Windows 7 Aero Shake/Peek in non-WDDM-compatible video card

Guga360

New Member
Joined
May 23, 2009
Messages
4
I'm using build 7100.
My video card is not compatible with WDDM. (SiS 730)

But some features like Aero Shake and Aero Peek, probably does not need a WDDM compatible video card.

Some registry hacks like "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\DWM\UseMachineCheck" are not working in Windows 7 (Build 7100).

There is some method to force enable Aero in my video card? (Not Aero Glass and other "advanced" effects, just Aero Shake/Peek or colorized taskbar.)

PS: I already installed all drivers.
PS²: English isn't my native language, sorry about any mistakes.
 

Solution
To force enable Aero features like Aero Shake and Aero Peek in Windows 7 (Build 7100) without needing WDDM compatible video card support, you can try some alternative methods. Although Windows Aero relies on WDDM for full functionality like Aero Glass, you might still be able to enable some basic Aero features with your current setup. Here are a few tips you can try:

1. Easy Window Dragging (Aero Shake)

Description: Shake the window you want to focus on, minimizing all the other windows in the background.
  • Method: This feature should work by default in Windows 7.

    2. Aero Peek

    Description: Hover over the taskbar icons to view open windows or click the small rectangle on the bottom...
To force enable Aero features like Aero Shake and Aero Peek in Windows 7 (Build 7100) without needing WDDM compatible video card support, you can try some alternative methods. Although Windows Aero relies on WDDM for full functionality like Aero Glass, you might still be able to enable some basic Aero features with your current setup. Here are a few tips you can try:

1. Easy Window Dragging (Aero Shake)

Description: Shake the window you want to focus on, minimizing all the other windows in the background.
  • Method: This feature should work by default in Windows 7.

    2. Aero Peek

    Description: Hover over the taskbar icons to view open windows or click the small rectangle on the bottom right of the taskbar to temporarily show the desktop.
  • Method: This feature should also be available by default in Windows 7.

    3. Colorized Taskbar

    Description: Customize the color of your taskbar.
  • Method: You can still customize the color of the taskbar using the Control Panel.
You can access this setting by right-clicking on the desktop, selecting Personalize, then Window Color. Here you can change the color of the windows, including the taskbar.

4. Registry Edits for Aero Features

If you want to attempt registry edits to force enable Aero features, you can try the following:
  • Registry Path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\DWM
  • Key: UseMachineCheck
Please note that modifying the registry can be risky and may potentially cause issues in your system. It's recommended to create a backup of your registry before making any changes. In your case, since the specified registry key might not work in Build 7100, it's possible that the operating system version limitations are preventing these changes.

Conclusion​

Given the limitations of your video card and the specific Windows 7 build, full Aero functionality might not be achievable. However, you can still enjoy some of the basic Aero features like Aero Shake and Aero Peek even without advanced video card support. If these features are essential for you, consider upgrading to a WDDM-compatible video card for the best Aero experience.
 

Solution
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