Re-enable Aero Theme for Windows Vista

When Windows Vista detects that your computer’s performance isnt enough for running Aero, it will automatically disable it. Normally once you close some applications, everything goes back to normal, but sometimes you get “stuck” with the Vista Basic theme, and have to go in and enable it again. Here’s how to re-enable the Windows Vista Aero Theme:

1. Right-click on the desktop and choose Personalize, then click on the link for “Window Color and Appearance”

2. Make sure that Windows Aero is selected in the list, and then hit the Apply button.

This should re-enable Aero. IF not, read on….

If that doesn’t enable Aero, type sysdm.cpl into the start menu search/run box, choose the Advanced tab and then the Settings button under Performance:

Make sure that at least “Enable desktop composition” and “Enable transparent glass” are selected (Or just choose Best Appearance), and then go back into the desktop properties and choose the Windows Aero theme again (although you really shouldn’t have to do this step)

If that still doesn’t work, close out of all your open applications, and verify that the Desktop Window Manager service is running in Services under Control Panel:

At this point, you should hopefully be able to re-enable Aero.

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