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Explorer++ vs Microsoft Gadgets

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

Explorer++ icon
Explorer++
Microsoft Gadgets icon
Microsoft Gadgets

Explorer++ vs Microsoft Gadgets: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

Explorer++: Explorer++ is a free open-source file manager for Windows that improves upon standard Windows File Explorer with extra features like tabbed browsing, advanced search, dual pane, and more customization options.

Microsoft Gadgets: Microsoft Gadgets were mini-applications and feeds that could be placed on the Windows Vista and Windows 7 desktop. They provided information at a glance, like news feeds, clocks, and slideshows.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature Explorer++ Microsoft Gadgets
Sugggest Score — —
Category File Management Os & Utilities
Pricing Open Source —

Product Overview

Explorer++
Explorer++

Description: Explorer++ is a free open-source file manager for Windows that improves upon standard Windows File Explorer with extra features like tabbed browsing, advanced search, dual pane, and more customization options.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Microsoft Gadgets
Microsoft Gadgets

Description: Microsoft Gadgets were mini-applications and feeds that could be placed on the Windows Vista and Windows 7 desktop. They provided information at a glance, like news feeds, clocks, and slideshows.

Type: software

Key Features Comparison

Explorer++
Explorer++ Features
  • Tabbed browsing
  • Dual pane view
  • Advanced search
  • Customizable interface
  • Keyboard shortcuts
  • Plugins
Microsoft Gadgets
Microsoft Gadgets Features
  • Mini-applications that run on Windows desktop
  • Displayed information like news, weather, clocks, calendars
  • Customizable widgets for personal use
  • RSS/Atom feed support
  • Sidebar for organizing gadgets
  • Scripting support

Pros & Cons Analysis

Explorer++
Explorer++

Pros

  • Lightweight and fast
  • Free and open source
  • Lots of useful features
  • Highly customizable
  • Supports plugins for added functionality

Cons

  • Less intuitive than Windows Explorer for beginners
  • Lacks some features of paid alternatives
  • Development seems stagnant lately
Microsoft Gadgets
Microsoft Gadgets

Pros

  • Convenient at-a-glance information
  • Highly customizable and personalizable
  • Added functionality to the desktop
  • Easy to install and use

Cons

  • Security vulnerabilities
  • Performance impact on some systems
  • Limited selection of gadgets
  • Discontinued in Windows 8

Pricing Comparison

Explorer++
Explorer++
  • Open Source
Microsoft Gadgets
Microsoft Gadgets
  • Not listed

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Learn More About Each Product

Explorer++
Explorer++
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
Microsoft Gadgets
Microsoft Gadgets
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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