We all love them. Not only do they decorate computer desks, but they also have a useful purpose. They will show you the weather, the time and the date, you can monitor the “health” of your team, you can follow the stock price indicators, RSS feeds and the list of functions seems endless. But they are gone, it is a reality. As of Windows 8, the gadgets have been deprecated and Microsoft does not support them.
Gadgets are applications that usually came installed in the operating system with specific functions and provided information to users. However, they were discontinued from Windows for alleged security flaws, so the Microsoft company decided not to incorporate them into future versions of the operating system . These applications became a risk, as hackers discovered some vulnerabilities to access computers and steal detailed information from each user.
For these reasons, we no longer see them on computers. But don’t worry, I bring you a very didactic tutorial, so you know how to recover the famous desktop gadgets that both make your life as a user easier. You will realize that it is super simple, and best of all, they are configured automatically, in addition to not generating any compatibility problem with your Windows operating system.
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Steps to enable desktop gadgets again in Windows 10 and 8
Thanks to technology, you can recover desktop gadgets for Windows 10 and 8, originally, these programs were displayed in a specialized panel called «Windows Panel »Or organized freely on the desk.
Remember, these applications are no longer installed on operating systems, but you can activate it again using third-party applications and best of all, they are free programs , which respects the appearance and functionality of the original gadgets from Microsoft. Next, I show you the steps to enable gadgets on your desktop again, let’s get into the matter:
1 – Download the gadgets
The first thing you should do is download a package of these applications from some of the multiple websites that offer them completely free. One of them is 8gadgetpack.net , you just have to enter and download the installers. You can also access from this direct download link that the InternetPasoaPaso team prepared for you with the best 100% updated installable pack
2 – Run the installer
Once the pack is installed, it will run automatically. The Windows panel appears on the right side of the screen. This panel will appear automatically in each Windows session . Several very useful gadgets are provided.
3 – Add or remove a gadget
To install one of them, right-click on the Windows panel and choose « Add » from the pop-up menu. A wide catalog of applications is displayed. They can be installed on the main panel as you can see in the following image:
To add a gadget to the Windows desktop, simply double click on it. To close a gadget, write it on the desktop of your computer. A closing box appears in the upper right of the gadget. Click on it and that’s it. You can always re-open gadgets by double clicking on their name in the list of available.
The gadgets are not fixed, you can move them freely on the screen of your PC, or even separate them from it with a simple drag and drop. Some can be customized if necessary, to do so, indicate the one you want to customize and click on its “ Options ” box. A parameter window is displayed. Use it to customize the ones you want and validate by clicking on « Accept «.
Another thing is that you can change is the behavior of the Windows panel. To do this, right-click on the Windows wallpaper and select « Menu preferences «. The 7 Sidebar sidebar – Options dialog box appears. Use it to determine the location, behavior, width and transparency of applications:
Where to find new widgets for your computer?
The downloads of these applications are done quickly, because they are very light. In addition, its installation process is not complicated. Simply follow the instructions of the installation wizard and you’re done. But the question is Where can we get them?
Next we mention some places where you can download some gadgets completely free to cheer up your computer:
- Rainlendar.net: is a customizable calendar that shows the current month. It is a very light application that does not use many system resources.
- Korpolan.com: (Keyboard LEDs). It serves as a keypad lock indicator.
- Tweetz Desktop Mike-Ward.Net: is a small, lightweight tool that allows you to connect to your Twitter account and view posts and tweets directly from your screen. I recommend it to you. Use it.
- WindowBlinds Stardock.com: is a utility that allows you to completely change the appearance of Microsoft Windows. It works by applying new visual and novel style. Try it.
- Growl for Windows growlforwindows.com: lets you know when things happen. When the files finished downloading, which friends connected, the new email has arrived. It is very useful. I recommend it.
- Alt-Tab brothersoft.com This is a keyboard shortcut (shortcut key) to allow a quick switch between applications. Excellent to simplify everyday tasks when you are using the equipment.