BeWidgets

What BeWidgets is

BeWidgets is a Windows app for customizing the desktop with widgets. Users can change widget colors and usage, update widgets individually from the app, and receive notifications when widget updates are available. Layouts group widgets so users can save an arrangement and load it later. BeXCool describes the interface as modern, easy to use, and inspired by Windows 11. The app is distributed through the Microsoft Store; the BeWidgets plan is listed as free, and the Store listing indicates in-app purchases. The maker's documentation describes a widget store for downloading widgets and says a layout store update is scheduled for 2026. BeWidgets also supports custom widgets: users can start with a BeWidgets Visual Studio project template and install custom widget packages in the .wpkg archive format. The getting-started guide lists Visual Studio, .NET 8.0, the Windows 11 SDK, and the BeWidgets Widget Template extension as prerequisites for making them. BeXCool describes itself as a small Czech software development studio that makes games, apps, and sometimes websites. Its listed team includes Petr Pavlík (Peter) as owner and developer, Vikusha in customer support, and Spejik as platform developer. The maker's contact page links to a Discord widget.

Who it suits

BeWidgets suits Windows users who want to personalize a desktop with widgets, save widget arrangements, or install custom widgets. It may also suit developers who have the listed tools and want to create widgets from the provided Visual Studio template.

Getting started

1. Open the BeWidgets page on the maker's website.
2. Get BeWidgets through the Microsoft Store.
3. Add widgets and customize their colors and usage.
4. Save a widget collection as a layout if you want to load it later.
5. For custom widgets, install Visual Studio, .NET 8.0, the Windows 11 SDK, and the BeWidgets Widget Template extension.
6. Create a widget from the Visual Studio project template and install its .wpkg package.

Verdict

Choose BeWidgets if you use Windows and want to customize your desktop with widgets and reusable layouts. It is also an option for custom widget creation if you have the listed development tools. The Microsoft Store listing indicates in-app purchases, so check the Store listing if those affect your choice.