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For Vista and 7 users: found a very useful free sidebar gadget. It shows the most resource-heavy processes in real time. Can be downloaded .

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’s gadget does exactly what a quick glance monitor should — it makes the heaviest processes visible without opening Task Manager. That said, two important points from the replies need emphasis: Windows gadgets were flagged as a security risk (Microsoft published a Fix‑it to disable them) and Microsoft formally deprecated/removed desktop Gadgets in later Windows releases. Windows 7 did improve gadget hosting (it runs a single sidebar.exe instead of multiple instances used in Vista), but the security guidance still stands. Microsoft security advisory. (learn.microsoft.com) (learn.microsoft.com) (learn.microsoft.com)

If the goal is “always‑visible process/CPU info” without the gadget risk, use the built‑in tools or a vetted utility. For a fast check, Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc → Processes → Show processes from all users → click the CPU column) is sufficient for many cases. For richer live details (process → handles, modules, services) open Resource Monitor (from Task Manager’s Performance tab or run resmon) and sort by Average CPU. For the deepest per‑process analysis use Sysinternals Process Explorer (run procexp.exe — no install required) which lists CPUs, memory, and gives quick search/kill options. How to use Resource Monitor. (pcworld.com) (learn.microsoft.com)

If a permanent, skinnable on‑desktop readout is still desired, prefer modern, supported tools (for example Rainmeter skins) rather than legacy Microsoft Gadgets or unknown gadget packs — third‑party “gadget revival” packages reintroduce the same attack surface Microsoft warned about. Keep any monitoring tool up to date, run it with least privilege, and use antivirus/updates if you choose third‑party widgets. Rainmeter docs and installer guidance. (docs.rainmeter.net)

Notes tied to the thread: is correct that Task Manager/Resource Monitor handle most needs; was right to point at Sysinternals for advanced work. Use gadgets only when you understand and accept the security tradeoffs.

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Member Avatar for dmoonme1

For Vista and 7 users: found a very useful free sidebar gadget. It shows the most resource-heavy processes in real time. Can be downloaded .

Better than Taskmgr? Vista already has a very prolific program that is already installed.

Member Avatar for kaninelupus

Better than Taskmgr? Vista already has a very prolific program that is already installed.

And even has a cpu gadget pre-installed as well... wonders will never cease, lol. But I guess some ppl just like the novelty of downloading stuff :D

Member Avatar for dmoonme1

And even has a cpu gadget pre-installed as well... wonders will never cease, lol. But I guess some ppl just like the novelty of downloading stuff :D

While that may be true, Gadgets use incredible amounts of memory, and Task manager has all of the basic info and much more! Also it lets you make the choices of which things you wish to monitor, and then access them, or simply view them.

Member Avatar for kaninelupus

While that may be true, Gadgets use incredible amounts of memory

In Vista they seemed to. In Win7 that memory usage has been massively reduced, and flipping the default to the x64 "sidebar" process helps even more (of course if you are running x64 Win7).

I agree Task Manager (often run in tandem with Process Monitor), I get the impression that this guys wants something which is always visible at desktop level

Member Avatar for dmoonme1

Amen to that! All those things are already (in Vista anyway) integrated and of course in real time. If you want sidebar they have the CPU and RAM gadgets too.

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