Widgets Blank

Allan Burek 0 Reputation points
2026-09-20T13:18:06.36+00:00

Widgets no longer populate. What has been done so far:

sfc /scannow and related DISMs

uninstalled/reinstalled web experience pack

repair install of Win11 PRO

All with no help. Found that Widgets.exe is not running as a task, but widgetboard is. Thanks in advance for any help.

Windows version is Win11 25H2 (26200.9457). Created another local account and the widgets worked as expected in the test account, search still remains affected.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Desktop, Start, and personalization | Task Bar
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-20T13:18:23.1433333+00:00

    Since Widgets works in the new local account, the Windows installation and core Widgets components are likely intact, and the problem is isolated to the original user profile.

    Try this path:

    1. Update the Windows Web Experience Pack again from Microsoft Store.
      • Open Microsoft Store > Library.
      • Search for Windows Web Experience Pack.
      • If Update appears, install it.
      • Also turn on App updates in Microsoft Store > user profile icon > Store settings.
    2. Check that Widgets is enabled on the taskbar.
      • Right-click the taskbar > Taskbar settings.
      • Make sure Widgets is turned On.
    3. Restart the Widgets process.
      • Open Task Manager.
      • If Widgets.exe or Windows Widgets appears, end it.
      • Press Windows + W to relaunch it.
    4. If the original profile still shows a blank Widgets board while the test account works, use the new account result as confirmation that the issue is profile-specific.
      • In that case, the practical workaround is to move to a new user profile, since the same device already proves Widgets can function normally.
    5. If search is still affected only in the original profile, that also points to a profile-level issue rather than a system-wide Windows or Widgets package failure.

    Relevant product behavior:

    • Widgets in Windows 11 are delivered through the Windows Web Experience Pack and update through the Microsoft Store.
    • Widgets are a connected Windows experience.
    • Some Widgets behavior and settings have changed in newer Windows 11 builds, including a full-page Widgets Settings experience in later updates.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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