How to Enable or Disable "Flip 3D" in Vista and Windows 7

   Information

This will show you how to enable or disable the ability to use Flip 3D (Switch between windows) for all users on the computer in Vista and Windows 7.

You will need to be logged in as an administrator to be able to do this tutorial.

   Note

Keyboard Shortcut Keys for Flip 3D

NOTE: Press the key combinations below in blue to activate.

• Windows Key + Tab = Press and hold Windows Key, then press Tab (or roll mouse scroll wheel) to scroll through the open windows. Choose the open window you want by releasing the Windows Key when the window is at the front.
• Ctrl + Windows Key + Tab = Scroll through the open windows by pressing the Tab key, arrow keys, or roll the mouse scroll wheel. Click on the window you want to see, or press Enter when it is up front.

   Warning

Aero Requirements to be Enabled in Windows 7:

NOTE: If Aero is not enabled, then Flip 3D will not work even if you have it set to be enabled in this tutorial.

• 1 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
• 1 GB of system memory
• A graphics card with support for DirectX 9 graphics with at least 128 MB of memory.
• The graphics card must support Pixel Shader 2.0 and the Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM).
• You must be have True Color (32 bit) set instead of High Color (16 bit).
• The desktop composition and Animate controls and elements inside windows options enabled in Visual Effects.
• The Desktop Window Manager Session Manager and Themes Services need to be set as Started and Automatic.
• Refresh or update your WEI score.
• Using a Aero theme.

EXAMPLE: Switch Between Windows - Flip-3D

OPTION ONE

To Enable or Disable "Flip 3D" using a REG File Download

1. To Enable Flip 3D
NOTE: This is the default setting.

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

Enable_Flip3D.reg

Download

B) Go to step 3.

2. To Disable Flip 3D

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

Disable_Flip3D.reg

Download

3. Save the .reg file to the desktop.

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

5. Click on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK when prompted.

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

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

OPTION TWO

To Enable or Disable "Flip 3D" in Local Group Policy Editor

1. Open the all users, specific users or groups, or all users except administrators Local Group Policy Editor for how you want this policy applied.

2. In the left pane, click on the arrow to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, then click on Desktop Window Manager. (see screenshot below)

3. In the right pane, right click on Do not allow Flip 3D invocation and click on Edit. (see screenshot above)

4. To Enable Flip 3D
NOTE: This is the default setting.

A) Select (dot) Not Configured or Disabled. (see screenshot below step 6)

B) Go to step 6.

5. To Disable Flip 3D

A) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below step 6)

6. Click on OK. (see screenshot below)

7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor. (see screenshot below step 2)

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

That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

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• How to Add Flip 3D to the Context Menu in Vista and Windows 7
• How to Change the Number of Windows Displayed in Flip 3D
• How to Create a Flip 3D Switch Between Windows Shortcut in Windows 7
• How to Enable or Disable Desktop Composition in Windows 7 and Vista