Windows Basic style/win7 non aero theme on windows 10

isaacthethemer · 06 Apr 2020

Hello forum users
I recently upgraded to windows 10 to experience the new OS from windows 7 (updates ended Jan 14). I quickly realized that not only are the transparent aero themes are gone, the basic style is also gone, and I used this style. I also found out that this new style was kind of an overlay over the old basic theme. I know that desktop composition works that way, but the option to turn it off is missing from sysdm.cpl and theme is also missing. But since it is behind the new style, there must be a way to restore it. You can see this when switching to fullscreen in google earth pro, the basic borders show briefly when switching. I never saw this in windows 7, so the composition must work different in windows 10. I am using windows 10 build 1909.
Screenshot of google earth border: imgbox - fast, simple image host

dalchina · 07 Apr 2020

One way - not a theme- is to use Aeroglass:

Aero Glass for Win8+

Windows Basic style/win7 non aero theme on windows 10-1.png

Another is to use WindowBlinds.

Note: to post a screenshot as above, the most helpful way is to use site features - the icon above your post with tooltip Insert Image.

isaacthethemer · 07 Apr 2020

dalchina said:

One way - not a theme- is to use Aeroglass:

Aero Glass for Win8+

Another is to use WindowBlinds.

Note: to post a screenshot as above, the most helpful way is to use site features - the icon above your post with tooltip Insert Image.

Hello,
I know about aero glass but I want the basic style not the aero style can you help me further?
Thank you

dalchina · 07 Apr 2020

Sorry no.

isaacthethemer · 07 Apr 2020

dalchina said:

Sorry no.

Is it possible to hack the registry or something?

dalchina · 07 Apr 2020

There is this:
Install Aerolite Theme in Windows 10

And if you wanted a start menu appearance similar to what you want, install Open Shell (free) and select the Classic skin:

Windows Basic style/win7 non aero theme on windows 10-untitled.png

You can use Open Shell to modify the Start button overlay.

Otherwise you might research themes yourself, or consider using Windowblinds, assuming that offers a skin you like.

Bree · 07 Apr 2020

isaacthethemer said:

... there must be a way to restore it...

These instructions are for Windows 8/8.1...

In Windows 8 and 8.1, the Windows Basic theme is called Aero Lite and can only be enabled only if your computer does not meet the minimum requirements to run Aero effects, such as transparency. If your computer is capable of running Aero effects, the Aero theme is hidden. This is how to enable the Aero Lite theme in Windows 8 and 8.1 if it is hidden.

How to Enable and Apply the Aero Lite (Windows Basic) Theme in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1

...but work equally well in Windows 10 (1909).

Windows Basic style/win7 non aero theme on windows 10-image.png

sygnus21 · 07 Apr 2020

@Bree, are you actually using this? Notice any performance hits?

Thinking of giving this a try myself. Thanks.

Bree · 07 Apr 2020

sygnus21 said:

@Bree, are you actually using this? Notice any performance hits?

No, I followed the instruction to confirm that it works, but reverted to my previous theme when done.

I would expect that any performance consequences would be beneficial, but if you are looking for improved performance then just do what I did for an old Intel Atom (under)powered netbook. Turn off virtually all visual effects....

Windows Basic style/win7 non aero theme on windows 10-visual-effects-minimum.png

Change Visual Effects Settings in Windows 10

sygnus21 · 07 Apr 2020

Thanks but my concern is not of improvement but of performance dip. And yeah, I'm familiar with the Visual Effect in Performance options. Mine is set for best appearance; as I always do for desktops

Thanks. I think I'll pass.