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Getting Started

Learn how to install and start creating widgets with Novadesk.

Table of Contents

Installation

See the Installation guide for detailed instructions on how to install Novadesk.

What is Novadesk?

Novadesk is a lightweight, open-source desktop widget platform for Windows that allows developers to create beautiful, interactive widgets using JavaScript.

It offers a powerful yet simple API for building custom widgets that run directly on the Windows desktop, without the complexity or overhead of a full desktop application framework.

Novadesk is ideal for developers who want fine-grained control, high performance, and clean integration with the desktop while keeping their workflow simple and flexible.


What Novadesk Is Not

  • Not a desktop application framework
    Novadesk is focused solely on building desktop widgets. It is not intended for creating full-scale desktop applications.

  • Not a Windows theme or visual modifier
    Novadesk does not change the Windows visual style. It cannot modify the taskbar, Start menu, desktop icons, File Explorer, or other built-in Windows UI components.

  • Not a window manager
    Novadesk does not manage application windows. It cannot:

    • Maximize or minimize other apps
    • Track open windows
    • Create workspaces or virtual desktops
    • Control multi-monitor layouts
  • Not a replacement for other applications
    Novadesk interacts with existing system components and apps, but it does not replace them.