We all love nice graphics. When Windows 7 came, back in 2008, it was quite hard to find existing Windows XP or 2000 devices with Aero support that Windows 7 came with. Yet, as the days grew more and more PCs can support advanced graphics. Nowadays, users hardly take notice of those nice transparency effects while some, altogether resort to Windows 10 or 8.1

This guide is written for people who still use Windows 7 and are furious that their Aero effects don’t work! My recommendation is to upgrade to Windows 10. The only reason you shouldn’t, is if you don’t have the proper hardware capabilities.

Without further ado, let’s get down to business!

Also: note that will only be addressing people who have machines that support Aero effects in the first place, not ones that Don’t!

If you want Aero for a machine that doesn’t have Aero, read the bottom of page please.

 

Windows Activation Errors

The most common reason for this is if Windows Activation is not done OR you’re using a pirated copy. Check if windows is active by right clicking Computer in Start menu and selecting properties, then scroll down and see if you have the:

genuine

Icon anywhere. If not, follow the links to activate Windows.

These tools may come in handy: |Reset Activation/120 Day Activation| |Remove Watson| the password for RemoveWAT is “hellohelp”

 

Broken Graphics

Sometimes Aero doesn’t work because your graphics drivers are broken (corrupted, and this doesn’t happen very often!). OR you changed something in graphic settings and that disabled Aero. Try searching for drivers for you graphic card with (at least) WDDM 1.0 and also search on the optimal Aero supported graphic settings. Use 3DP Chip to check for graphic updates.

Tools: |3DP Chip|

 

Self-System Error

Sometimes it can be due to a system-low-level error. Can be fixed by using the Troubleshoot tool [Action Centre (little flag on task bar, right click) > Troubleshoot a Problem > Display Aero Desktop Effects]. Will fix most low-system-level errors.

 

Dependency CorruptionInstability

Happens when you get wrong Windows Update OR you install some dodgy program. Can be fixed with UnDep (as Administrator) tool OR by executing following on CMD (Admin level):

 

sc config themes depend= “”

net start themes

 

Tools: |UnDepSC|

 

Force Start

You can also try forcefully starting the services one-by-one. [Task Manager > Services Tab > Services (Admin)] and then find: Desktop Windows Manger Session Manager > Right click > Stop > Right click > Start. Finally do the same for Themes service. Restart PC and you will get Aero (hopefully!).

 

Conclusion

If none of these worked, see if you have accidently switched to a theme with no Aero, if so, “You Dummy!” (sorry)

If you desperately want Aero, try TrueTransparency. This tool will work on any Windows computer. Note that it just makes stuff transparent, IT IS NOT AERO. |TrueTransparency|

 

I hope your problem was solved! J