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How to Fix Windows 11 Widgets Not Working

By metsPosted on Posted in Sport Gear

How to Fix Windows 11 Widgets Not Working

Windows 11 widgets provide quick access to news, weather, calendar, and other personalized information right from your desktop. If these widgets aren’t functioning properly, it can hinder your productivity and disrupt your user experience. This guide offers clear, step-by-step instructions to troubleshoot and fix common issues with Windows 11 widgets, ensuring they work smoothly again. Before you begin, make sure your Windows 11 system is up to date and you have administrator rights on your computer, as some fixes may require elevated permissions.

What You’ll Need

  • Windows 11 PC with internet connection
  • Administrator access to your user account
  • Basic familiarity with Windows Settings and Task Manager

Step-by-Step

  1. Check for Windows Updates: Ensure your system is running the latest version of Windows 11. Go to Settings > Windows Update, then click “Check for updates.” Install any available updates, restart your PC, and see if the widgets start working.
  2. Restart the Widgets Process: Sometimes, the widget process may crash or become unresponsive. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Find “Widgets” under the Processes tab, right-click it, and select “End task.” Then, click “File” in Task Manager, choose “Run new task,” type “Windows.UI.Xaml.Hosting.exe” or “Widgets,” and press Enter. This will restart the widget process.
  3. Reset the Widgets Cache: Corrupted cache files can cause widgets to malfunction. Open File Explorer, navigate to %LocalAppData% > Packages > Microsoft.Windows.Client.CBS_cw5n1h2txyewy > LocalState. Delete all files inside this folder. Restart your PC and check if the widgets work.
  4. Enable Widgets from Settings: Sometimes, widgets may be disabled. Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, then ensure the toggle for “Widgets” is turned on. Also, verify that the “Show Widgets button” option is enabled.
  5. Run System File Checker (SFC): Corrupted system files can affect widget functionality. Open Command Prompt as administrator (search for cmd, right-click, select “Run as administrator”). Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete and fix any issues found. Restart your PC afterward.
  6. Reset the Windows Widgets App: If the above steps don’t work, reset the app. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Find “Widgets,” click the three-dot menu, select “Advanced options,” then click “Reset.” Confirm and restart your PC.
  7. Check for Background Services: Ensure that necessary services are running. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Locate “Windows Push Notifications Service” and “Windows Event Log.” Make sure both are running and set to automatic startup. Restart if needed.
  8. Reinstall the Widgets Feature: If the issue persists, you can reinstall the widget feature via PowerShell. Right-click the Start button, select “Windows PowerShell (Admin).” Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each: 
    Get-AppxPackage *MicrosoftWindows.Client.CBS* | Remove-AppxPackage
Get-AppxPackage *MicrosoftWindows.Client.CBS* | Add-AppxPackage

    Restart your PC and check if widgets are working.

Common Mistakes

  • Not running Windows Update first — outdated software can cause compatibility issues.
  • Closing the widget process without restarting it — a simple restart often fixes temporary glitches.
  • Deleting important system files or registry entries — stick to recommended troubleshooting steps.
  • Disabling the widget feature in settings — ensure it’s enabled before troubleshooting.
  • Ignoring background services — some widgets depend on specific Windows services to function correctly.

Tips

  • Always back up your important data before performing system resets or advanced troubleshooting.
  • Keep your Windows 11 system updated regularly to avoid compatibility issues with features like widgets.
  • Use the Windows Troubleshooter (Settings > System > Troubleshoot) for additional automated fixes.
  • If widgets stop working after a recent update, consider rolling back to a previous version using System Restore.
  • Check online forums or Microsoft support if the problem persists, as specific issues may require tailored solutions.

Troubleshooting

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, consider the following troubleshooting options:

  • Perform a clean boot: Disable all non-Microsoft services and startup items to identify if third-party software is interfering.
  • Use the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools to repair corrupted system files:
    • Open Command Prompt as administrator.
    • Type dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth and press Enter.
    • After completion, run sfc /scannow again.
  • Reset Windows 11 to factory settings as a last resort, ensuring you back up all essential data beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are my Windows 11 widgets not showing up at all?

This could be due to disabled widget settings, outdated system software, or corrupted cache files. Follow the troubleshooting steps to resolve these issues.

2. How do I update the widgets in Windows 11?

Widgets automatically update based on your settings and internet connection. To manually refresh, click the widget icon or swipe down if on a touchscreen. Ensuring your system is updated also helps improve widget performance.

3. Can third-party antivirus or security software interfere with Windows 11 widgets?

Yes, some security programs may block necessary services or processes. Temporarily disable such software and check if widgets work. If they do, consider adjusting the software settings or switching to compatible security solutions.

4. Is it safe to reset or reinstall widgets via PowerShell?

Yes, but only if you follow official instructions carefully. Reinstalling via PowerShell resets the widget feature to default, which can fix deeper issues. Always back up your data beforehand.

5. How do I know if my Windows 11 version supports widgets?

Widgets are supported in Windows 11 versions 21H2 and later. Check your version by going to Settings > System > About and looking at the Windows specifications section.

6. What should I do if none of the fixes work?

If all troubleshooting steps fail, consider contacting Microsoft Support or performing a clean install of Windows 11 to resolve persistent issues. Ensure all important data is backed up before proceeding.

By following these comprehensive steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and fix most issues related to Windows 11 widgets not working. Regular maintenance and keeping your system updated will also help prevent future problems, ensuring a smoother user experience with your desktop widgets.

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