Restore Classic Desktop Widgets in Windows 10

Since their introduction in Windows XP, desktop widgets haven't really changed across the different versions of the OS. Windows 10 changes the game, bringing a streamlined Calendar & Clock functionality, as well as a redesigned Volume bar and Power Saver & Battery widgets.

These new features are great, but if you are still keen on using classic desktop widgets, here's a short tutorial on how to restore them.

How To Restore Classic Widgets in Windows 10

The first step is to open your Search box and type in

regedit

> Enter. This will open your Registry Editor, allowing you to customize your individual settings.

Enable the Classic Calendar & Clock

Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ImmersiveShell.

Click on Edit > New > Dword (32-bit) value and rename it to UseWin32TrayClockExperience.

Set the value of UseWin32TrayClockExperience to 1 to restore the classic Calendar & Clock.

Set the value of UseWin32TrayClockExperience to 0 to enable Windows 10's default Calendar & Clock widget.

Click on OK and close the Registry Editor to apply your new settings (no restart required):

Enable the Classic Power Saver & Battery menu

Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ImmersiveShell.

Click on Edit > New > Dword (32-bit) value and rename it to UseWin32BatteryFlyout.

Set the value of UseWin32BatteryFlyout to 1 to restore the classic Power Saver & Battery menu.

Set the value of UseWin32BatteryFlyout to 0 to enable Windows 10's new Power Saver & Battery menu.

Click on OK and close the Registry Editor to apply your new settings (no restart required):

Enable the Classic Volume Bar

Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion.

Right-click on CurrentVersion > New > Key. Rename the new key to MTCUVC.

Select MTCUVC, click on Edit > New > Dword (32-bit) value and rename it to EnableMtcUvc. Leave its value to 0 to restore the classic volume bar.

Click on OK and close the Registry Editor to apply your new settings (no restart required):

You can restore Windows 10's default volume bar by deleting the EnableMtcUvc key in the Registry.