Windows 11 users can now monitor their system’s performance with new widgets that provide real-time data on CPU, GPU, RAM, and network usage. The widgets are part of the new Dev Home app, which is currently in preview.
To enable the widgets, first download the new Dev Home app from the Microsoft Store. Once the app is installed, open it and press the “+” button to add a widget. From the list of available widgets, select the “Performance” widget.
The Performance widget will display real-time data on your system’s CPU, GPU, RAM, and network usage. You can also customize the widget by selecting the different data points that you want to display.
The Performance widget is a useful tool for anyone who wants to keep an eye on their system’s performance. It can be helpful for troubleshooting performance problems, or for simply keeping track of how your system is running.
How to Enable Performance Monitor Widgets
in Windows 11
- Open the Microsoft Store and search for “Dev Home Preview”
Click on the “Dev Home” app and then click on the “Get” button.
- Once the app is installed, press Win + W to open the Windows Widgets catalog.
Alternatively, click the “+” button to see a list of new widgets. Select “Add it now” to get the new widget.
- From the list of available widgets, select the “Core” widget to open it
Click the “Pin” button to pin the widget to the widget board.
- You can pin the individual components of the “Core” widget by selecting the left/right arrows to move between CPU, GPU, RAM etc.
Select “Pin” for each component to pin them to the widget board.
- All of the components will now appear on the widget board, as you can see below
Widgets on Windows 11
One of the features that Windows 11 offers is the ability to use widgets on the desktop. Widgets are small applications that display various types of information, such as weather, news, sports, stocks, traffic, entertainment, tasks, and family activities.
Widgets are a useful feature that can help you stay informed and productive on Windows 11. You can enable and use widgets easily by clicking on the Widgets icon in the taskbar or using a keyboard shortcut. You can also customize and manage your widgets according to your interests and preferences.
Last week I reported that Microsoft is now working on bringing Windows Vista-style Gadgets to Windows 11. Windows Vista gadgets were small programs that could show various information on the desktop or on a sidebar, such as weather, news, clock, calendar, and more. Users could also get more gadgets from the web and install them.
Windows Vista gadgets were replaced by Windows Desktop Gadgets in Windows 7, which could only be placed on the desktop. They were also removed from Windows 8 for security reasons. However, unlike Windows Vista gadgets, these widgets are stuck to the left side of the screen and have less functionality. Users cannot change their size, position, or appearance.
