How to Delete Windows Sidebar Gadgets

The Windows Sidebar is a handy tool designed to enhance the usability and ease of Windows. Positioned at the side of your screen, it keeps "gadgets"--useful tools and applications--accessible by a single click. You can do a number of things with the Sidebar, including monitor news headlines, watch your computer's performance statistics, watch a slideshow or maintain a to-do list. The Sidebar is easily customizable, so you can easily add and remove gadgets from your computer when you feel like using something new.

Instructions

1. Right-click the Sidebar icon in your taskbar and select the "Add Gadgets" option. Alternately, click the "Plus Sign" at the top of the Sidebar.

2. Scroll through the Gadget Gallery, which is a list of all the gadgets on your computer.

3. Find the gadget you want to remove from your computer in the gallery.

4. Right-click the gadget you wish to remove and select the "Uninstall" option.

5. Click the "Uninstall" button in the dialog box that pops up when Windows prompts you to make sure you really want to uninstall the gadget.

Tips & Warnings

• If you change your mind and want the gadget you deleted back, go online. Many gadgets, including the default Windows ones, are available for free on the Web.

References

• MalekTips.com: Uninstall a Sidebar Gadget
• FreeWindowsVistaTutorials.com: Uninstall or Delete Gadgets from the Sidebar in Windows Vista
• EasyTweaks.com: Remove Vista Sidebar Gadget

Resources

• Windows.Microsoft.com: Windows Sidebar and Gadgets (Overview)