The performance widget returns to Windows: so you can try it to monitor CPU, RAM and more

Those of us who used Windows Vista or Windows 8 at some point remember that these already outdated Microsoft operating systems allowed us to place small widgets (officially called Gadgets) on the desktop. One of them was called CPU Meter, and it allowed us to know the state of the system resources at a glance, that is, quickly.

That possibility, at least without resorting to third-party software, has changed drastically in the new versions of Windows. Widgets were banished from the desktop and, under different designs, came to live within the walls of the Start menu, the news and interests feature or their own dedicated panel. Now this is changing again.

Microsoft pays attention to widgets again

We have known for some time that the Redmond company has begun to work for improve widget experience on the latest version of your operating system. Earlier this year, after various rumors, we found out that third-party widgets would be back (something that pulled out of windows 7 for security risks).

Now, Microsoft is taking it one step further. Within the orbit of its own widgets, it is preparing to bring back those related to system performance. They certainly won’t have the classic “dashboard” look, but will adopt a modern style consistent with the Windows 11 user interface.

As we can see in the images, the new widgets will show information about the processor, graphics card, RAM and network connection. We will also have the possibility of quickly ending the processes that are consuming the most resources and monitoring the temperature of some components.

There is no date yet for the general deployment of this feature, but the development version can already be tested (which, since it is not the final version, can be unstable and present bugs). Windows Insiders should download Dev Home (Preview) from the operating system app store.

The next step will be to press Windows + W to open the Windows 11 widgets section. A notice that new widgets are available should appear next to the “Add it now” button (alternatively you can press the + button). After pressing it, the widgets mentioned above can be added.

Images: Microsoft

In Xataka: Windows finally has a real alternative to AirDrop: we tested Nearby Share to send and receive files