Add Gadgets to Windows 8.1/10 - A Step-by-Step Guide
Reintroducing Windows 7 Gadgets to Windows 8.1 and 10
Do you find yourself longing for the convenient gadgets available in Windows 7 after upgrading to Windows 8.1 or 10? While there isn't a built-in method for re-installation, a third-party utility called 8Gadgetpack offers a solution.
Installing and Launching 8Gadgetpack
8Gadgetpack introduces a sidebar to your Desktop in Windows 8.1 or 10, enabling you to add the gadgets you previously enjoyed in Windows 7 without needing to re-download them.
You can obtain 8Gadgetpack through the link provided at the end of this guide. It’s crucial to install 8Gadgetpack with administrator privileges.
Since the installation file is packaged as an MSI, you may need to add an "Install as administrator" option to the context menu in Windows Explorer first.
Once this option is available, right-click the .msi file and select it to begin the installation process.
Proceed through the Setup Wizard, carefully following the on-screen instructions. On the final screen, check the box labeled "Show gadgets when setup exits" to automatically launch 8Gadgetpack upon completion.
A notification window will appear, providing helpful information regarding the use of the sidebar and its gadgets.
Adding Gadgets to the Sidebar
The sidebar will initially display a few default gadgets, such as a clock and a weather display. To expand your selection, click the plus (+) button located at the top of the sidebar.
A dialog box will open, presenting three pages of available gadgets. You can add a gadget to the sidebar by either double-clicking its icon or by dragging and dropping it onto the sidebar itself.
To close the gadget selection dialog, simply click the Close (X) button in the upper-right corner.
Customizing and Managing Gadgets
As you add more gadgets, the sidebar may become crowded. You can reposition gadgets onto the Desktop by dragging them off the sidebar. To do this, hover your mouse over the top-right edge of the gadget until a small toolbar appears, then drag the dotted box to your desired location.
Certain gadgets offer customization options. If a gadget features a wrench icon on its toolbar, clicking it will open a settings dialog.
This dialog allows you to modify the gadget’s behavior and appearance. For instance, the weather gadget allows you to set your location and choose a preferred weather service on the "Location" tab.
The "Settings" tab provides further options for controlling the gadget’s display, refresh rate, and units of measurement.
The "Parameters" tab, specific to certain gadgets like the weather gadget, allows for additional configuration. Click "OK" to save your changes and return the gadget to its normal size.
Some gadgets also include buttons to adjust their size. For example, you can make the weather gadget wider by clicking the "Larger size" button on its toolbar.
To revert to the original size, click the same button, which will now display as "Smaller size".
Additional Features and Sidebar Options
8Gadgetpack also provides a tool for quickly accessing open programs. Click the "Window-Manager" button on the toolbar at the top of the sidebar.
Thumbnails of your currently open applications will appear on the sidebar. Hovering over a thumbnail will preview the application, and clicking it will bring it to the forefront. Clicking the "Window-Manager" button again will restore the gadget display.
You can customize the sidebar itself by right-clicking on an empty area and selecting "Options" from the menu.
The "Orientation" tab allows you to adjust the sidebar’s position and other display settings.
The "View" tab controls gadget alignment and button visibility, among other options.
If you valued the functionality of Windows 7 gadgets, 8Gadgetpack provides a convenient way to reintroduce them to your Windows 8.1 or 10 system.
Download 8Gadgetpack from http://8gadgetpack.bplaced.net.
