Windows 11 widget icons do not respond when clicked, and the widget panel cannot be opened

Both the taskbar button and Win+W failing, while an Explorer restart helps only briefly, points to Widgets components rather than the taskbar icon. Microsoft says Widgets depends on the Windows Web Experience Pack and Microsoft Edge being current. First, open Microsoft Store, select Library, search for Windows Web Experience Pack, and install the update. In the Store profile settings, ensure App updates is on. Then update Edge from Settings and more > Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge, install Windows updates, and restart. Next, right-click the taskbar, open Taskbar settings, turn Widgets off, restart, and turn it on again. Test Win+W after each stage. Avoid repeatedly restarting Explorer because that only resets the shell and does not update the Widgets components. If the panel still fails with components current, press Windows+F, reproduce the problem, and submit diagnostics through Feedback Hub; include the intermittent Explorer workaround and your Windows build.