We recommend! 
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
Command to Turn Aero OFF: Rundll32 dwmApi #104
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:
A. Add "Aero ON" and "Aero OFF" in Desktop Context Menu:
1. Open regedit and goto:
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
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
8. Thats it. Now you'll get both "Aero ON" and "Aero OFF" options in Desktop Context Menu.
B. Add "Aero ON" and "Aero OFF" in My Computer Context Menu:
1. Open regedit and goto:
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
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
8. Thats 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.
BONUS TIP: If you are interested in adding other shortcuts in My Computer or Desktop Context menu or anywhere else, then don't forget to visit following tutorials:
- Add Your Favorite Application Shortcut in Desktop Context Menu in Windows Vista and 7
- Add Hide File and Unhide File Options in File Context Menu in Windows
- Add Take Ownership Option in File / Folder Context Menu in Windows Vista and 7
- Add Device Manager, Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs Options in My Computer Context Menu
- How to Add / Remove Entries in Context Menus
Related Articles:
Recommended Articles:
- Frequently Asked Problems with Solutions
- Is Your System Infected with a Virus / Spyware / Adware / Trojan?
- [Linux Guides Collection] Everything You Want to Know About Linux
- All About Resource Hacker in a brief Tutorial
- Transform Windows Vista in Windows 7 without Customization pack
- Transform Windows XP in Windows 7 without Customization pack
- Transform Windows XP in Windows Vista without Customization pack
- Master Tutorial to Make Your Windows 7 Super Fast
- Master Tutorial to Make Your Windows Vista Super Fast
- Master Tutorial to Make Your Windows XP Super Fast
- All Kinds of Restrictions for Windows 2000, XP, 2003 and Vista
Keith said:
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 said:
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 said:
^^ I liked your idea.
Nikolaj said:
yay and you can translate it i have aero til and aero fra
Nikolaj said:
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 said:
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 said:
^^ Excellent stuff man. Good going.
Kenny said:
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 said:
Try this, works instantly, and gives you all your memory!
for ON:
sc start uxsms
for OFF
sc stop uxsms
-megaman5
oondric said:
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