When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn Windows Sidebar is a desktop feature available for use in Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008. Similar to a taskbar, it is a tall vertical side panel present on the desktop and contains mini-programs called “gadgets.” The purpose of a gadget is to provide quick and handy information, entertainment and give access to frequently used tools.
The basic goal of Windows Sidebar is to give quick access to the most frequently used tools and programs directly through the desktop. This utility keeps track of the user’s preferences and saves changes. “Gadgets” are the items shown in the sidebar, and gadgets can include utilities such as:
- Calculator
- Calendar
- Clock showing various time zones
- Weather
- Media player
- CPU meter
- Headlines
- Slideshows
- Mini puzzle game
A user can customize the bar and add gadgets from the Internet as well. Sidebar can be helpful when a tool is repeatedly used — without being placed on the desktop or taskbar, the user can have easy access to it via Sidebar.
