Windows gadgets are small programs that run on your desktop or Windows Sidebar. They can be used in Windows 7 and Windows Vista.
I looked through a google search Windows 7 weather gadgets for about 10 items. Either they didn't download, or install when they did or when you tried to go to the site you got an MS message that they're not supporting gadgets any more. If you do find something please post it. May 10, 2012 - I have accidentally uninstalled the pre-installed weather gadget for the desktop and would like to re-install it. I wasn't able to find a downloadable version. Restore desktop gadgets installed with windows.
A Windows gadget can keep you up to date with your Facebook feed, while another might show you the current weather, and another might let you tweet right from the desktop.
Other gadgets, like these Windows 7 gadgets, can actually perform useful monitoring services like keeping track of CPU and RAM usage.
You can install a Windows gadget by executing a downloaded GADGET file, but some Windows gadget installation details differ depending on which operating system you're installing the gadget on.
Choose the correct set of steps below for specific instructions on installing gadgets on your version of Windows. See What Version of Windows Do I Have? if you're not sure which of those versions of Windows is installed on your computer.
Older Windows operating systems, like Windows XP, do not natively support desktop or sidebar gadgets. Newer versions, like Windows 10 and Windows 8, don't support gadgets either. However, many other kinds of gadgets exist that are specific to certain applications, both web based and offline.
How to Install a Windows 7 or Windows Vista Gadget
Microsoft used to catalog and host Windows gadgets but they no longer do. Today, you'll find most gadgets for Windows on software download sites and on the websites of gadget developers.
Win7Gadgets is just one example of a website that offers free Windows gadgets like clocks, calendars, email gadgets, utilities, and games.
Execute the downloaded GADGET file. Windows gadget files end in the .GADGET file extension and will open with the Desktop Gadgets application. All you have to do is double-click or double-tap the file to start the install process.
Click or tap the Install button if you're prompted with a security warning that says 'Publisher could not be verified'.
Most Windows gadgets are created by third party developers that do not meet Microsoft's identify verification requirements, but this does not necessarily mean that there is any security concern.
You should always have an antivirus program installed on your computer. Having a good AV program running all the time can stop malicious programs, and virus-laden Windows gadgets, from causing any damage.
Configure any necessary gadget settings. Depending on the Windows gadget you installed to the desktop, there may be certain options that need configuring. If you install a Facebook gadget, for example, the gadget will need your Facebook credentials. If you installed a battery level monitor, you may want to adjust the size or opacity of the gadget window.
More Help With Windows Gadgets
If you remove a gadget from the desktop, the gadget is still available to Windows, it's just not installed on the desktop. In other words, the gadget is still on your computer like any other program, but there just isn't a shortcut on the desktop to open the gadget.
To add a previously installed gadget back to the Windows desktop, just right-click or tap-and-hold anywhere on the desktop and click/tap on Gadgets (Windows 7) or Add Gadgets... (Windows Vista). A window will appear showing all available Windows gadgets. Just double-click/tap the gadget you want to add to the desktop or drag it there.
When Microsoft did away with desktop gadgets to replace them with Windows Store apps, it was a bittersweet moment for Windows 10 users. Most users have obviously grown comfortable with desktop gadgets and completely taking them off the user’s system was a major change. They were introduced with Windows Vista and were pretty popular with all further versions. Microsoft took away the gadgets as they made the system and its contents vulnerable. A hacker could even access your PC through a gadget. However, for the irreplaceable entity they were, people kept downloading and using them through third-party vendors.
Desktop Gadgets for Windows 10
Although the desktop gadgets in Windows 10 are not officially supported, you can install them via some apps. Have a look!
8GadgetPack
This tool lets you use the most popular and the commonest apps on Windows 10. It just introduced an advanced version called 8GadgetPack takes care of several errors and glitches that were reported in its earlier version. It was also updated for the much talked about Anniversary Update of Windows 10, and most of the gadgets work on that. Some of the gadgets include App Launcher, Clipboard, CPU Meter, Drives Meter, Currency, Reminder, etc., You can even delete the unnecessary gadgets from the package.
Gadgets Revived
Gadgets Revived lets you get the gadgets which you require and works in a pick-your-own-thing fashion. You download Gadgets Revived installer and you select the gadgets you want to install. It does not exactly work like in a package fashion, and the gadgets are grouped into more than 16 categories. Each category is designed to cater to various kinds of the same gadget. It has some of the most crucial gadgets like Clipboard Manager, Calculator, MusicRadio, Counters, and Timers.
Win10 Widgets
Win10 Widgets is futuristic for more reasons than one. Mainly because it caters to your most obvious basic needs like music, battery, WiFi, and also works on responsiveness. It also has provisions for customizing wallpapers or adjusting the screen size. The makers have also worked hard to make sure it fits in with the Windows 10 theme. One thing which might bug you is that this tool does not have an auto-update function. You will actually need to visit their website and keep tabs on the latest updates.
This tool also works on the Rainmeter program and is highly efficient. You can install Rainmeter and Win10 Widgets in one package. Since this is also a gadget editor, you can customize your system with it, and it’s also one of the most effortlessly designed widgets. From mail to weather, to clock, and of curse the advanced gadgets, they are all coordinated according to necessity, and if you want to change then, you can do so very easily.
Rainmeter
Rainmeter is one of the most used gadgets installers and has an incredible number of apps and gadgets collection. It also has a lot of provisions for customization and storing media files.
XWidget
This XWidget platform is very popular with designers and creative sector employees. It’s also a widget editor and has pro level animations. It also has the most stability as a widget, but it is so in demand for its graphics. It has been applauded for updating its user experience with every edition and is one of the best alternatives to 8GadgetPack. This gadget could be downloaded from here.
Avedesk
Avedesk, too, sticks to the basics when it comes to gadgets. This program lets you have icons on your Windows 10 desktop screen, just like old days. But the icons are different and much advanced – they come with little plug-ins which can multitask. Basically, these desklets act as shortcuts to the necessary gadgets, like Mail, calculator, etc. The new updates features on Avedesk have given the tool a sleeker and more accomplished look. The makes have also relentlessly worked to improve the user experience, and if you want a gadget tool for Windows 10, Avedesk is highly recommended. This gadget could be downloaded here.
Network Meter
One of the most widely used gadgets of the last two years, Network Meter is spectacularly designed to tell you exactly how connectivity issues. From details of your hotspot connection to Ethernet, Network Meter is not just a necessary tool, but also the most helpful one, if you’re working from off-site. One of the major features of the Meter is that it lets you keep tabs on your download speed. It has recently been updated for high res visibility. This gadget could be downloaded from here.
App Launcher
One of the most user-friendly widgets, App launcher basically works like a launch bar. You can just drag whichever apps or gadgets you need to the screen, and it is also available for free download. This gadget could be downloaded from the Chrome Store here.
Margu-NotebookInfo2
One of the most underrated tools. This lets you keep tabs on several things at once – from your battery to your power to your network strength, and even your RAM usage, this shows you everything. In many ways, this can just be your go-to widget as it is a serious multitasker. This gadget can be downloaded from here.
While choosing a gadget, be careful about your priorities. Install the necessary ones first, and only use the recommended ones if possible. Random or unknown gadget installer can sometimes make your system vulnerable.
Windows 7 Weather Gadget Download Free Pc
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