If you used of any of the desktop Gadgets available in Windows 7, you will notice that they have all gone once you've upgraded to Windows 8. This is because Microsoft has ceased support for Gadgets under the new operating system. Here's how to re-install Windows 7 Gadgets when you are using Windows 8. See also: How to add Windows Media Center to Windows 8.
You can add Windows 7 style Desktop Gadgets to Windows 8. Here's how:
There's no official way to re-install them, but you can get them back by installing a free utility called 8Gadgetpack, available from http://8gadgetpack.bplaced.net.
Installing this utility will create a gadget sidebar to which you can add any of the gadgets you had previously installed on Windows 7 without having to download them again. All user settings should also be preserved. If you don't like the sidebar, you can close it and place the gadgets directly on the desktop as before.
You should be aware the Microsoft cites security as a reason for removing the gadgets, although you'll be no less secure as you were using them under Windows 7. As always, do some research before installing any gadgets you may find online, especially as the official Microsoft Gadget repository is now gone. (See also: Windows 8: the complete guide.)
You can also run XP Mode in Windows 8. It's a bit more involved, but we show you how in our article: How to migrate Windows XP Mode to Windows 8.
For more on the changes in Windows 8 and how to use them visit Windows 8 Advisor. For detailed advice on installing Windows 8 Release Preview, read our article: How to install Windows 8.
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Visit Windows 7 Advisor for more Windows advice. Or email our Helproom Editor for bespoke advice.
Comments
terje herigstad said: i have win 8 and win 7 on the same pc running framekiller games the win8 is faster than the win7 is game startups shuttdown and overal loadingtime is faster on win8
B Simmonz001 said: But you can re-install all of those things I have done it myself Windows 8 may not have all of the features of Windows 7 but its a lot faster and a lot more secure
zeroone said: DONT BUY windows 8 The system is biggest crap from all Microsoft Systems - no start button no gadgets problems with wallpaper change the windows look ugly I miss windows 7 after several weeks of use and will come back to 7 soon
Rayan said: Havent used window 8 till now any one can suggest me which is better 8 or 7
Benjamen Bennett said: Working remarkably well for me actually Just installed the Core Temp Gadget as it wasnt included in the pack Working like a champ
Just_4_fun said: Seems they dont function anymore even with the latest version
Adrenatek said: thoosje is not malware its dated and not very useful software but certainly not malware by definition Sure there are some crappy slipped-in ad-based programs within the downloadable content but this does not qualify it as malware either The main problem is people install things without reading what they are doing and are just constantly clicking next causing toolbars and other items to pop up when they could have simply declined the installation of those components Google Chrome ends up on thousands of computers the exact same way
Metallhd said: the dl above from softpedia is called thoosjezip beware
psycros said: Actually 7 Sidebar is the gadget that actually creates the sidebar Running on Win7 it gives you back a Vista gadget sidebar that cant be covered up by anything These guys are probably just hacking Win8 to let it run in either sidebar or desktop mode and packaging it with a bunch of gadgets You can get the stand-alone 7 Sidebar from Softpedia Dont get ANYTHING from Thoosje - its a major malware site