Windows 7 automatically switching to basic (non-aero) theme. I need a way to disable that behaviour.

Anonymous
2009-11-15T23:07:02+00:00

This is very similar to what is described here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/939423

As well as here: http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/vistaperformance/thread/c7b869e1-5138-48a3-b09d-419f76e2f728

However, this is for Windows 7, not Vista.

Scenario:

On a 3 screen (1920x1080 each) setup ran on an ATI HD4890 (1gb RAM, running 2 screens) + HD 3450 (256mb RAM, running 1 screen), whenever anything graphic intensive is put onto the screen hosted by the HD3450, Windows will complain "The color scheme has been changed to Windows Basic - The current color scheme has exceeded its allowed memory so the color scheme has been automatically changed to improve performance. Click to see more information." and change my theme to Windows Basic.

However, it is to be noted that the 3450 is not being stressed at all (all the load is being put onto the 4890 according to GPU-Z).

It should not be a problem with system RAM (6gb, on Win7 x64) nor processing power (i7 920).

Is there a way to disable Windows automatically "improving performance" by switching my theme?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Music, photos, and video

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments No comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2011-02-14T09:27:12+00:00

Run menu > sysdm.cpl > Advanced Tab > performance > select adjust for best performance > make sure you do not allow Windows to choose for you because your computer does not know whats best --- Make sure Enable Aero Peek is checked

---- OR ---

Right click my computer > properties > Advanced System settings > performance > select adjust for best performance > make sure you do not allow Windows to choose for you because your computer does not know whats best --- Make sure Enable Aero Peek is checked

Was this answer helpful?

100+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments No comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2009-11-16T20:35:40+00:00

Hi whsper,

Welcome to Microsoft Answers Community Forums.

The aero theme is basically enabled depending on video card.

Windows Display Driver Modelis the graphic driver architecture for video card drivers running Microsoft Windows versions beginning with Windows Vista.

WDDM driver model version 1.0 is that it does not support multiple drivers in a multi-adapter, multi-monitor setup, the latest version is 2.0 is introduced.

Windows will disable the Desktop Window Manager (DWM) that controls the transparent glass effect or other effects of the Aero theme. The DWM manages the desktop and the primary display settings in Windows.

I would suggest you to check with your manufacturer for latest drivers to support your hardware configuration.

Hope this information helped you.

Regards


Yaaser - Microsoft Support Engineer                                          

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Was this answer helpful?

50+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments No comments

138 additional answers

Sort by: Newest
  1. Anonymous
    2012-10-27T23:12:57+00:00

    I have to work in Windows basic because I cant fix this stupid problem, my video card should not be the problem, anyway, all the answers seem to tell how to go back to Aero or change performance settings BUT WHAT I REALLY WANT IS DISABLE THIS DAMN FEATURE, KEEP WINDOWS FROM REVERTING BACK TO BASIC ALL THE TIME BECAUSE IT IS FREAKING ANNOYING AND MY PC'S PERFORMANCE IS NOT THE ISSUE. So before you tell me that is impossible isnt there some genius somewhere who can give me a code or whatever the **** hack I need to keep that stupid windows from reverting to basic every time I play a video

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2012-10-27T18:58:10+00:00

    I had the same problem but what you do is goto run menu type in sysdm.cpl then up top click then click advance tab then click performance click select best performance not let windows choose whats best for you pc make sure you check aero peek then click apply. What its done dont exit out of the file stay in it wants its changed then click let windows choose what best for your pc then it should be back to normal it help all my friends and me if you are having trouble send me a email ******@yahoo.com Have a Great Day

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2012-10-26T14:01:38+00:00

    Go to action centre, trouble shoot, appearance and personalization, click display aero effects.

    this should change it back to aero scheme.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments