Wigets not working on Windows 11

Andre Collinge 0 Reputation points
2026-09-13T19:12:59.12+00:00

Cannot install any Widgets, also discover Microsoft start feed is enabled but it won't show anything.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Desktop, Start, and personalization | Task Bar

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  1. ApexNáV 170 Reputation points
    2026-09-14T00:07:15.6666667+00:00

    If AI and other answers doesn't work, then Repairing Windows by reinstalling the same version may be fastest solution that can help. It repairs system files and components while preserving your apps, files, and settings, but I still recommend backing up important data just in case. You can perform the repair using the Microsoft guide below:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/install-upgrade/fix-issues-by-reinstalling-the-current-version-of-windows

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  2. John Jefferson Doyon 87,500 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-13T19:58:57.3566667+00:00

    Hi, @Andre Collinge

    If you haven't tried it yet, first, open "Microsoft Store" > "Library" > "Get updates", then restart the PC and test Widgets again by pressing Windows key + W.

    If the issue still persists, to help narrow down the issue:

    1. Press Windows key + R and type winver then press Enter. Let me know the Windows version and OS build shown.
    2. Do you currently have, or have you previously used, any taskbar or Start menu customization app such as ExplorerPatcher, StartAllBack, Windhawk, or similar?
    3. Have you used any script, debloat tool, or registry tweak that modifies the taskbar, Start menu, or Widgets? I ask about the customization apps and scripts because they can modify Windows components that Widgets depends on, and those changes can sometimes remain even after the app is removed.

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

    Thanks!

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  3. AI answer

    2026-09-13T19:13:12.8966667+00:00

    Try this sequence on Windows 11:

    1. Make sure Widgets is turned on in the taskbar.
      • Right-click the taskbar.
      • Select Taskbar settings.
      • Under Taskbar items, turn Widgets On.
      • Test with Windows key + W.
    2. Confirm Microsoft Edge is installed.
      • Widgets and the Microsoft Start feed depend on Microsoft Edge.
      • If Microsoft Edge was removed, Edge-backed widgets and installed widgets can stop working.
      • If needed, reinstall Microsoft Edge from the official download page listed below.
    3. Repair or reset the affected app if that option is available.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
      • Select the app.
      • Select Advanced options.
      • Choose Repair.
      • If it still fails, choose Reset.
      • Note: not all desktop apps support Repair or Reset.
    4. Restart the PC.
      • Go to Start > Power > Restart.
    5. Update apps from Microsoft Store if the widget-related app was installed there.
      • If the app came from Microsoft Store, use the Store troubleshooting path rather than desktop app install steps.

    What is supported by Windows here:

    • Widgets open from the taskbar or with Windows key + W.
    • The feed shown in Widgets is personalized content such as news, weather, calendar, and more.
    • Some widgets and feed experiences rely on Microsoft Edge.
    • If Microsoft Edge is uninstalled, installed PWAs, Copilot, sites as apps, and Edge-backed widgets stop working.

    If the issue started after removing Edge or after app install/uninstall problems, fixing Edge first is the key step.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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