How do I turn on the new 3D effects (Aero Glass)

This is what Windows Vista looks like when the new 3D effects (Aero Glass) are turned on:

Windows Vista Aero Glass

Notice the transparent window border, drop shadow, and glowing buttons.

When you install Windows Vista it runs a test to see if your computer meets the minimum requirements to display Aero Glass. If your computer passes the test, Aero Glass is automatically turned on. If Windows Vista decides your system is not capable of Aero Glass, there is no way to force it on.

If your computer meets the minimum requirements but Aero Glass is still not displayed, the most likely problem is that you need a special WDDM video driver for your video card. A new driver may be available from your video card manufacturer's website or from Windows Update.

Minimum Requirements

In order to display Aero Glass, your computer must meet the following requirements:

  • DirectX 9 video card
  • Pixel shader 2.0 support
  • AGP 4x or better or PCI Express video cards are recommended, although some others may work
  • At least 64 MB of video memory, more may be needed for higher resolutions or multiple monitors
  • A special WDDM video driver

View a list of video cards that users have reported working with Windows Vista (external link)

There is no way to force Windows Vista to display Aero Glass if your system does not meet these requirements.

Troubleshooting

If your computer meets the minimum requirements and you believe Aero Glass should be turned on, please try the following:

  • Download the latest Windows Vista-compatible driver from your video card manufacturer's website
  • If you lost Aero Glass after installing a new video card driver, uninstall the update or roll back the driver
  • Follow these steps to force Windows Vista to re-check your system:

  1. Click Start
  2. Click Control panel
  3. Click System and Maintenance
  4. Click "Check your System Performance Rating" under System
  5. Click " Refresh my rating now"