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Sidebar Diagnostics

Free#25 of 59 in Hardware Monitoring SoftwareDesktop Widget Software

Sidebar Diagnostics: A focused, free desktop monitor for Windows users who want visible system metrics. Ranked #25 of 59 in Hardware Monitoring Software by our editors (6.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for lightweight Windows desktop widgets.

6.4/10Editor score

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Sidebar Diagnostics6.4 Visit site

At a glance

Editor score
6.4 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Lightweight Windows desktop widgets
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
Free
Remote monitoring
No
Facts checked
24 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Monitors CPU, RAM, GPU, network, and logical drives
- Includes graphs, alerts, hotkeys, DPI support, and a built-in clock
- Free, open-source, and distributed as a standalone ZIP
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only, with support listed through Windows 10
- Requires administrator privileges to run
- Does not provide remote monitoring

Our verdict on Sidebar Diagnostics

Sidebar Diagnostics is a free, open-source Windows desktop utility for displaying hardware information in a customizable sidebar. It monitors CPU, RAM, GPU, network activity, and logical drives, making it a fit for users who want system metrics visible on the desktop rather than in a separate monitoring window. The interface includes graphs, configured-value alerts, hotkey binding, DPI-aware monitor support, and a built-in clock. It is written in C# using WPF and uses Libre Hardware Monitor for sensor data.

Pricing is straightforward: Sidebar Diagnostics is free and released under the GNU General Public License. Its standalone ZIP distribution can suit users who prefer a portable-style desktop utility, while the customizable sidebar keeps the product focused on at-a-glance monitoring. The feature set covers common desktop diagnostics without introducing a broader remote-management layer. Users who need a local Windows widget with core hardware, network, and drive metrics get a compact scope and no paid plan decision to make.

The main trade-off is focus. Sidebar Diagnostics supports Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10, and it requires administrator privileges. It does not provide remote monitoring, so it is not the right choice for managing multiple systems or viewing hardware status away from the monitored PC. Its sensor coverage is tied to Libre Hardware Monitor, and the product is centered on a customizable sidebar rather than a wider monitoring ecosystem. Choose it for lightweight local visibility on a Windows desktop; consider another category option if remote access or broader platform coverage is essential.

Your product? Our editors can test Sidebar Diagnostics in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Sidebar Diagnostics pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on github.com

Sidebar Diagnostics fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
Supported platforms	Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10
Remote monitoring	No
Monitored device limit	Not verified
Sensor history	Not verified
Alert channels	Not verified
Custom sensor support	Not verified
Deployment	Desktop
Platforms	Windows
Built for	Solo (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Free plan
Website	github.com
Facts checked	24 Sep 2026

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Also Ranked In

Sidebar Diagnostics is ranked in 2 of our directories.

#23Desktop Widget Software29 tools ranked

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Featured on iTechGuides

Sidebar Diagnostics is listed in our Hardware Monitoring Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update