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GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack)
What it is
GadgetPack, formerly 8GadgetPack, lets users run desktop gadgets on Windows 11 and Windows 10. It installs a modified version of the Gadget Platform that originally appeared in Windows 7, and supports installing .gadget files. The package automatically includes tools such as 7 Sidebar, Agenda, All CPU Meter, Clipboarder, clocks, Calendar, Currency, Drive Info, and Network Monitor. Other listed gadget categories include weather, reminders, sticky notes, calculator, volume control, unit converter, and radio. Win+Shift+G displays the gadgets and switches between them; GadgetPack Tools can optionally assign that function to Win+G. It is free and supports 64-bit Windows 7, 8.1, 10, and 11, but installation requires administrative rights. The installer and website are English-only, although many gadgets have other localizations. The site warns that gadgets can contain viruses or trojans and that opening one carries risk comparable to running an executable file. The developer says the project is supported in spare time, so replies to feedback may take some time.
For and against
For
- Free desktop gadgets for supported Windows systems.
- Supports installing .gadget files.
- Includes system monitors, calendars, clocks, and other tools.
- Win+Shift+G displays and switches between gadgets.
- Many gadgets have multiple localizations.
Against
- Installation requires administrative rights.
- Installer and website are English-only.
- Gadgets may contain viruses or trojans.
- Developer feedback replies may take some time.
The verdict
GadgetPack restores a range of desktop gadget categories on supported Windows versions. Consider the administrative install requirement and the stated security risk of opening gadgets.
Who it suits
GadgetPack may suit Windows users who want desktop gadgets such as calendars, clocks, system monitors, or sticky notes. It is for 64-bit Windows systems and requires administrative rights to install.
Plans and prices
GadgetPack
Windows 11/10; 23MB download; administrative rights required
Read 1 Oct 2026 · gadgetpack.net
On the record
- Advertising
- The website uses Google AdSense and says third-party advertising and measurement services may use cookies or similar technologies.gadgetpack.net · read 1 Oct 2026
- Clipboard integration
- The changelog says Clipboarder has improved LibreOffice support.gadgetpack.net · read 1 Oct 2026
- Gadget installation
- Users can install .gadget files when GadgetPack is installed.gadgetpack.net · read 1 Oct 2026
- Gadget platform
- It installs the Gadget Platform originally present in Windows 7, modified to work on newer operating systems.gadgetpack.net · read 1 Oct 2026
- Gadget security
- The site warns that gadgets can contain viruses or trojans and that opening a gadget is as dangerous as running an executable file.gadgetpack.net · read 1 Oct 2026
- Included gadgets
- The package automatically installs gadgets including 7 Sidebar, Agenda, All CPU Meter, Clipboarder, clocks, Calendar, Currency, CPU Meter, Drive Info and Network Monitor.gadgetpack.net · read 1 Oct 2026
- Installer contents
- The installer says it installs only original Microsoft files, necessary registry entries, GadgetPack Tools and an uninstaller, without adware.gadgetpack.net · read 1 Oct 2026
- Keyboard access
- Win+Shift+G shows the gadgets and switches between them; GadgetPack Tools can optionally override Win+G.gadgetpack.net · read 1 Oct 2026
- Language support
- The installer and website are English-only, while many gadgets have multiple localizations.gadgetpack.net · read 1 Oct 2026
- Latest release
- Version 43.0 was released on 2026-09-08, is listed as 23MB, and has MD5 checksum 341cc2d6c788f20842fff70fb07e5873.gadgetpack.net · read 1 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The website collects log-file data such as IP address, browser type, ISP, visit times, referring pages and click patterns for analysis and site administration.gadgetpack.net · read 1 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) makes it possible to use Gadgets on Windows 11 and Windows 10.gadgetpack.net · read 1 Oct 2026
- Support
- The developer says the project is developed and supported in spare time and that replies to feedback can take quite some time.gadgetpack.net · read 1 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- The software works on 64-bit Windows 7, 8.1, 10 and 11, and installation requires administrative rights.gadgetpack.net · read 1 Oct 2026
- VLC integration
- Version 42 added a Webradio-Player-Gadget and VLC-plugin files that the gadget relies on.gadgetpack.net · read 1 Oct 2026
