How to Fix Windows 11 Widgets Not Loading

Windows 11 widgets provide quick access to news, weather, calendar events, and more. However, users often encounter issues where widgets fail to load, show a blank screen, or become unresponsive. If you’re facing this problem, follow this guide to troubleshoot and fix it effectively.

Why Are Windows 11 Widgets Not Loading?

Several factors can prevent widgets from loading correctly. Common causes include:

• Disabled Widgets Feature – If widgets are turned off, they won’t function.
• Corrupt or Outdated Graphics Drivers – Outdated drivers can interfere with the widget’s UI.
• Incorrect Microsoft Account Settings – Widgets require a Microsoft account to function correctly.
• Network Connectivity Issues – A weak or unstable internet connection can prevent widgets from loading.
• Windows Explorer Malfunctions – Explorer.exe handles widget processes, and issues with it can cause problems.
• Corrupt System Files – System glitches or missing files can break the widget functionality.

How to Fix Windows 11 Widgets Not Loading

1. Enable Widgets in Windows Settings

If widgets are disabled, they won’t work. Enable them using these steps:

1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Navigate to Personalization > Taskbar.
3. Toggle on Widgets under the Taskbar Items section.
4. Restart your PC and check if the widgets load.

2. Restart Windows Explorer

Since widgets rely on Windows Explorer, restarting it can resolve the issue.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Locate Windows Explorer under the Processes tab.
3. Right-click it and select Restart.
4. Try opening widgets again.

3. Sign In with a Microsoft Account

Widgets require a Microsoft account to function correctly. If you’re using a local account:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Accounts > Your info.
3. Click Sign in with a Microsoft account instead and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Restart your PC and check the widgets.

4. Check Internet Connection

Widgets rely on the internet for dynamic content. Ensure your connection is stable:

• Restart your router.
• Switch to a wired connection if on Wi-Fi.
• Run the Windows network troubleshooter (Settings > Network & Internet > Troubleshoot).

5. Update Windows and Graphics Drivers

Outdated system files or graphics drivers can cause widget issues.

Update Windows:

1. Open Settings and go to Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. Install any available updates and restart your PC.

Update Graphics Drivers:

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Display adapters.
3. Right-click your GPU and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers and install any available updates.
5. Restart your PC.

Try Fortect, which includes a built-in driver updater to fix the issue.

Fortect is a comprehensive PC repair tool that scans your Windows system for outdated or corrupted drivers that may prevent Windows 11 widgets from loading. It automatically updates and repairs these drivers, helping restore functionality.

After resolving the issue, Fortect will also optimize your PC for better performance.

Download and install Fortect now.

6. Reinstall the Windows Web Experience Pack

The Windows Web Experience Pack powers widgets, and reinstalling it may fix loading issues.

1. Open Microsoft Store.
2. Search for Windows Web Experience Pack.
3. If installed, uninstall it first by going to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, locating the pack, and clicking Uninstall.
4. Reinstall it from the Microsoft Store and restart your PC.

7. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Commands

Corrupt system files can break widgets. Use SFC and DISM commands to fix them.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run the following commands one by one:

• sfc /scannow
• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

3. Restart your PC and check if the widgets work.

8. Reset Windows 11 Widgets

If none of the above methods work, reset widgets using PowerShell:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Run this command to re-register widgets:

• Get-AppxPackage MicrosoftWindows.Client.WebExperience | Reset-AppxPackage

3. Restart your PC and check if the issue is resolved.

Conclusion

Windows 11 widgets can stop working for various reasons, including disabled settings, account issues, or outdated drivers. Following the troubleshooting steps above, you should be able to fix the issue and restore full widget functionality. If the problem persists, consider resetting your PC or performing a clean installation of Windows 11.