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Microsoft Gadgets vs Windy

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

Microsoft Gadgets icon
Microsoft Gadgets
Windy icon
Windy

Microsoft Gadgets vs Windy: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

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.

Windy: Windy is a free and open-source desktop application for Windows, Mac and Linux used to view weather forecasts, radar imagery, wind and waves forecasts. It has an intuitive interface showing weather data on interactive maps.

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 Microsoft Gadgets Windy
Sugggest Score
Category Os & Utilities News & Books
Pricing Open Source

Product Overview

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

Windy
Windy

Description: Windy is a free and open-source desktop application for Windows, Mac and Linux used to view weather forecasts, radar imagery, wind and waves forecasts. It has an intuitive interface showing weather data on interactive maps.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Key Features Comparison

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
Windy
Windy Features
  • Interactive weather maps
  • Radar imagery
  • Wind forecasts
  • Wave forecasts
  • Intuitive interface

Pros & Cons Analysis

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
Windy
Windy
Pros
  • Free and open source
  • Available on Windows, Mac and Linux
  • Detailed weather data
  • Customizable interface
Cons
  • Limited forecast data compared to paid services
  • No mobile app
  • Requires internet connection

Pricing Comparison

Microsoft Gadgets
Microsoft Gadgets
  • Not listed
Windy
Windy
  • Open Source

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