Cannot disable widgets and keep from logging into Microsoft

Got a new laptop and learning Win11 after clinging to Win7 for so many years. Still learning the intricacies of the new OS.

Then I did an incredibly stupid and rash thing that I'm afraid is irreversible. I had a desire to have the local weather/temp be visible on the taskbar--I know, but one can dream can't they? I decided to see what the weather widget looked like and against my better judgement enabled widgets in Settings and logged in using an old Microsoft login that I had once created for some reason. And just that easily the trap was sprung and Microsoft won't let go and I'm afraid I may have to reformat and reinstall Windows 11 and all my programs to rid myself of an unbreakable curse. Before doing that I figured I'd check here and see if there is any redemption for this penitent sinner that succumbed in a moment of weakness by allowing Microsoft to become aware of my new laptop.

In trying to turn back the hands of time to erase my blunder I have turned off widgets in Settings. This, of course, did nothing as a right swipe from the left edge of my screen still shows me logged into my windows account and the awful contents of the widget's "curated" dreck that passes for news is all over the widget fly-in overlay. Sure, I can click the logout button and temporarily stop this fountain of filth but if I reboot I'm back to being logged in again.

So, I discovered that in logging into Microsoft to experiment with a weather widget I inadvertently changed my account settings off "Local account". It took me some time to figure out how to return my account to local (and unencrypt my user files which it did behind my back with no confirmation from me). I reset back to a local password and my account settings clearly show "Local account". Still, that is not enough to stop the Microsoft news juggernaut from interpreting any errant motion near the left edge of my screen as a request to see disgusting curated junk popping out at me.

Widgets are in theory off and I'm logging in locally but Microsoft will not take the hint that I do not wish to be harassed with this unceasing font of what it considers to be news and information. I can log out to temporarily stem the psychic assault but whenever I reboot I'm logged back into my Microsoft account and though widgets are disabled there seems no way to my previous state where this laptop was unaware of my Microsoft account.

I think the Microsoft account might have latched onto my Windows Hello methods of biometrically recognizing me. Perhaps, deleting my fingerprints and facial recognition and retraining again fresh might break this curse of the zombie news widgets that refuse to die.

Desperately seeking any guidance from those more versed in Win11 and who might know some remedies to try to rid myself of this curse I've unleased upon an otherwise unsuspecting laptop. Hoping there is some path short of a restore to OEM software install.


Thanks in advance to anyone who can aid a Win11 newbie out of my current unfortunate state.


Cheers.