How to Completely Disable ‘Web Widget’ via Group Policy in Microsoft Edge

The Web Widget in Microsoft Edge is a feature that allows users to pin a persistent, floating search bar or a miniature version of the browser’s “Discover” feed directly onto the Windows desktop, completely independent of the main browser window. While this feature provides rapid access to Bing search and Microsoft’s content ecosystem, it acts as a persistent overlay that can distract employees, clutter the desktop environment, and consume unnecessary background RAM and CPU cycles. In a corporate setting, web browsing should be contained within the browser window itself, not bleeding out onto the desktop as a permanent widget.

This guide explains how to completely disable the Web Widget system-wide in Microsoft Edge using Group Policy, ensuring the desktop remains clean and professional.

Disable the Web Widget via Group Policy

To enforce a strict block that prevents the Web Widget from launching and locks the settings from user modification, we must deploy an administrative template. Note that this requires Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions.

1. Log into Windows 11 with an Administrator account.
2. Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialogue box.
3. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to launch the Local Group Policy Editor.
4. In the left-hand navigation pane, strictly follow this exact path:

   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge

5. In the right-hand pane, locate the policy named Enable Web Widget (or WebWidgetAllowed depending on your ADMX version).
6. Double-click the policy to open its configuration window.
7. Select the radio button next to Disabled.
8. Click Apply, then click OK.

Verify the Configuration Lockdown

Group Policy changes require the browser to read the registry upon its next launch. Close all active instances of Microsoft Edge, and ensure that the Web Widget itself is closed if it is currently running on the desktop.

To verify the restriction is active, open Microsoft Edge and navigate to the browser settings (edge://settings). Search for “Web Widget” in the settings search bar. Any options related to launching the Web Widget on startup or pinning it to the desktop will either be completely removed from the UI or greyed out and locked in the ‘Off’ position, accompanied by a briefcase icon. Employees will no longer be able to spawn the widget on their desktop.