What is MIME type "application/x-windows-gadget"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

application/x-windows-gadget is a MIME type used by Windows desktop widget packages. It tells the system that the file is meant to run as an interactive gadget on your PC.

This type of file is a small app built with standard web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It wraps these elements into one package that displays live data and tools directly on your desktop or sidebar.

Customized desktop tools that add functionality.
Quick displays for weather forecasts, news feeds, or clocks.
Easy access to information and system shortcuts.

Files using this MIME type come with the extension GADGET. The MIME type ensures that your Windows system correctly interprets and launches these widgets.

For additional technical details on MIME types, see this guide.

Associated file extensions

.gadget

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:


    Content-Type: application/x-windows-gadget

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/x-windows-gadget">Download file</a>

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:


    const http = require('http');
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'application/x-windows-gadget');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.gadget

FAQ

What is a MIME type?

A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.

MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.

MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.

How do I find the MIME type for a file?

You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.

Why are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?

Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.