Windows 7: Visual Styles on Windows and Buttons - Turn On or Off

   Information

This will show you how to turn Use visual styles on windows and buttons on or off using different options in Windows 7 and Vista.

OPTION ONE

Through Visual Effects Settings

1. Open the Visual Effects settings window in Performance Options.

2. To "Use visual styles on windows and buttons"

A) Check the Use visual styles on windows and buttons box, and click on OK. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: This is the default setting.

3. To Not "Use visual styles on windows and buttons"

A) Uncheck the Use visual styles on windows and buttons box, and click on OK. (see screenshot above)

OPTION TWO

Using a REG File Download

1. To "Use visual styles on windows and buttons"
NOTE: This is the default setting.

A) Click on the download button below to download the file below.

Use_Visual_Styles_on_Window_ and_Buttons.reg

B) Go to step 3.

2. To Not "Use visual styles on windows and buttons"

A) Click on the download button below to download the file below.

Not_Use_Visual_Styles_on_Window_ and_Buttons.reg

3. Click on Save, and save the .reg file to the Desktop.

4. Right click on the downloaded .reg file and click on Merge.

5. Click on Run, Yes (Windows 7) or Continue (Vista), Yes, and OK when prompted.

6. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to apply the changes.

7. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.

OPTION THREE

Manually Through Registry Editor

1. Open the Start Menu, then type regedit in the search boxand press Enter.

2. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes (Windows 7) or Continue (Vista).

3. In regedit, navigate to the location below. (see screenshot below)

Code:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ThemeManager

4. In the right pane, double click on ThemeActive. (see screenshot above)

5. To "Use visual styles on windows and buttons"

A) Type in 1, and click on OK. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: This is the default setting.

B) Go to step 7.

6. To Not "Use visual styles on windows and buttons"

A) Type in 0, and click on OK. (see screenshot above)

7. Close regedit.

8. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to apply the changes.