"Offering free computer help, hints, and tips to the Internet populace." Now with over 3,820 tips!

Windows Vista - Windows Sidebar

Install a New Gadget

SUMMARY: Add informative, entertaining, and useful visual gadgets to Windows Vista's Windows Sidebar.

While Windows Vista's Windows Sidebar may come pre-configured with a few gadgets such as a clock, photo gallery, and news feeds, what if you want to add other gadgets?

1. Right-click the Windows Sidebar icon on the taskbar (it looks like the image to the left). If you do not see this icon, click the "Show Hidden Icons" arrow (it looks like the image to the right), then right-click the Windows Sidebar icon.

2. Choose "Add Gadgets".

A Gadget Gallery will appear similar to the below screenshot where you can choose from a variety of pre-installed gadgets. Double-click a gadget to add it to the sidebar.

Screenshot: Windows Sidebar Gadget Gallery

Or

You can go online to download more gadgets by clicking "Get more gadgets online". This opens a webpage as shown below where you can download a wide variety of pre-made gadgets from Microsoft and third-parties.

Screenshot: Personalize Windows Vista Sidebar with gadgets

To install a gadget, just view the gadget details page. Click the "Download to Sidebar" to the right of the gadget on the details page as shown in the below screenshot.

Screenshot: Sample Windows Vista Sidebar gadget details screen

You will be presented with a warning that you should only download gadgets from developers you trust. It is highly recommended that you have at least some sort of anti-virus and anti-malware software running before downloading and installing third-party gadgets!

You may then be prompted by your web browser what you wish to do with the file. If you choose to save the file, you will need to double-click it to install the gadget. Opening the file will automatically start the installation process. However, another security warning may appear, asking you to decide whether or not you wish to install the Windows Sidebar gadget.

Got something to add? Post a comment!

Everyone is invited to submit comments. Registered users also receive their own visitor profile page with a summary of recent posts.
Register | Login

1. coder0xff (09/16/2009 00:43:11)

Well, it's a start, but it's missing a critical piece of info. HOW TO INSTALL A GADGET. Adding a gadget or downloading one isn't that. I have a .rar with a gadget in it that I have unpacked and need to "install". How do I install a sidebar gadget?

2. Rita (09/24/2009 03:14:08)

i really like windows vista and windows Live also...........i like windows messenger that has amessenger with a send on it.............