The Tool Desk
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First, identify what “not working” means
- Widgets button missing: Check whether the taskbar entry is turned off.
- Board will not open: Try opening it with the keyboard shortcut to distinguish an access issue from a missing taskbar button.
- Board opens, but cards or Discover do not load: Check the Windows components and Edge dependencies that support Widgets.
- Content looks stale or unexpected: This may be a feed or personalization issue rather than a failure to launch the board. Microsoft says Discover content is affected by display language, Country or region, and personalization settings.
7 checks for Windows 11 Widgets
1. Turn on the Widgets taskbar entry
Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings. Under Taskbar items, turn on Widgets. A hidden taskbar button does not by itself mean the board is unavailable. Microsoft’s Widgets guidance and taskbar instructions document this setting.
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2. Open the board directly
Press Windows key + W. You can also select the Widgets area on the taskbar; on supported devices, you may be able to swipe in from the side of the screen. If the shortcut opens the board while the taskbar entry was missing, the problem may have been limited to taskbar visibility or access. That distinction is a diagnostic inference, not a Microsoft guarantee.
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3. Update Windows Web Experience Pack
Open Microsoft Store, select Library, find Windows Web Experience Pack, and select Update if it is offered. Microsoft says that if no Update option appears, the latest version is already installed.
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4. Check for a Start Experiences App update
Microsoft says Widgets and Discover need current updates for both Windows Web Experience Pack and Start Experiences App to work as expected. Check the Microsoft Store’s available app updates for Start Experiences App as well. Microsoft’s guidance does not give a separate, step-by-step listing procedure for this app.
5. Make sure Microsoft Store app updates are enabled
The Store normally updates Windows Web Experience Pack in the background. If app updates seem stuck, open Microsoft Store settings and check that App updates is turned on. Microsoft provides its Windows Web Experience Pack update instructions.
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6. Check Microsoft Edge if particular widgets or the feed fail
Some widgets and News Feed content depend on Microsoft Edge. Microsoft says Edge-backed widgets stop working if Edge is uninstalled and recommends keeping Edge installed and updated. This check is especially relevant when the board opens but particular cards or feed content do not work; it is not a reason to uninstall Edge. See Microsoft’s overview of apps and widgets that depend on Edge.
7. Check Windows Update and note your build
Install available Windows updates, then note your Windows version and OS build if the problem remains. Widgets behavior can vary by release: Microsoft’s June 23, 2026 preview notes for KB5095093 describe Widgets changes for OS builds 26200.8737 and 26100.8737. Those build-specific notes are not a general repair instruction, so do not install that preview solely on the assumption that it will fix Widgets.
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If Widgets still does not work
When seeking support, record your Windows version and build, and describe the specific symptom: whether the button is missing, the board will not open, cards or Discover fail to load, or content appears stale. This helps separate an access problem from an update or content issue. Use Microsoft’s support channels if the checks above do not resolve it.
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