How to Add Aero ON / OFF Shortcuts in Desktop and My Computer Context Menu Under Windows Vista and 7

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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 uxsms

Command 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 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

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 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

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

Other similar articles that may interest you:

This article was posted by VG in following section: Windows 7, Windows Vista.

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VG

^^ Here turning Aero on/off means disabling/enabling the Aero interface which provides Glass effect in Vista.
oondric

oh?
so where do i get that? lol. i have vista o-o
-.-

sorry is this is annoying :P
VG

^^ If your graphics card supports Aero, you can enable Aero theme from Desktop Properties.
oondric

okae o-o

thanks o-o

i cant find anything on this version of vista.
i cant even make restore points.
-.-

thanks for answering all mai questions :D
VG

^^ Open Control Panel and click on "Default Programs" or similar icon. Now click on "Associate a file type or protocol with a program" link. Look for ".cpl" entry and set its associated application to "control.exe" which is present in "Windows\System32" folder. It should work.
Chathuranga

Its not work for me. I use windows7.
Uewd

Can I add Aero ON and Aero OFF in desktop context-menu using Desk Integrator?
Filipe

Sean Salvadalena you´re tha man! finnaly solved it thanks to you
clean and efficient
odio

@Chathuranga I use Win 7 64x and all combinations on topic and comments the only one wich worked for me its Sean Salvadalena one. Look for it on the first comments page.