GadgetPack, formerly called 8GadgetPack, brings desktop gadgets to Windows 10 and 11. It installs a modified version of the Gadget Platform that first appeared in Windows 7, and lets users add .gadget files. The package installs gadgets such as a sidebar, agenda, clocks, calendar, currency display, CPU meter, drive information, and network monitor. Other listed categories include weather, reminders, sticky notes, calculator, volume control, unit conversion, and radio. Pressing Win+Shift+G displays the gadgets and switches among them; GadgetPack Tools can optionally assign that role to Win+G. The software is free and supports 64-bit Windows 7, 8.1, 10, and 11. Installation requires administrative rights. The installer and website are English-only, though many gadgets have other localizations. The site warns that gadgets may contain viruses or trojans, making an opened gadget as risky as an executable file. The developer says the project is maintained in spare time, so replies to feedback may take some time.
Who it is for
GadgetPack suits Windows users who want desktop gadgets such as calendars, clocks, system monitors, or sticky notes. It requires administrative rights to install.
What is good
- Free plan for Windows
- Installs a range of gadgets automatically
- Allows users to install .gadget files
- Win+Shift+G displays and switches between gadgets
- Many gadgets have multiple localizations
What to know first
- Requires administrative rights to install
- Installer and website are English-only
- Gadgets may contain viruses or trojans
- Developer support is provided in spare time
Verdict
GadgetPack restores a variety of desktop gadgets on supported Windows versions, with optional keyboard access through GadgetPack Tools. Consider the stated installation requirements and the security warning before opening third-party gadgets.
GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) plans and pricing
All plansCompared on desktop widget software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported platforms
- windows
- Widget categories
- sidebar, agenda, CPU and GPU monitoring, battery, calendar, clipboard, clocks, currency, drives, network monitoring, weather, reminders, slideshow, sticky notes, calculator, volume control, unit converter, radio
- System monitoring
- Yes
- Custom layouts
- Yes
- Weather widgets
- Yes
- Calendar widgets
- Yes
- Feed widgets
- Yes
