Where can I find Windows 7 Gadgets?

Question

Microsoft used to provide Windows Desktop Gadgets on their official website. I can no more find those gadgets there, but only a limited number of them. Microsoft's explanation about the gadgets is as follows:

Because we want to focus on the exciting possibilities of the newest version of Windows, Microsoft no longer supports uploading new gadgets. But that doesn't mean you can't still get gadgets. The most popular and highest-rated gadgets are still available on this page.

What does this mean? There are only 30 gadgets on that page. Are the full list of downloadable gadgets gone for good? If so, where can I find Windows Gadgets outside microsoft.com?

Answer 1

I found the online copy of Microsoft's Sidebar Gadget Gallery. It is the best option for those searching for good old sidebar gadgets.

gallery-live.com
The Windows Live Gallery has been retired - Here it is back again including all gadgets!

Answer 2

I went through most all Win 7 gadgets on Microsoft's site a while back, my conclusion was that they weren't worth worrying about. They all tended to be clunky and poorly designed in my opinion. For any of the features I was looking to gadgets for I was able to find far better software app replacements.

For the basic gadget/widget like elemnets suchs as clocks, cpu, memory meters I'd look towards: http://rainmeter.net/cms/ or http://www.samurize.com/modules/news/

Answer 3

The short answer is, Yes the full list is gone.

With the upcoming release of Windows 8 it seems Microsoft are shifting their focus on writing Apps (or gadgets) for Windows 8 rather than Windows 7.

I did find this article which lists a few more gadgets for Windows 7 that are still about elsewhere on the internet.

Incidently, a quick look at that Microsoft page on the Wayback Machine displays a list of previously available gadgets. Unfortunately, the links are broken and all point to the current gadget page.

I wouldn't be surprised if Microsoft quietly pulls the plug on all Windows 7 gadgets once Windows 8 has been fully released.