Installing Windows 7 Desktop Gadgets and System Monitor II on Windows 11

References

https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/system_monitor_ii.html
https://winaero.com/windows-7-desktop-gadgets-for-windows-11/
https://web.archive.org/web/20220427233938/https://winaero.com/windows-7-desktop-gadgets-for-windows-11/

Windows 7 Desktop Gadgets were a beloved feature for many users, offering quick access to tools like calendars, clocks, and system monitors. While Microsoft removed this feature starting with Windows 8, you can bring these gadgets back to Windows 11 using the Gadgets Revived package and enhance your desktop with additional tools like System Monitor II. This blog post walks you through the process of installing Windows 7 Desktop Gadgets and the System Monitor II gadget on Windows 11.

Prerequisites

• A Windows 11 PC (e.g., running build 22H2 or later).
• Internet access to download the required files.
• Administrative privileges to install software.

Step 1: Installing Windows 7 Desktop Gadgets

The Gadgets Revived project restores the classic Windows 7 Desktop Gadgets to Windows 11. Follow these steps to install it:

1. Download the Installer:

   • Visit the Winaero website to download the Gadgets Revived package.
   • Locate and download the zip archive containing DesktopGadgetsRevived-2.0.exe.

2. Run the Installer:

   • Extract the zip archive and double-click DesktopGadgetsRevived-2.0.exe to launch the installer.
   • Select your preferred language. The installer will automatically detect your OS language and apply it.

3. Complete the Installation:

   • Review the configuration settings displayed by the installer.
   • Click Install to proceed.
   • Once completed, the stock gadgets (e.g., Calendar, Weather, CPU Meter, Currency, RSS Feeds, Picture Puzzle, and Slideshow) will appear on your desktop.

4. Accessing Gadgets:

   • Right-click on the desktop and select Show more options > Gadgets to open the gadget selection menu.
   • Alternatively, access gadgets via the Control Panel under Personalization and Appearance or use the search bar in third-party Start menu replacements like Open Shell or StartIsBack.

Step 2: Installing System Monitor II Gadget

System Monitor II is a powerful gadget that provides detailed real-time information about CPU, memory, and disk usage, making it a favorite for gamers and power users. Here’s how to add it to your Windows 11 desktop:

1. Download System Monitor II:

   • Navigate to the MajorGeeks download page.
   • Download the System Monitor II gadget file (typically a .gadget file).

2. Install the Gadget:

   • Double-click the downloaded .gadget file. This will automatically install the gadget via the Gadgets Revived framework.
   • Alternatively, open the Gadgets menu (right-click desktop > Show more options > Gadgets), click Get more gadgets online, and install System Monitor II from the official gallery if available.

3. Configure System Monitor II:

   • Once installed, drag the System Monitor II gadget to your desired desktop location.
   • Click the gadget’s settings (wrench icon) to customize its display, such as showing CPU core loads, memory usage, or disk activity.
   • For gamers, this gadget is particularly useful for monitoring system performance in real-time during gameplay.

Using and Managing Gadgets

• Show/Hide Gadgets: Right-click the desktop, go to View > Show desktop gadgets to toggle visibility.

• Uninstalling Gadgets:

  • Open the Settings app (Win + I) and navigate to Apps > Apps & features.
  • Find Windows Desktop Gadgets in the list, select it, and click Uninstall.
  • Confirm the uninstallation to remove the gadgets.

• System Monitor II Features:

  • Displays detailed CPU, memory, and disk usage.
  • Customizable interface to show or hide specific metrics.
  • Ideal for monitoring system performance during resource-intensive tasks like gaming.

Notes and Troubleshooting

• Compatibility: The Gadgets Revived package is compatible with Windows 11, but some users on specific builds (e.g., 22H2) have reported issues like the clock gadget not displaying. If you encounter issues, try reinstalling or checking for updates on the Winaero website.
• Error Handling: If you see an error like “Error opening file for writing” during installation (e.g., for cmncliM.dll.mui), ensure you have administrative privileges and try running the installer as an administrator.
• Windows Updates: Feature updates in Windows 11 may remove the gadgets. Keep the installer handy to reinstall after updates, or consider using alternatives like 8GadgetPack, which some users report as compatible with Windows 11.

Conclusion

Bringing Windows 7 Desktop Gadgets to Windows 11 is straightforward with the Gadgets Revived package, and adding System Monitor II enhances your ability to monitor system performance. Whether you're a nostalgic user or a gamer needing real-time system stats, these tools offer a functional and customizable experience. For more details, refer to the original guides on Winaero and MajorGeeks.

If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it or supporting the developers behind these projects!

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