How To: Enable Gadgets in Windows 8

With each new iteration of Windows, Microsoft implements new features to open up more possibilities, and some work better than others. Back in Windows Vista, Gadgets were introduced, but got left behind with Windows 8 and replaced by live tiles.

The basic Gadgets consisted of several objects placed on your desktop that displayed the time, calendar, weather info, and even fun games to kill some time. More were developed and placed for download to include different skins or other types of data.

Sadly, it’s not possible to enable them in Windows 8. However, rumor has it that an application called 8GadgetsPack is a neat and efficient way to bring them back. Here’s how to configure it with all the gadgets you need.

Setup and customization

Step 1: Download and install 8GadgetsPack.

Step 2: Run it to see the right sidebar brought up with a few gadgets.

Note: Gadgets can be left on the sidebar or dragged on the desktop for free arrangement.

Step 3: Close any unnecessary gadgets by clicking the X marker in the top right corner of their window.

Step 4: Configure and customize each object by pressing the Wrench button that appears on mouseover.

Step 5: Add new gadgets by pressing the + key on the top right corner of the sidebar, or right-clicking a gadget.

Step 6: Toggle Gadgets visibility by right-clicking on desktop empty space, and choosing whether or not to Show desktop gadgets in the View menu.