Microsoft removed desktop devices from Windows 10 in favor of Windows Store apps.
However, Windows Live tiles and Windows Store apps cannot completely replace desktop devices, and many users who have upgraded to Microsoft’s latest operating system are still unable to use desktop devices.
According to the Redmond giant, the desktop device represents a vulnerability that hackers can exploit to gain access to users’ computers.
Although Microsoft no longer officially supports desktop devices, you can use third-party applications to recover them on your Windows 10 PC.
However, before installing these programs, you should also pay attention to Microsoft’s warning words and update your computer’s security defenses.
Can’t get gadgets directly on your computer? Things are not as bad as they seem – check out this guide to fix the problem!
What are the best desktop gadget and widget tools for Windows 10?
When choosing a desktop gadget manager, you should know the basics about these tools. We will answer questions such as.
- Do you have too many gadgets?
- Does this gadget manager tool waste too many resources on your PC?
- Can you add external widgets to it?
- Do you have to update it manually?
- Can you customize it with skins?
- Where can you download these desktop gadget tools?
Let’s start by choosing the tool that best suits your needs.
8GadgetPack
8GadgetPack allows you to use popular desktop devices in Windows 10. The tool was recently updated for Windows 10 Anniversary Update. The latest version of the application, 8GadgetPack version 20.0, also brings many bug fixes.
Most desktop devices are eligible for the Anniversary Update. Although 8GadgetPack has been optimized for this Microsoft operating system, there are still some devices that are not compatible with this version of the operating system.
Another advantage is that you can install other devices in addition to those included, such as Windows Vista or Windows 7 devices. If you do not use all the gadgets included in the download package, you can simply remove the additional gadgets.
Speaking of Windows 7, you can keep it and your devices indefinitely. See this guide to learn how to do it.
8GadgetPack includes the following gadgets: 7 sidebars, address book, application launcher, calendar, clipboard, clock. Control system. CPU meter. Currency, Reminders, DriveInfo, Drive Meter, Drive Meter, Source Header, Glassy CPU Monitor, Google Mail, Mail Checker, MiniRadio, Multi Meter, My Weather, Network Monitor II, Picture Puzzle, Power Status, Slideshow, Embedded Sticky Notes, Volume Controls, Weather, and Internet Radio widgets in the sidebar.
Gadgets revived
This tool allows you to download desktop gadgets of your choice. First, you need to download the desktop gadget installer and then you can choose which gadgets to install on your desktop.
The available gadgets are grouped into 19 categories, each of which contains several versions of the same gadget.
The differences are mainly related to the design of the application. For example, you can choose between 10 calendar versions and 10 clock versions.
The full list of categories includes Battery, Calculator, Calendar, Christmas, Clock, Counters & Timers, Fun & Games, Mail & IM, Multimedia, Web, News & Subscriptions, Radio Music, TV, Recycle Bin, Search, Slideshow, System Info, System Tools, Utilities, Weather.
Rainmeter
Rainmeter is a popular Windows desktop customization tool. Its main strength is the large number of available masks and the ever-growing collection of applications developed by the Rainmeter community.
Rainmeter allows you to customize your Windows desktop so that you can access useful information and monitor system performance at a glance.
These devices will be used in conjunction with the performance monitoring software. Use one from our list.
The list of available widgets is quite extensive and includes task lists, media players, weather information, CPU usage and more.
Rainmeter version 4.0 was recently released, providing stability and performance improvements. Rainmeter 4.0 is still in beta version, if you want to make sure the tool works properly on your system, you should install Rainmeter 3.3.2.
Win10 Widgets
Win10 Widgets is a desktop customization application based on the Rainmeter framework.
This tool promises to take your desktop into the future, allowing you to quickly find the information you need using widgets such as weather, WiFi, battery, music and more.
Also, monitoring network activity helps a lot, but if you want to keep it under control, try one of the bandwidth monitors from our list.
Win10 Widgets works with any wallpaper, any screen size and uses the Windows 10 accent colors it creates to fit your system’s overall design.
As for updates, Windows 10 Widgets does not have an automatic update system, which means that you will need to regularly check the application’s website to make sure you are running the latest version of the program.
Gadgetarian
Gadgetarian is a tool that allows you to bring your favorite Windows 7 gadgets to your Windows 10 desktop.
The application is very lightweight and the installation process is very intuitive, just follow the on-screen instructions.
Once the installation is complete, there is no need to restart the computer for the changes to take effect.
Right-click on the desktop to activate the context menu and select the Gadgets option to explore what this tool brings to the desktop.
If you are not satisfied with a particular widget, you can easily remove it.
Adding gadgets to your desktop is as easy as double-clicking on a gadget of your choice and it will appear on your desktop.
It is worth mentioning that Gadgetarian’s role is to enable native Windows gadget functions and does not affect the integrity of the operating system.
Conclusion
There are gadgets with different functions and purposes, it all depends on whether you want to customize your desktop or simply monitor your PC.
