Panel for quickly launching Windows 10 programs

If you remember and love the sidebar from Windows 7/8, then we have good news for you. You can get it in 10 as well. And this is not just some new panel, but this is the same element that you already had installed earlier. You can install it along with any set of gadgets. You can install it on any version of Windows 10. It is distributed as part of the gadgets package – 8Gadgets.

Is it possible to bring back the sidebar on Windows 10

Most users who want to return the old one appearance on Windows 10, they don’t even know if this can be done. You can get an analogue in the new OS only if you download additional software. Initially, Windows 10 does not and never has had such functionality. We suspect that it won't. That's why special utility, this is the only option. The 8Gadgets package includes:
  • A set of all gadgets;
  • Panel;
  • Unique Sidebar;
You can use all the functionality of 8Gadgets, or only part of it. The package is provided free of charge and works on all versions of the OS. This utility only takes up about 100 MB of hard drive space, but I can't tell you how much it improves your system. It becomes very convenient to use the system. The panel may contain gadgets that will provide you with fast access to the necessary information. For example, you can take out notes or a large clock.


The second name of the element you need is Sidebar, it was ported from Windows 8. Even though this is an unofficial development, it allows you to return the familiar look to Windows 10. If you work on a computer, then this is what you need. If you haven’t even used it on Windows 8, then you still need it. Installing the package is as simple as possible, but if you have installed powerful antivirus, for example, it will certainly block the operation of this utility. After all, it is registered in the startup area and partially changes the system. We checked Sidebar for viruses and did not find any suspicious code sections.

As you know, Windows XP had a convenient Quick Access Toolbar or Quick Launch. From the newer ones Windows versions it was removed for some unknown reason and some users may feel nostalgic for this tool.

For those who miss the Quick Access Toolbar, I will show you how to get it back in Windows 10. For Win7, this instruction is also suitable. So let's get started!

Right-click on the Taskbar, select Panels and then Create Toolbar...

But before that, copy the address to the clipboard, you will need it later:

You can, of course, manually follow the route:

\Users\[your username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch,

but it's long and unsporting. In addition, the display must be turned on hidden folders and files.

Now you have to select a folder for Quick Launch. This is why we copied the address in the first step, so that we can now paste it into the field Folder below and press the button Folder selection.

When we clicked on Select Folder, the window will close and the Quick Access Toolbar will appear at the bottom right.

To make the Quick Access Toolbar more compact, you can remove headings and captions. Right-click on the Quick Launch panel and uncheck the items in the menu Show signatures And Show title.

The panel now has a familiar look. Now you can stretch it by holding the two vertical sticks to the left of the panel with your mouse. If they are not there, then check that the taskbar is not pinned (Right click on the taskbar -> Properties -> Pin taskbar). To drag Quick Launch closer to the Start button, hold down the mouse and drag it all the way to the left (see figure)

8GadgetPack is an application that allows you to install gadgets on latest versions operating system. As you know, the ability to add gadgets to the desktop appeared in Windows Vista, in the "seven" they also worked, but when the operating room was released Windows systems 8, the developers decided to abandon the possibility of using them. This decision was made due to the appearance of many "holes" and "vulnerabilities" in the system's security, which were caused by the addition of these "add-ons" to the desktop.

For those who are accustomed to using desktop gadgets, but at the same time want to switch to more latest versions operating system from Microsoft, and was created this program. It returns users the ability to work with gadgets on Windows 8, 8.1 and 10, allowing them to be placed in the sidebar or in any location on the desktop. Installing the program is as simple as possible. In addition to 8GadgetPack itself, a set of the most popular desktop add-ons will also be added to your PC. You can also download them (gadgets) from specialized web resources and add them to the program library (or directly to the sidebar) using the appropriate button.

8GadgetPack can be launched when Windows starts, allows you to scale the sidebar and the gadgets themselves, “pin” them to a specific place on the desktop, and also disable the display of all desktop add-ons in one click. You can download and use this program completely free of charge.

Key Features and Functions

  • allows you to use desktop gadgets on Windows 8, 8.1 and 10;
  • contains its own library with add-ons;
  • makes it possible to pin gadgets in a specific place, as well as freely scale them;
  • can place gadgets on a separate panel or in any location on the desktop;
  • distributed free of charge.

Microsoft developers have finally deprived Windows 10 of the standard personalization panel that we are so accustomed to in the beloved seventh version of the OS. Despite the fact that the creators continue their course towards a complete change in the system interface, craftsmen have already come up with a solution for this situation and have almost completely returned the standard personalization panel to users.

In order to bring the system to a more familiar form, we will have to use additional software, namely a small free utility called Personalization Panel for Windows 10 v 1.1.0.1, download link - (244 KB)

The program does not require installation and allows you to safely modify the OS in a few clicks. After the first launch, we will see this window, not entirely presentable:

First of all, change the interface language to Russian by opening Options and selecting the appropriate settings item. Please note that all changes take effect only after restarting the program.

Then you can freely use the new or old panel depending on your needs, for example, you can quickly install other themes, change the desktop wallpaper, mouse cursors, and there is also a nice opportunity to change the color of the window title bar. To do this, click on the link at the bottom of the window " Make window titles colored»:


Windows now have a more accentuated appearance with prominently labeled titles:


It is also worth noting that the program can integrate directly into the system itself, and when you click the personalization item in context menu desktop, the classic view panel will immediately open, to do this, enter “ Options" and press the button " Integrate with Desktop context menu»:


In order to cancel the changes, there is a second button - “Disable integration”.

Where can I find the panel?

When switching to a new one operating system users have to get used to the changed interface. Sometimes it’s not without difficulties: for example, after the release of “tens”, many did not figure out where the control panel is in Windows 10. It’s not in its usual place in the Start menu, but you need to configure the system.

Opening methods

In order to find the Control Panel in Windows 10, you can use one of the three methods presented below.

Using quick search

IN new Windows 10, you no longer need to remember the locations of applications and services, just use the integrated search. For example, to call the “Control Panel” you need to:

  1. Launch the built-in search by clicking on the magnifying glass icon next to the Start button.
  2. In the appeared search bar enter “Control Panel” and it will appear in the results.

Using the Start Menu

You can go another way:

  1. Click on the “Start” button and open the “All applications” list.
  2. Find and expand the “Service” section.
  3. Click on the “Control Panel” link.

Advice! There is one more quick way, which involves using the “Start” button - right-click on it and select “Control Panel” in the menu that appears.

Using the Run menu

Also, the “Control Panel” is opened using the universal “Run” menu:

  1. Press the Win + R key combination.
  2. In the window that appears, enter “control” and click “OK.”

Pin an icon to the desktop or taskbar

If you use the Control Panel very often, then display its icon on the desktop or pin it to the taskbar. These operations are performed in different ways, but the effect is the same - you will get quick access to system settings.

Desktop

Displaying an icon on the desktop:

  1. Right click on free space on your desktop and open the Personalization section.
  2. Go to the Themes tab and open Icon Options.
  3. Check the box next to “Control Panel” and click “Ok”.

The icon for launching the management console will be pinned on the desktop along with the trash can and other necessary icons. You won’t be able to remove it; if you want to remove it, you need to go to the icon settings again and just uncheck it.

Task bar

Pinning an icon to the taskbar:

  1. Expand the Start menu.
  2. Find among utilities"Control Panel".
  3. Right-click on it and select the “Pin to taskbar” option.

Advice! You can add the Control Panel tile to your Start screen using the same method.

Video

The video shows 6 ways to open the control panel.

Conclusion

We figured out where the “Control Panel” is located in Windows 10, although Microsoft developers hid the necessary icon from users. If you often need to access management tools, then it is recommended to display the icon on the desktop - this is the most convenient way have constant access to tools that allow you to customize the operation of the operating system.