How to Uninstall and Reinstall Widgets in Windows 11
You uninstall and reinstall Widgets in Windows 11 by targeting the ‘Windows Web Experience Pack’. Widgets are small apps that present timely information like weather forecasts or news headlines directly on your desktop.
This method is your solution when the Widgets board glitches, shows a blank screen, or uses too many system resources. Reinstalling refreshes the entire Widgets system, often fixing stubborn display and loading errors.
For example, if a recent update caused these problems, a clean reinstall of the Windows Web Experience Pack, specifically version 4.42.26012.0 or newer, can restore normal function. This process clears corrupted data and resolves configuration issues.
Uninstall and reinstall the Windows Web Experience Pack via PowerShell. Open Windows Terminal as administrator, run winget uninstall “windows web experience pack”, then restart. Reinstall by getting the pack from the Microsoft Store.
Method 1Hiding Widgets (Non-Destructive)
If you just want them off your taskbar without deleting anything, you can hide them. Right-click an empty space on your Taskbar, select Taskbar settings, and toggle the Widgets switch to Off.
Method 2Uninstalling via PowerShell (Admin Required)
To completely remove the feature, use the Windows Web Experience Pack removal command. Requires admin privileges.
- Open the Windows Terminal as an administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
winget uninstall "windows web experience pack" - Restart your computer.
Method 3Registry and Group Policy (Advanced)
Windows 11 Pro users can turn off Widgets using either Group Policy or the Registry.
Reinstalling Widgets
If you decide you want them back, follow these steps:
- Visit the Windows Web Experience Pack page.
Microsoft Store page for downloading the Windows Web Experience Pack - Click Get to open the Microsoft Store and install it.
- Restart your computer.
Summary
If your Widgets in Windows 11 aren’t working right, uninstalling and reinstalling them can often fix display or performance problems.
Does uninstalling Widgets affect Windows performance?
Removing Widgets can slightly improve system performance, especially on older hardware. Since Widgets run as a background process, removing them frees up small amounts of RAM and CPU usage, reducing the overall bloatware on your Windows 11 installation.
Why does the Widgets icon reappear after updates?
Windows updates often reset certain system features to their default state. If you have uninstalled the Web Experience Pack, a major update may trigger a re-installation or re-enable the icon on your taskbar, requiring you to hide or uninstall it again.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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