This article shows you how to customize your WordPress dashboard to match your business needs.
1. Access Your Dashboard Settings
First, log into your WordPress admin dashboard. Once inside, look at the top right corner of your screen. Click on "Screen Options" - this button appears on most dashboard pages.
The Screen Options panel will drop down, showing you checkboxes for different dashboard widgets. These are the boxes that appear on your main dashboard page.
2. Choose Which Widgets to Display
Tick the boxes next to widgets you want to see:
- At a Glance: Shows quick stats about your posts, pages, and comments
- Activity: Recent comments and posts on your site
- Quick Draft: Lets you write a quick post idea
- WordPress Events and News: Updates from WordPress (you can usually untick this)
Untick any widgets you don't need. This removes clutter and makes your dashboard cleaner.
3. Rearrange Your Dashboard Layout
After choosing your widgets, close the Screen Options panel. You can now drag and drop the remaining widgets to reorganize them.
Click and hold the title bar of any widget, then drag it to a new position. This helps you put the most important information at the top.
4. Customize the Welcome Panel
The large "Welcome" panel at the top can be hidden if you don't need it. Look for a small "Dismiss" link in the corner of the welcome panel and click it.
To bring it back later, go to Screen Options and tick "Welcome".
5. Set Up User Preferences
Click on your profile name in the top right corner, then select "Edit Profile". Scroll down to find these useful settings:
- Admin Color Scheme: Choose a color theme for your dashboard
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Enable these if you want faster navigation
- Toolbar: Choose whether to show the admin bar when viewing your live site
6. Manage Dashboard for Other Users
If you have staff members accessing WordPress, you can customize what they see. Go to "Users" in the left menu, then click "All Users".
Click on a user's name to edit their profile. You can set their role (like Editor or Author) which determines what dashboard features they can access. For more details, see managing WordPress users and permissions.
7. Add Custom Dashboard Widgets
Some plugins add their own dashboard widgets. After installing a plugin, check Screen Options again - new widget options may appear.
Popular business plugins often add useful widgets like:
- Contact form statistics
- Website visitor counts
- Backup status updates
- Security scan results
If you're still stuck with customizing your dashboard, contact Web60 support through your account portal.
FAQ
Q: Can I completely remove the WordPress news widget?
A: Yes, go to Screen Options at the top of your dashboard and untick "WordPress Events and News". This removes it completely from your view.
Q: Why can't I see Screen Options on my dashboard?
A: Screen Options only appears for users with Administrator roles. If you're an Editor or Author, you won't see this option.
Q: How do I reset my dashboard to the default layout?
A: Go to Screen Options and tick all the available widgets, then rearrange them manually. There's no automatic "reset" button.
Q: Can I hide the dashboard completely and go straight to my posts?
A: Yes, some plugins allow this, or you can bookmark the Posts page directly. The URL ends with /wp-admin/edit.php instead of /wp-admin/.
Q: What happens if I accidentally close an important widget?
A: Don't worry - go to Screen Options and tick the widget's checkbox to bring it back. Nothing is permanently deleted.
Q: Can different users have different dashboard layouts?
A: Yes, each WordPress user can customize their own dashboard layout. Changes you make only affect your account.
Q: Why do some widgets show "No activity yet" or similar messages?
A: This is normal for new websites. These widgets will populate with data as you add content and receive comments.
Last updated: 1 March 2026