How to Uninstall and Reinstall Widgets in Windows 11
You can uninstall-and-reinstall-onedrive-on-windows-11/" class="sal-link" rel="noopener" target="_blank" data-sal-id="1733">uninstall and reinstall Widgets in Windows 11 by targeting the ‘Windows Web Experience Pack’. Widgets are small apps that display timely information like weather forecasts, news headlines, and stock prices directly on your desktop.
This process is your go-to solution when Widgets glitch, display a blank screen, or consume excessive system resources. Reinstalling refreshes the Widgets board, often resolving stubborn display and loading errors.
For instance, a recent update might cause these issues, and a clean reinstall of the Windows Web Experience Pack version 4.42.26012.0 or later can restore functionality. This method effectively clears out any corrupted data or configuration problems.
Method 1: Hiding 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 2: Uninstalling 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 3: Registry and Group Policy (Advanced)
For Windows 11 Pro users, you can disable Widgets via Group Policy. Press ⊞ Win+R, type gpedit.msc, and navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Widgets. Set Allow widgets to Disabled. For Registry changes, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced and set the TaskbarDa value to 0.
Reinstalling Widgets
If you decide you want them back, follow these steps:
- Visit the Windows Web Experience Pack page.
- Click Get to open the Microsoft Store and install it.
- Restart your computer.
Summary
Uninstalling and reinstalling the Widgets feature in Windows 11 is a simple way to fix technical glitches. By using the Windows Terminal to remove the Windows Web Experience Pack and then downloading it again from the Microsoft Store, you can resolve most common display or performance issues. Whether you choose to hide them via settings or remove them entirely via PowerShell, these steps help you maintain a cleaner, faster Windows 11 environment. Always remember to restart your computer to finish the process.
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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