How to Disable Aero Glass Transparency in Windows 8/8.1 Taskbar?
We know that Microsoft has removed Aero glass transparency from the new Windows 8 and later OS and currently there is no known way to get it back. Although there are bugs which can bring back broken transparency which is not stable.
Is There Any Way to Enable Aero Glass Transparency in Windows 8?
Although Microsoft has removed Aero glass transparency but they didn’t remove it from the Taskbar. In Windows 8 and later versions, the Taskbar is still transparent and many people don’t like this behavior. It makes the whole user interface inconsistent. Either Windows should feature full Aero glass transparency everywhere or it should not feature it at all.
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We have shared a tutorial in past which tells you how to enable hidden “Aero Lite” theme in Windows 8. This method helps you in making Windows 8 Taskbar opaque i.e. not transparent.
How to Enable Hidden “Aero Lite” Theme in Windows 8 RTM?
If you don’t want to enable this hidden theme but you want to remove transparency from Windows 8 and later Taskbar, here is something interesting for you.
A new version of our favorite freeware “Classic Shell” has been released which comes with a new option to disable Aero glass transparency in Windows 8 and later Taskbar. It completely removes Taskbar transparency and makes it opaque.
If you want to turn off Aero glass transparency in Windows 8 and later Taskbar, check out following simple steps:
1. First you need to download and install Classic Shell in your computer:
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2. After installing it, right-click on Start button and select Settings option. It’ll open Classic Start Menu settings window.
3. Now go to “Start Button” tab and check “Disable taskbar transparency” option.
NOTE: If you can’t find the option, it means you are using new version of Classic Shell. Click on “Show all settings” checkbox in Settings window and then you’ll get the “Disable taskbar transparency” option in “Windows 8.1 Settings” tab.
4. That’s it. Click on OK button and it’ll immediately remove Taskbar transparency. If you want to make the Taskbar transparent again, uncheck the “Disable taskbar transparency” option and it’ll restore default functionality.
Also Check:
How to Enable Aero Glass Transparency with Blur and Reflection in Windows 8 and 8.1?
Thank goodness, you’ve save me! I’ve been searching for this because I don’t want any transparent windows on Windows 8. Thanks, VG! You’re the best!
Is there any way we can get aero back VG ?
Transparency in Windows 8 Taskbar is ok.
i12.servimg.com/u/f12/12/25/89/46/deskto10.jpg
huh i nvr about this despite being VERY experienced with Win8
Charms bar’s clock has Aero glass transparency in background 🙂
“Opaque Charms Bar” ? 😛
It does not work for me. I have Win 8.1 and in the Start Buttom settings there is no more that option. Why?
I have the version 4.0.4 of Classic Shell
Ok, I found the solution: in “Windows 8.1 Setting” tab there is the option “Disable taskbar transparency”. It works well. Sorry for the spam
^^ It seems they moved the option in newer versions.
Stardock’s Start8 shell also has an option to disable taskbar transparency.
Getting there was slightly different for me (Windows 8.1 Classic Shell 4.0.4)
I wasn’t in advanced mode, so I didn’t have the tabs shown above.
Right Click Start [icon]
in the Start Menu Style tab
Click Advanced button options (note: once you click this it stays in Advanced mode)
in the Windows 8.1 Settings tab
Check Disable taskbar transparency
BTW, I love Classic Shell.
I’ve downloaded classic shell for windows 8.1 and do not get the option for “disable taskbar transparency”.
These are my options:
Replace Start Button
Show on all taskbars
Button Look
. Aero
.Classic
.Custom
I just downloaded the latest version today: 15 Nov 14
^^ If you are using Windows 8.1, you’ll get the option in “Windows 8.1 Settings” tab.
Thanks!
Of all the remedies for the annoying task bar transparency “feature”, this was by far the most straightforward.
I already use Classic Shell – a great fix for Windows 8.1 Metro. Just didn’t know this setting existed.
im using vistart can get classic shell with it
This option works great for the taskbar, but how do we disable the transparency effect of the start menu for Classic Start itself…….?
Thanks very much. I have a newer version of classic shell and the setting was under 8.1 settings.
Ugh… why should I download classic shell to turn off transparency???
Well, I don’t have that option in Classic Shell settings…