Windows 7: Gadgets - how they work
Under Windows 7 and Windows Vista the gadgets are helpful. We show you how these work in this practical tip.
Windows 7 gadgets: getting started
- Open: To open the gadgets, right-click on the desktop and select the "gadgets" in the context menu. Now a window opens in which you have an overview of all installed gadgets (see picture). The gadget bar should have opened on the desktop at the latest.
- Start: To start a gadget such as the clock, double-click on it. Now the clock appears on the desktop.
- Uninstall: To completely remove a gadget from your computer, right-click on it and select the "Uninstall" option.
Work with Windows 7 Gadgets
- Positioning: You can now drag the individual gadgets to any location on the desktop with the mouse. In most cases, however, it is advisable to leave it anchored to the right of the bar.
- Edit: If you touch a gadget with the mouse, a wrench appears to the right of it. You can use this to adapt each app according to its possibilities and your needs. For example, you can change the design and time zone of the watch (see picture).
- Remove: If you no longer want to see a gadget or simply no longer use it, you can move your mouse over it and click on the cross at the top right. This can be started again later.
- Zoom in: If you move the mouse over a gadget, you will find an arrow under the cross in some applications. You can use this to enlarge or reduce the gadget.
Download and install gadgets
Unfortunately, Microsoft has discontinued the gadgets for Windows 7 and Vista because they pose a security problem. Why Microsoft only sees this 5 years after the apps have been developed for Windows 8 remains questionable.
- However, the gadgets still work and can still be installed on your computer. Only access to the Microsoft database with all gadgets is no longer possible.
- But we have put together the 50 best gadgets for Windows 7 in this download package.
- Open a desired gadget and click the "Install" button. This will appear in the gadgets within a few seconds.
In this article from Microsoft you can read why exactly the gadgets were set.