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Restore Classic Desktop Widgets in Windows 10

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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.
Jean-François Pillou

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