Windows 7 Forums


Windows 7: Are Desktop Gadgets Gone Forever?

31 Oct 2011   #1

Windows 7 Ultimate x64
 
 
Are Desktop Gadgets Gone Forever?

Hello all.

I am a big time user of desktop gadets. I used the side bar a lot when I had Vista. However, I am seeing that Microsoft no longer supports gadgets, nor allows access to download them. Have gadgets "retired", as posted on Microsoft's web page, or has something new come about to replace gadgets?

My System SpecsSystem Spec

31 Oct 2011   #2

Windows 7 Professional 32-bit, Windows 8 Pro (sometimes)
 
 

If you type "windows sidebar" into the start search menu, you will find a button saying add gadgets to the desktop and from there can proceed to download online,to be honest I have never seen anything about gadgets becoming "retired"

Just to ensure you have the gadget platform enabled press windows+r to open run, type appwiz.cpl, hit enter and at the side of the window which appears select "turn windows features on or off," Scroll to windows gadget platform and ensure it is enabled
My System SpecsSystem Spec
31 Oct 2011   #3

Windows 7 Ultimate x64
 
 

Quote   Quote: Originally Posted by maccaquacker View Post
to be honest I have never seen anything about gadgets becoming "retired"
Just google for Windows live gallery, they are going away.

Looking for gadgets? - Downloads - Microsoft Windows
My System SpecsSystem Spec
.


31 Oct 2011   #4

Windows 7 Professional 32-bit, Windows 8 Pro (sometimes)
 
 

It would appear I have been proven wrong, although, I can still download gadgets for myself via the method I detail above
My System SpecsSystem Spec
31 Oct 2011   #5

Win 7 Ultimate (64-bit), Win 7 Pro (32-bit)
N. Calif
 
 

I personally won't miss gadgets when they're gone.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
31 Oct 2011   #6

Windows 7 Ultimate x64
 
 

Quote   Quote: Originally Posted by strollin View Post
I personally won't miss gadgets when they're gone.
Yeah, neither will I. Always found they just cluttered my desktop, and certainly stole some resources. At the end of the day, 95% of the time I don't care about seeing my CPU usage, or memory consumption. In times when I do care, I can check other tools.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
31 Oct 2011   #7

Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
Hampton VA
 
 

Well some people like them as they did serve a purpose to some. Anyway I'm a person who loves a clean desktop, but others are in love with desktop shortcuts.... to each their own I say.

BTW I saw the samething about Gadgets going away. I guess there just wasn't enough interest for Microsoft to continue supporting them. I'm sure however that a Google search would net a lot of stuff out there.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
31 Oct 2011   #8

Win 7 Ultimate (64-bit), Win 7 Pro (32-bit)
N. Calif
 
 

With the new Metro GUI in Win 8 with it's "live" tiles, the functions performed by gadgets can probably be developed into Metro apps.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
31 Oct 2011   #9

Windows 7 Ultimate x64
 
 

I use the gadgets. Although for many they are useless, they did a great service to me. It appears you can still download some, but no where as many as you could before. Thank you all for your input and opinions on this.

-Kori
My System SpecsSystem Spec
Reply

 Are Desktop Gadgets Gone Forever? problems?



Thread Tools



Similar help and support threads for: Are Desktop Gadgets Gone Forever?
Thread Forum
Solved Desktop Gadgets Gadgets
Desktop Gadgets Gadgets
Right-click on desktop takes forever General Discussion
Can't use 'desktop' or gadgets General Discussion
Desktop Gadgets Software


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:25 AM.


Seven Forums Android App Seven Forums IOS App Follow us on Facebook

Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized,
sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation.
"Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
© Designer Media Ltd
  

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32