An annoying thing with Windows 7 Gadgets is, if you have uninstalled any Windows default gadgets; You won’t find any option to revert back or restore or re-install default Windows gadgets.

By doing some R&D with Windows gadgets, we have found the way to get them back. Windows doesn’t uninstall the default gadgets instead of hide them from user and save the setting in a configuration file.  Lets see how to -

How To:

1. Open Windows Explorer and go to %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Sidebar or C:\Users\<USER NAME>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Sidebar

2. In Windows Sidebar folder, there is a file called Settings.ini, that holds all settings of Windows Gadgets for user. Open the file in Notepad or any text editor and search for PickerDefaultPackageSkipList. The line contains the list of hidden gadgets (uninstalled gadgets), separated with , (Coma).

3. Now just remove the gadget name like PicturePuzzle.Gadget, Calendar.Gadget etc. and save the file. You can delete the Settings.ini even to reset the Windows Gadgets settings.

Here is another and much easier method, advised by my friend Ramesh, Microosft MVP. Follow the instructions:-

1. Click on Start and type Restore Gadgets in StartSearch box or type in Control Panel’s search box.

2. Now click on Restore desktop gadgets installed with Windows and all default gadgets will be restored.

Applies To:

• Windows 7 Ultimate
• Windows 7 Professional
• Windows 7 Home Premium
• Windows 7 Home Basic

- UPDATED 2/8/2010

Tags: How to, Reinstall, Tips and Tricks, Uninstall, Windows 7, Windows Gadgets