Windows Desktop Gadgets

Formerly known as Windows Sidebar in Windows Vista, with the introduction of Windows 7 this feature is now known as the Windows Desktop Gadgets and is a feature that allows you to add additional features to your Windows Desktop. For example, a Gadget could show your favorite stock quotes, today's weather, calculator, puzzles, random pictures, and much more. In the below picture, on the right-hand side, is an example of what the Windows Sidebar looks like in Windows Vista.

Windows Vista Sidebar

How do I disable the Windows Sidebar?

  1. Right-click in an empty portion of the Sidebar and click Properties.
  2. In the Windows Sidebar Properties window uncheck the Start Sidebar when Windows starts option and then click ok. The next time Windows starts the Sidebar will not be visible.

Tip: If you only want to close the Windows Sidebar and have it load the next time Windows starts, instead of clicking the Properties option click Close Sidebar.

Also see: Active desktop, Gadget