File Extension Database

Open GADGET File

GADGET file extension refers to a sidebar widget which can be installed on Microsoft Windows Vista. GADGET files can contain a variety of add-ons such as applications, utilities and games which can be added to the desktop sidebar on machines running Windows Vista. These features are deployed using web pages which define the user interface and back-end scripts which provide functionality.

When Microsoft released Windows Vista, a new feature on the desktop was the sidebar, which could be used to dock useful interactive items such as a clock, search toolbars and calendars. These features can be moved around, added or removed in order to customize the desktop. GADGET files are packages which can be downloaded from the Windows Live website and installed to add more features to the sidebar. GADGET files can contain a wide variety of add-ons including clocks, calendars, slideshows, games, system utilities and RSS news feeds, and are installed by double clicking on the file. The add-on will then be docked to the sidebar, and can be moved or removed like any other sidebar item.

Though GADGET files are intended to add useful or novel features to the desktop, they can cause problems. Poorly written or overly complex sidebar add-ons can degrade system performance, and as many are contributed by other users, there are no guarantees as to whether or not they will function as expected. Many GADGET files also contain RSS news feed applications so require a permanent Internet connection and can be problematic if the expected data source cannot be found.

GADGET files are File extension Zip compressed archives which typically contain the source code of the sidebar gadget and any required resources such as images or external scripts. You can open GADGET files on a Windows Vista machine by double clicking the file. Alternatively, the contents can be viewed by changing the file extension to ZIP, then opening it either in Windows or using any archiving software with ZIP support.

Typical GADGET application file locations:

%ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe
C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe

Frequently used application names to open GADGET files:

Windows Sidebar

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Windows.gadget

How Can I Open GADGET File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open GADGET file is to find a GADGET file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a GADGET file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open GADGET file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as GADGET file opener then try to search online for "GADGET viewer", "application to open GADGET file" or "open GADGET file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open GADGET file

How Can I Open GADGET File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a GADGET file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a GADGET file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with GADGET file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as GADGET file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open GADGET file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open GADGET file then try to search for "GADGET viewer", "application to open GADGET file" or "read GADGET file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read GADGET file

How Can I Open GADGET File on Android

If you downloaded a GADGET file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded GADGET file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "GADGET".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "GADGET viewer", "GADGET file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open GADGET File on iPhone or iPad

To open GADGET File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the GADGET file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "GADGET". This way you can find apps which can open GADGET files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "GADGET viewer" or "GADGET file" online in your favorite search engine.