Computer Tips From A Computer Guy

How to add gadgets to a Windows 7 desktop

Posted: 22 Aug 2009 03:09 AM PDT

What good will a home Windows 7 installation will be without useful toys on your desktop? In Windows 7, these toys are called desktop gadgets and by default 7 comes with a handful of desktop toys that we can readily use. The most useful widgets, err gadgets, are here.

The dependable calendar, clock, CPU meter, curreny converter, feed reader, maps and others are here to use. Unlike Vista, they don't open automatically after a fresh install, so you have to open them manually. To access the gadgets, type "desktop gadgets" on the search bar then click "Desktop Gadget Gallery" under the programs list:

The Desktop Gadgets Gallery will appear. Click on any gadget that you want to run on your desktop:

The gadgets will appear at the right side of your desktop. Clearing your desktop will not minimize the gadgets – they are always open unless you close them.

That basically covers how to add the gadgets to your desktop. Now to add more gadgets to your gallery, you will need to download the installer from the URL below:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/downloads/personalize?T1=tab03

Click the download button on any of the desktop gadgets to get the installer:

Once downloaded, open the file to run the installer:

You should see the new desktop added to the gallery. Double click it to run on your desktop:

You should see it appear on your desktop. Some of the gadgets are in fact pretty nice and add value to your Windows 7 experience (i.e. offers free downloadable contents like MP3s of unsigned artists).

As Windows 7's production release gets nearer, we expect to see more awesome gadgets not only from Microsoft, but also from third party developers as well.