

The weather forecast will be detailed on the MSN Weather page. Similarly, lock screen widgets on Windows 10 and 11 (and later in the browser after logging in) may also include stock information or trending news topics.

On 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 fully understandable given the upcoming end of support in 2025 and Microsoft's clear 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 emphasising.