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Fixing Windows 11 Widgets That Won't Open After Restart

If your Windows 11 widgets aren't opening after a restart, don't worry. This article offers practical solutions to help you troubleshoot and restore their functionality.

3 min read
A screenshot showing Windows 11 widgets displayed on a computer desktop.

If your Windows 11 widgets don't open after a restart, it may be due to software glitches, conflicts with third-party applications, or issues with your user profile. Fortunately, you can follow a series of troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue and restore functionality to your widgets.

What Causes Windows 11 Widgets to Fail After Restart?

Widgets in Windows 11 may fail to open after a restart for several reasons. Common causes include temporary software glitches that can occur during system updates, conflicts with third-party applications that interfere with widget functionality, or problems with your user profile that prevent widgets from loading correctly.

Before You Start

Before attempting to fix the issue, ensure that your system is updated to the latest version of Windows 11, as updates can impact widget functionality. Restart your computer to eliminate any temporary glitches. Make sure you have administrative privileges to perform certain tasks, like resetting or reinstalling applications.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Widget Issues

To troubleshoot and fix the issue of widgets not opening:

  1. Restart Windows Explorer. - Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. - Find 'Windows Explorer' in the list, right-click it, and select 'Restart'.
  1. Check for conflicting applications. - Temporarily disable any third-party applications running in the background, particularly those modifying the desktop or taskbar.
  1. Reset the Widgets app. - Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. - Find 'Widgets', click on it, then select 'Advanced options', and click 'Reset'.

  1. Reinstall the Widgets app.

    • Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:
    disable-widgets
    • Then re-enable it with:
    enable-widgets
  1. Create a new user profile. - Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, and add a new user. Log in with the new profile to see if widgets work.

How to Check for Windows Updates Affecting Widgets

Keeping Windows 11 updated is crucial for ensuring all features, including widgets, function properly. To check for updates:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Windows Update.
  3. Click Check for updates.
  4. If updates are available, install them and restart your computer.

Preventing Future Widget Failures

To minimize the chances of experiencing widget issues in the future:

  • Regularly update Windows and your applications to ensure compatibility.
  • Avoid installing unnecessary third-party applications that may interfere with system functionality.
  • Periodically clear temporary files using the Disk Cleanup tool to keep your system running smoothly.

What to Do If Widgets Still Won't Open

If widgets still do not open after following the troubleshooting steps:

  • You can access similar information through the News and Interests feature available on the taskbar. Right-click the taskbar and enable 'News and Interests'.
  • Consider using alternative applications that provide widget-like functionality, such as weather apps or news aggregators from the Microsoft Store.

Conclusion

If you continue to experience issues, checking community forums or Microsoft support may provide additional solutions tailored to your specific situation.