Whenever you want to turn Aero ON or OFF, you have to do it either from Desktop Properties or from System properties. But did you know there is a very easy shortcut to do it within seconds?
Here are 2 commands to turn Aero ON / OFF which are used by Windows Vista and 7:
Command to Turn Aero ON: Rundll32 dwmApi #102
Alternative command to Turn Aero ON: sc start uxsmsCommand to Turn Aero OFF: Rundll32 dwmApi #104
Alternative command to Turn Aero OFF: sc stop uxsms
You can give the commands in RUN dialog box or Startmenu Searchbox. You can also create their shortcuts on Desktop or Quick Launch or wherever you want. It can become quite handy in lots of situations like a software has disabled Aero because it was not compatible with Aero or if you are running out of battery in your laptop, etc.
You can also add these commands in Desktop context menu or My Computer context menu. e.g. when you'll right-click on Desktop or My Computer icon, you'll find the shortcuts of "Aero ON" and "Aero OFF" there.
Following is a step-by-step tutorial to Add "Aero ON" and "Aero OFF" options in Desktop and My Computer Context Menu:
Add "Aero ON" and "Aero OFF" in Desktop Context Menu:
1. Type regedit in RUN dialog box and press Enter. Now go to:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell
2. Right-click on the "Shell" key and select "New -> Key".
3. Give it name Aero ON.
4. Now create another key under "Aero ON" with the name “command” and in right-side pane set value of “Default” to:
Rundll32 dwmApi #102
If the above command doesn't work for you, you can use following command as value:
sc start uxsms
5. Now repeat steps 2-4 to add "Aero OFF" option, i.e. Right-click on the "Shell" key and select "New -> Key".
6. Give it name Aero OFF.
7. Now create another key under "Aero OFF" with the name “command” and in right-side pane set value of “Default” to:
Rundll32 dwmApi #104
If the above command doesn't work for you, you can use following command as value:
sc stop uxsms
8. That's it. Now you'll get both "Aero ON" and "Aero OFF" options in Desktop Context Menu.
Add "Aero ON" and "Aero OFF" in My Computer Context Menu:
1. Type regedit in RUN dialog box and press Enter. Now go to:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\shell
2. Right-click on the "Shell" key and select "New -> Key".
3. Give it name Aero ON.
4. Now create another key under "Aero ON" with the name “command” and in right-side pane set value of “Default” to:
Rundll32 dwmApi #102
If the above command doesn't work for you, you can use following command as value:
sc start uxsms
5. Now repeat steps 2-4 to add "Aero OFF" option, i.e. Right-click on the "Shell" key and select "New -> Key".
6. Give it name Aero OFF.
7. Now create another key under "Aero OFF" with the name “command” and in right-side pane set value of “Default” to:
Rundll32 dwmApi #104
If the above command doesn't work for you, you can use following command as value:
sc stop uxsms
8. That's it. Now you'll get both "Aero ON" and "Aero OFF" options in My Computer Context Menu.
NOTE: There is also another similar command "Rundll32 dwmApi #105" which is used to run "Flip 3D". You can also add it in My Computer or desktop Context Menu by following the above mentioned steps.
Also check:
[AIO] Ultimate Tutorial to Customize My Computer Context Menu in Windows XP, Vista and 7
This article was posted by VG in following section: Windows 7, Windows Vista.
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Keith
The problem with this is that it doesn't kill most of the dwm.exe process. Open the task manager and watch what happens to the memory usage with your steps.
Instead, use the command:
C:\WINDOWS\system32\control.exe desk.cpl,@0,2
Switch between Aero/Basic. Much more system performance.
Doug
Keith's is better because like he says, the above strategy doesn't actually turn off Aero. It only turns off the glass feature.
But with Keith's you have too many steps, and you have to wait for Aero to set or reset itself.
Here's the ultimate solution:
1. Pick a tiny, non-windowsOS application that you don't mind having open when you want Aero off.
2. Create a shortcut to it.
3. Right-click on the short-cut and choose "Properties"
4. Click on the "Compatibility" tab
5. Click a check in the "disable desktop composition" checkbox
6. Click on the "General" tab and change "Normal" to "Minimized"
7. Click "OK"
Now when you double-click that shortcut, the tiny program will open, minimize itself, and turn OFF AERO. To turn Aero back on, just close that tiny program.
VG
^^ I liked your idea. ;)
Nikolaj
yay and you can translate it i have aero til and aero fra
Nikolaj
VG
try making a key in the same place as the aero on and aero of key caled screen saver and in screen saver make the command key
agin and change standard in reght side to "winsat aurora,
hven you now right click the desk and click screen saver a cool aurora screen saver vill apper
Nikolaj
i added askvg to my right click menu if anuone want it then make all that stuff and call it askvg
in command type if you like my use firefox then type firefox "whatever web site you want" if you use internet explorer
then replace firefor with iexplore
VG
^^ Excellent stuff man. Good going.
Kenny
I love the idea of doing this. I'm running vista business. When I go into regedit - I can't find the files that you've described. Is there a hide/view files that I'm missing?
Any help would be appreciated...
Thanks,
Kenny
Sean Salvadalena
Try this, works instantly, and gives you all your memory!
for ON:
sc start uxsms
for OFF
sc stop uxsms
-megaman5
oondric
hm.
what do u refer to when u say "Aero"?
like, the Areo Shake/Peek/Snap?
or some other fascinating thing? ;o
and if it is the Areo Shake/Peek/Snap, please tell me how to associate the shortcuts to the programs o_O
much appreciated.
keep up the great work vg~ xD