How to Embed a Calendar on the Desktop

Windows Vista introduced the ability to add "Gadgets" to your desktop. These gadgets appear embedded on the desktop, so they are always present. A gadget loads as soon as your computer starts, and it remains present unless you manually remove it. Windows Vista and 7 include a small gadget gallery with the operating system, and this gallery generally includes a calendar. You can find other calendar gadgets on the Internet if you prefer a calendar with a different look.

Things You'll Need

• Windows Vista or 7 operating system

Instructions

1. Right-click anywhere on your desktop in Windows 7 or in your sidebar on Windows Vista.

2. Select "Gadget" or "Add Gadget."

3. Double-click the calendar from the gadget gallery. It will load onto your desktop.

4. Close the gadget gallery by clicking the "X" in the upper right corner.

5. Drag the calendar to any location on your desktop.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't like the available calendar or if your system does not have one, click "Get more gadgets online" in the gallery window. Search for "Calendar" in the Web gallery that opens, then download a calendar gadget you like. You will need to double-click the downloaded file to install it in the gadget gallery.

• Right-click the calendar to reveal optional settings, such as opacity.

References

• Microsoft: Windows Sidebar and Gadgets Overview