Widget is Not Working in Windows 11: Troubleshooting Guide

Is your Windows 11 widget board stubbornly refusing to load, displaying a blank screen, or showing incorrect information? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most common causes and effective solutions to get your widgets back on track.

Why Aren’t My Windows 11 Widgets Working?

Several factors can contribute to widget malfunction in Windows 11. These include:

  • Outdated Windows Version: Older versions may contain bugs affecting widget functionality.
  • Microsoft Account Issues: Problems with your Microsoft account sign-in can disrupt widget synchronization.
  • Corrupted System Files: Damaged system files can lead to various Windows issues, including widget problems.
  • Internet Connectivity Problems: Widgets require a stable internet connection to fetch and display information.
  • VPN Interference: Some VPN configurations may interfere with widget communication.
  • Background App Issues: Certain background apps might be conflicting with the widget functionality.
  • Microsoft Store Problems: Issues with the Microsoft Store can prevent widgets from updating or functioning correctly.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Windows 11 Widgets

Here are several troubleshooting steps to resolve the “widget is not working” issue in Windows 11. Try these steps in order, testing your widgets after each step to see if the problem is resolved.

1. Restart Your Computer

A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches that may be affecting your widgets. This clears the system memory and restarts all processes, giving widgets a fresh start.

2. Ensure a Stable Internet Connection

Widgets need a stable internet connection to function correctly. Check your internet connection by opening a web browser and visiting a website. If you cannot access the internet, troubleshoot your network connection.

  • Check your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
  • Restart your router.
  • Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter.

3. Sign Out and Sign Back Into Your Microsoft Account

Problems with your Microsoft account synchronization can sometimes cause widget issues. Signing out and then signing back in can refresh your account connection.

  1. Click the Windows Start button.
  2. Click your profile picture or account name.
  3. Select Sign out.
  4. Sign back in with your Microsoft account credentials.

4. Update Windows

Ensure you are running the latest version of Windows 11. Microsoft regularly releases updates that fix bugs and improve system performance, which may resolve widget problems.

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Click Windows Update.
  3. Click Check for updates.
  4. Install any available updates.

5. Restart the Widgets Service

Restarting the Widgets service can refresh its processes and resolve any temporary issues.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click the Services tab.
  3. Locate the Widgets service (if present; otherwise, look for services related to ’news’ or ‘feed’).
  4. Right-click the service and select Restart.

If the Widgets service isn’t listed directly, you might need to restart services related to “Connected Devices Platform Service” or similar.

6. Repair or Reset the Microsoft Store

The Microsoft Store is responsible for delivering and updating the widgets. Problems with the Store can prevent widgets from functioning properly. Repairing or resetting the Microsoft Store can resolve these issues.

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Click Apps.
  3. Click Apps & features.
  4. Search for Microsoft Store.
  5. Click the three vertical dots next to Microsoft Store and select Advanced options.
  6. Scroll down to the Reset section.
  7. First, try clicking Repair. If that doesn’t work, click Reset.

7. Run the System File Checker (SFC) Scan

Corrupted system files can cause various Windows issues, including widget problems. The System File Checker (SFC) scan can scan for and repair corrupted system files.

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator (search for “cmd”, right-click, and select “Run as administrator”).
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete. This may take some time.
  4. Restart your computer.

8. Check Your VPN Settings

If you are using a VPN, it may be interfering with widget communication. Try disabling your VPN temporarily and see if the widgets start working. If so, you may need to adjust your VPN settings or use a different VPN service.

9. Re-register the Widgets Package

Re-registering the widgets package via PowerShell can sometimes resolve underlying issues.

  1. Open PowerShell as an administrator (search for “powershell”, right-click, and select “Run as administrator”).

  2. Type the following command and press Enter:

    Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.Widgets | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}

  3. Restart your computer.

10. Create a New User Account

In rare cases, your user profile may be corrupted, causing widget problems. Creating a new user account can help determine if this is the case.

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Click Accounts.
  3. Click Family & other users.
  4. Click Add someone else to this PC.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user account.
  6. Sign in to the new user account and check if the widgets are working.

Conclusion

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve most issues that prevent widgets from working in Windows 11. Remember to test your widgets after each step to identify the solution that works for you. If you’ve tried all these steps and the problem persists, consider seeking further assistance from Microsoft support.