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
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
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

138 additional answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2011-08-06T20:06:34+00:00

    I have the latest drivers for my ATI Radeon 6900 series.  When I start up the program of Fallout 3 I get a message saying that "windows live basic colore scheme has changed to basic... When I play the game it will freaze and Fallout 3 will lock up on me.  I have never had the Issue with any Microsoft games.. How can I fix it?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2011-08-20T04:40:02+00:00

    While this won't fix your current situation, it can prevent it from happening in the future.

    Go to Control Panel

    >> System

    >>Advanced System Settings

    >>Advanced

    >> "Settings" under Performance

    Change "Let Windows do what's best for my computer" to "Adjust for best appearance"

    As far as fixing the current problem, you should try changing your theme to a default and modifying it from there.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2011-08-23T06:29:56+00:00

    Same problem here!

    • i7-2600 @ 3.40 GHz
    • 2 ATI Radeon 4600 Series each 1 Gig Ram
    • 4 screens x 1920x1200
    • 16 GB Ram DDR3
    • 120 GB SSD

    I also like everyone here just want to know how to disable windows from automatic funking up areo on my computer!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments