Remove Gadgets

Microsoft discontinued gadgets in 2012 because of severe security problems. Microsoft says, "Gadgets could be exploited to harm your computer, access your computer's files, show you objectionable content or ... take complete control of your PC." Despite that, they do not remove gadgets from current Vista or Windows 7 machines.

You should be safe from the vulnerabilities as long as you don't use gadgets. You should not need to uninstall the sidebar Windows feature entirely. Microsoft explains how you should not use them here.

You could simply not use them, or use this Microsoft's Fix It which will remove the Sidebar and gadgets entirely. Probably the safest option.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2719662

If you want a clock that is useful and safe, I recommend the Free Desktop Timer from Drive software or their even better paid version, the Atomic Clock which includes more skins and a calendar. I use it and wrote an article about it here.

Keeping clients' computers safe and profitable for over 30 years

Home Forms About Current Newsletter subscribe Search All Articles Browse by Category Security Internet Mobile Business Hardware Fun		Remove Gadgets Microsoft discontinued gadgets in 2012 because of severe security problems. Microsoft says, "Gadgets could be exploited to harm your computer, access your computer's files, show you objectionable content or ... take complete control of your PC." Despite that, they do not remove gadgets from current Vista or Windows 7 machines. You should be safe from the vulnerabilities as long as you don't use gadgets. You should not need to uninstall the sidebar Windows feature entirely. Microsoft explains how you should not use them here. You could simply not use them, or use this Microsoft's Fix It which will remove the Sidebar and gadgets entirely. Probably the safest option. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2719662 If you want a clock that is useful and safe, I recommend the Free Desktop Timer from Drive software or their even better paid version, the Atomic Clock which includes more skins and a calendar. I use it and wrote an article about it here. Further reading The Verge article Date: May 2015 This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
		I attempt to provide reliable information, but make no warranty as to the accuracy or safety of these articles. I disclaim all legal responsibility for what following these instructions may do. Follow my advice at your own risk

Keeping clients' computers safe and profitable for over 30 years

Remove Gadgets

Further reading