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Desktop Enhancements

Desktop Enhancements

Opening, closing, and sorting through windows is a lot easier. You can find what you want and get things done a lot faster. And, it's pretty.

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Installing Windows 7?
Read this first.
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With Windows 7, we’ve added a number of improvements—and new features—to make it easier to get more done on the desktop.

New ways to juggle windows

Overwhelmed by open windows? Windows 7 comes with three simple yet powerful new features called Shake, oo Peek, oo and Snap oo to help you instantly clear through desktop clutter. What do you need? Read the fine print.

Picture of Peek view of desktop through tranluscent windows

Peek-a-boo: Peek turns open windows translucent so you can see what's on your desktop.

Spectacular new wallpapers

We spend a lot of time staring at our PCs. Aesthetics shouldn't just be an afterthought. That's why Windows 7 includes a slew of new desktop backgrounds—wallpapers—that range from sublime to silly. Or try the new desktop slide show, which displays a rotating series of pictures (ours or yours). Your desktop will never be dull again.

Picture of Personalization window in the Control Panel

Windows 7 makes it easy to express your personality with creative new themes and other custom touches.

Retooled taskbar

Since Windows 95, the taskbar oo has served as the go-to spot to see what programs you have open and to switch windows. Times and PC habits have changed. So in Windows 7, the taskbar has been completely redesigned to help you get more done with fewer clicks. For starters, you can arrange programs where you want them on the taskbar, pin the ones you use a lot so they’re always there, and launch them directly from the taskbar. When you open programs and windows, it’s a lot easier to see what’s open.

Picture of the Taskbar

Improvements to the new Windows 7 taskbar include thumbnail previews of all of your open windows—web pages, documents—even running video.

Improved gadgets

Gadgets oo, the popular mini-programs introduced in Windows Vista, are now more flexible and fun. And, now you can stick your gadgets anywhere on the desktop.

Picture of Gadgets

Favorite gadgets can go anywhere on your Windows 7 desktop.

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