The Gadgets Platform is the application that launches Windows Gadgets on your desktop. Windows 7 gadgets are no longer limited to the sidebar as they were in Windows Vista, so they move freely around the user’s desktop.
However, there are times when it might be appropriate to disable the gadget platform, thereby disabling the use of gadgets. Learn how to disable the gadgets platform in Windows 7.
Why disable gadgets in Windows 7?
The gadgets platform, first introduced in Windows Vista, allows users to place small applications on their desktops so that important information is always at hand. Unfortunately, many Windows users don’t see gadgets as an important part of their daily work.
With the exception of watches and a few other useful apps, many people criticize gadgets for wasting time and space. Many commercial users who deploy Windows as a computing platform disable or remove the gadgets platform so that employees don’t use them to waste company time.
Fortunately, Microsoft has made it easy to disable the gadget platform to prevent PC users from using gadgets on the Windows 7 operating system. Before deciding to disable gadgets in Windows 7, be sure to check with your computer users; some may rely on standard or custom gadgets to get the job done.
Disable Gadget Platform in Windows 7
First, you must log into Windows 7 using an account with administrator rights. Then click Start Control Panel Programs Programs and Features. Look all the way to the left of the Programs and Features window. There you will find the link “Turn Windows features on or off”. Click it to open the Turn Windows Features On or Off window.
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This is a window where you can add or disable features in the Windows 7 operating system. This is also where you tell Windows to remove the gadget platform from your PC.
Find a folder called Gadgets Platform and notice the check mark next to it. A check mark indicates that the platform is currently installed and ready for use by anyone with a PC account.
Uncheck the folder, click OK, and follow the instructions on the screen. Depending on how you have configured your computer, you may need to raise the UAC permissions to proceed with the uninstall. When this is done, no PC user will be able to use gadgets in Windows 7.
The gadget platform is the platform on which gadgets run in Windows 7. Small, floating applications, gadgets can be a little annoying for some operating system users. System administrators often remove the gadget platform so that workers don’t waste time on gadgets during business hours.
Remember that by disabling the gadgets platform, you make gadgets inaccessible to all PC users, not just your account. Some users who rely on gadgets to get the job done may not be able to handle this if you uninstall the gadgets platform. Be sure to check with all PC users before turning it off.
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