When Microsoft did away with desktop gadgets to replace them with Windows Store apps, it was a bittersweet moment for Windows 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 PC
Although the desktop gadgets in Windows 10 are not officially supported, you can install them via some apps. Have a look!
1] 8GadgetPack
This tool lets you use the most popular and the most common apps on Windows 11/10. It just introduced an advanced version called 8GadgetPack takes care of several errors and glitches that were reported in its earlier version. 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.
Read: Best Free Windows 11 Widgets and Gadgets
2] Gadgets Revived
Gadgets Revived lets you get the gadgets that 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.
3] 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.
4] Rainmeter
Rainmeter is one of the most used gadget installers and has an incredible number of apps and gadgets collections. It also has a lot of provisions for customization and storing media files.
5] 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.
6] Avedesk
Avedesk, too, sticks to the basics when it comes to gadgets. This program lets you have icons on your Windows desktop screen, just like the old days. But the icons are different and much advanced – they come with little plug-ins that can multitask. 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.
7] 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.
8] 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 can be downloaded from the Chrome Store.
9] Margu-NotebookInfo2
One of the most underrated tools is a gadget that lets you keep tabs on several things at once—from your battery to your power to your network strength and even your RAM usage. In many ways, this can just be your go-to widget, as it is a serious multitasker. This gadget can be downloaded from here.
When choosing a gadget, consider your priorities. Install the necessary first, and only use the recommended ones if possible. A random or unknown gadget installer can sometimes make your system vulnerable.
