How to Fix Widgets not Working on Windows 11 (8 Solutions)

Windows 11 has brought many new and graphic-intense features for Microsoft users. Widgets is one of the best and most talked about Windows 11 features for both good and bad purposes.

Windows 11 Widgets are extremely useful to access different information like weather, sports, photos, and news. In fact, Windows 11 has divided the Widgets section into two parts. The upper part shows weather, stocks, and other generic information. And the bottom part focuses on new stories collected from several websites.

Despite the new interface and powerful look, Widgets often do not work on Windows 11. Many users have complained that they are unable to open Widgets after updating Windows OS.

So, if you are also unable to load or simply Widgets are not functional on your computer, this article is for you. We will discuss some common solutions to fix Widgets not working on Windows 11. Let’s get started.

Widgets not Working on Windows 11 Fixes

Have you clicked on the Widgets icon on the Taskbar? Have you also press the Windows + W keys together? But the Widgets section is not loading or simply working for you. In that case, don’t panic and try the following fixes:

Fix 1. Enable Widgets

There is a probability that you have accidentally or intentionally disabled the Widgets and forgotten to turn it on. So, here’s how you can manually enable Widgets on Windows 11:

Step 1. Right-click anywhere on the Taskbar to popup Taskbar settings.

Step 2. If the toggle next to the Widgets is turned off, click on it to turn it on. Now, press the Windows and W key on your keyboard to check if the Widgets are working or not.

Fix 2. Signing Out and Re-signing In

For Windows 11 users, simply signing out and re-signing in can fix many system errors. So, you can try this class fix to make Widgets work for you as follows:

Step 1. Open the Widgets icon from the Taskbar pane.

Step 2. Click on your account picture from the top-right corner.

Step 3. Click on the Sign Out button under your email address.

Step 4. After a few minutes, sign back in to see if your Widgets are working or not.

Fix 3. Sign Up Using Microsoft Account

The Widgets uses Microsoft accounts to fetch information like weather, calendar, news, reminders, and others. So, if you are logged out of your Microsoft account or using a local account on your computer, you better sign up for your Microsoft account. To do so:

Step 1. Go to Settings and click on the Accounts from the left menu pane.

Step 2. Click on the “Sign in with a Microsoft account Instead” option located under the account settings.

Fix 4. Restart the Widgets System from the Task Manager

If logging into Microsoft account has not fixed the Widgets not working on Windows 11, you can restart the Widgets process from the Windows Task Manager app. For this, you need to go to:

Step 1. Click on the Search icon and type Task Manager. Alternatively, you press the Control + Shift + Escape keys simultaneously to launch the Task Manager app.

Step 2. Click on the More Details on the Task Manager window and switch to the Processes tab.

Step 3. Navigate for the Windows Widgets process in the list. Right-click on it and click on the End task button. Now reboot your computer and launch the Widgets again.

Fix 5. Use Microsoft Edge

Like Widgets are connected to your Microsoft account, the same Microsoft has a direct connection in fetching the information for Widgets from the internet. So, consider using Microsoft Edge rather than your current web browser. To change your default web browser:

Step 1. Press Windows + I keys to open Windows 11 Settings. 

Step 2. Click on Apps and go to Default apps.

Step 3. Scroll down till you find the Web browser and choose the Microsoft Edge. This will hopefully fix Widgets not working on Windows 11.

Fix 6. Download Microsoft Edge WebView2

Microsoft Edge WebView2 is a Windows 11 component that embeds web content into the native apps on the computer, including Widgets.

Therefore, sometimes making Microsoft Edge your default web browser will not fix the problem unless you download Microsoft Edge WebView2.

So, go online and install Microsoft Edge WebView2 on your PC following the simple on-screen instructions. After that, reboot your PC and check if Widgets is working now or not.

Fix 7. Disable Graphics Driver

The graphics driver is an important software on your PC that connects the operating system to your computer’s hardware. But, sometimes, due to minor glitches, graphic drivers can lead to problems with Windows Widgets.

Therefore, many users have found it effective to temporarily disable the graphics driver to fix this issue. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1. Click open the Search icon, type in Device Manager, and hit Enter.

Step 2. Once on the Device Manager window, expand the Display Adapters and double click on the graphic card to open its Properties. 

Step 3. In the next window, click on the Driver tab and then on the Disable Device. Finally, click on the OK button.

If you are using multiple graphic cards on your computer, repeat the process to disable them all to make Widgets work again.

Fix 8. Try Group Policy

If none of the above-mentioned methods have fixed Widgets not working or loading on Windows 11, using the Group Policy might resolve the problem. Here’s how to use Group Policy:

Step 1. Press Windows + R keys to open the Run command box on your computer.

Step 2. Type gpedit.msc in the dialogue box.

Step 3. Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Widgets.

Step 4. Double-click on the Allow widgets option > Not Configured > OK.

That’s it! You have now learned all the possible solutions to fix Widgets not working on Windows 11. Most users have been able to fix this problem with these solutions. So, do let us know which solution has worked for you.

Conclusion

Widgets on Windows 11 save time and keep information visible. They show updates at a glance. Full apps are not always needed. When widgets stop working, the system feels incomplete. Most issues are small and common. Disabled services often cause trouble. Outdated system files also create errors. A broken cache can block loading. Account sync problems affect updates. Each fix targets one clear cause. No advanced skills are needed. Basic system checks usually solve it.

A healthy system prevents widget problems. Regular Windows updates are important. A stable internet connection is required. Background permissions must stay enabled. Widgets depend on Microsoft services running together. If one service fails, widgets may not load. Once fixed, they return to normal quickly. Performance improves right away. These steps help restore full widget functionality.

FAQs

Why are Windows 11 widgets not loading at all?
Widgets fail to load mainly due to connection or service issues. Widgets depend on Microsoft Edge WebView2 and background services to function. If these are disabled or corrupted, the widget panel stays blank. A weak or unstable internet connection also breaks widget sync. Sometimes the Microsoft account is not signed in properly. Restarting services, repairing system files, and checking account sync usually solves this issue.

Do Windows 11 widgets require a Microsoft account to work?
Yes, most widgets need a Microsoft account. Widgets like weather, news, and calendar pull data from Microsoft servers. Without an active sign-in, they cannot sync content. Even if widgets open, data may not refresh. Signing out and signing back in often fixes stuck widgets. Using a local account can limit widget features and cause loading problems.

Can system updates break widgets in Windows 11?
Yes, updates can temporarily cause widget issues. Some updates reset background permissions or introduce bugs. Widgets may stop responding after a system update. This usually happens when files do not update correctly. Running Windows Update again helps fix missing files. Microsoft often releases quick patches for such problems. Keeping the system fully updated prevents long-term issues.