How to Enable or Disable Gadgets in Windows 7 and Vista
InformationThis will show you how to enable or disable all currently running gadgets, and from being able to add new desktop gadgets for specific or all users in Vista and Windows 7.
You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.
WarningFor you to be able to use and add gadgets to your desktop, you must:
- Have gadgets enabled below.
- Show Desktop Items needs to be checked in order to see the gadgets.
EXAMPLE: "Desktop gadgets are managed by your system administrator."
NOTE: When gadgets is disabled, this will be the message all users will get when they try to add a gadget.
OPTION ONEUsing a REG File Download
1. To Enable Gadgets for Current User
A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.2. To Disable Gadgets for Only Current User
Enable_Gadgets.regB) If not already, make sure that you have Windows Gadget Platform checked in Windows Features.
C) Go to step 3.
3. Click on Save, and save the .reg file to the desktop.
4. Right click on the downloaded .reg file and click on Merge.
5. Click on Run, Yes, Yes, and OK when prompted.
6. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to completely apply.
NOTE: Gadgets that are currently running may not be disabled until you do this step.
7. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg files on the desktop if you like.
OPTION TWOThrough the Local Group Policy Editor
1. Open the all users, specific users or groups, or all users except administrators Local Group Policy Editor for how you want this policy applied.That's it,
2. In the left pane, click on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, and Desktop Gadgets. (See screenshot below)
3. In the right pane, right click on Turn off desktop gadgets and click on Edit. (See screenshot above)
4. To Enable Gadgets
A) Select (dot) either Not Configured or Disabled. (See screenshot below step 6)5. To Disable Gadgets
B) If not already, make sure that you have Windows Gadget Platform checked in Windows Features.
C) Go to step 6.
A) Select (dot) Enabled. (See screenshot below step 6)6. Click on OK. (See screenshot below)
7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.
8. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to completely apply.
NOTE: Gadgets that are currently running may not be disabled until you do this step.
Shawn
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