Microsoft has been developing significant enhancements for the lock screen in Windows 11, and a number of these improvements are set to be released throughout summer. It’s been quite some time since Microsoft last made substantial changes or updates to the lock screen, making the upcoming new features particularly noteworthy.
Initially, it’s worth noting that Microsoft is making a change to allow personalization of the widgets on the lock screen. Previously, these widgets were set in stone, with the only adjustable aspect being whether they could be enabled or disabled. However, in the near future, you’ll have the freedom to rearrange, add, and even delete specific widgets, including custom and third-party options.
This function has started being used by EU users, but at the moment, it’s not accessible worldwide. However, Microsoft plans to expand its availability globally during the summer. Therefore, you’ll soon have the opportunity to personalize the widgets displayed on your lock screen.
With the introduction of customizable widgets, you now have the freedom to organize your widgets in any desired sequence and even include new ones that were previously unavailable on the lock screen. For instance, I’ve personalized my lock screen by adding Phone Link, which showcases information about my phone such as its connectivity status, battery level, and missed notifications.
As a researcher, finding essential information quickly is crucial for me, especially when I am away from my desktop computer. Since I often leave my device locked when stepping away, having the ability to view notifications directly on the lock screen without needing to log in first is incredibly useful. This way, I can easily check if there are any important messages or updates on my phone just by glancing at my PC’s idle screen while it remains locked.
Besides allowing users to tailor their own widgets, it seems Microsoft is developing a function called “self-updating widgets.” This new feature will automatically display recommended widgets on the lock screen, eliminating the need for you to manually select which ones appear. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind not customizing your lock screen personally, this feature could be very useful for you.
Here are two significant enhancements coming shortly to the Windows 11 lock screen. Additionally, there’s more to come, such as a feature that I thought was already available in Windows for at least a decade. In the near future, you’ll be able to view your battery level directly on the lock screen. Frankly, it’s hard to believe it myself!
Microsoft has recently introduced a feature that displays battery percentage on the Taskbar for Windows 11 users. Soon, this functionality will extend to the lock screen’s bottom right corner as well. This is a feature that many modern platforms have offered for quite some time now, and Windows is finally incorporating it in 2025.
Apart from introducing fresh functionalities, Microsoft is simplifying the process of logging into Windows using a controller. Lately, Microsoft has been focusing on enhancing Windows 11 to run smoother on gaming devices, primarily handhelds, as it faces increased competition from SteamOS in recent months.
As an observer, I notice that Microsoft is streamlining the Windows user experience by allowing gaming controllers to function as input devices even at the lock screen. Soon, you’ll be able to effortlessly input your Windows PIN using the buttons on a controller, which should feel quite intuitive if you’re accustomed to the pin code feature on Xbox.
As an analyst, I’ve noticed some intriguing signs suggesting that Microsoft may be developing a cutting-edge, AI-driven dynamic wallpaper feature for Windows 11. If this comes to pass, it could potentially extend to the lock screen as well, mirroring similar capabilities found on Android and iOS/iPadOS devices. It would indeed be refreshing to see such a feature grace the Windows platform.
Over the summer and through the fall, the majority of these new features will be made available to all users. If you’re using Windows 11 in the EU, chances are you can already personalize the widgets displayed on your lock screen. The remaining features will arrive by the end of this year.
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2025-07-07 15:39