Windows XP Aero

Martin Brinkmann
Dec 25, 2008
Updated • Feb 5, 2013
Windows
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35

One of the most talked design changes - or additions - in Windows Vista is Windows Aero. Microsoft calls it a more dynamic user-interface system compared to the basic interface system known from Windows XP. Windows Aero is actually a set of interface enhancements in Windows Vista. One of these is called Windows Aero Glass. Glass adds translucency to all windows of the operating system.

This Windows Aero Glass feature is now available in Windows XP thanks to Fast Aero. Fast Aero, a portable software, is a work in progress with the ultimate goal to provide the Aero Glass feature for all Windows XP users. The current version of Fast Aero provides the Glass effect on most - if not all - windows that are open in Windows XP. Please keep in mind that only new windows will display the Windows Aero Glass effect. Some can be minimized and maximized again while others need to be closed and reopened.

The default language of the software is Polish but it can easily be changed in the config.ini to English so that the language line looks like this: language=english. The only options provided by the interface are to enable or disable the blur effect. Version 1.3 which is supposed to come out in December will offer additional features like finetuning the blur intensity and refresh interval.

The Windows XP Aero Glass effect looks pretty solid in this version. Users who like to add some special bling to their operating system will surely love Fast Aero. Other users might feel that its resource usage does not justify the visual gain. It comes down to personal choice and preference in the end.

Update: Fast Aero development has stopped. I have uploaded the last public version of the Windows XP Aero application to the Ghacks Technology News server. You can download the program from the following link: (Download Removed)

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Comments

  1. Patrck Dreier said on April 25, 2015 at 2:39 pm
    Reply

    entry regedit from Windows 7 Aero effects to Windows XP are better.
    Aero effects are not waste, Aero Effects with old single columns startmenu Design Luna.theme, Windows Classic.theme are better Design than Windows 7.

  2. Patrick Dreier said on April 13, 2015 at 5:36 pm
    Reply

    entry regedit from Windows 7 Aero to Windows XP are better.
    Aero is not waste, Aero with old Design Luna.theme, Windows Classic.theme are better.
    Do not install vistart.

  3. Kanishk said on June 12, 2011 at 3:22 pm
    Reply

    is this safe??

  4. Rudykaya said on February 1, 2011 at 2:03 am
    Reply

    Guys fug it all fast aero, true trans. suk
    if you want something good and no its not windows blinds
    its Border Skin!
    You can download it here : http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=&section=&q=border+skin#/d2tapj7
    This is not fake and no virus have been found its perfect.

    1. unknown said on February 3, 2011 at 6:47 am
      Reply

      Actually, in xp, i tried border skin. pretty good, but had black squares around the corners of the window.

      1. Rudykaya said on February 3, 2011 at 7:03 am
        Reply

        its not done border skin still needs work and i havent seen black boxes i use xp

  5. Unknown said on January 30, 2011 at 2:28 am
    Reply

    In office 07 whenever i open word or powerpoint, fast aero cover the office orb. fast aero sucks! use true transparency!!!! never use this!. it makes the computer slow. I highly dont recommend it to anyone. It has a virus too. Win32Conficker and BSoD (Blue Screen of death.)

  6. Anonymous said on January 11, 2010 at 6:19 am
    Reply

    8=======D ~~~~ (o(

  7. Anonymous said on May 7, 2009 at 2:57 am
    Reply

    8=D

  8. KingofSwing said on February 17, 2009 at 2:35 pm
    Reply

    Its really easy hack

  9. -=Ben=- said on February 1, 2009 at 1:52 am
    Reply

    fast aero sucks compared to TrueTransparency

  10. Dels said on December 26, 2008 at 3:28 am
    Reply

    Why don’t use True Transparency a.k.a TT ? it more stable and less memory usage then FastAero.
    It even support more skin, so you don’t need to always stick to Aero Glass, you can use another skin :D
    grab it here:
    http://www.crystalxp.net/galerie/en.id.5139-truetransparency-lefreut-explorer-tools.htm

  11. Gregory Kornblum said on December 26, 2008 at 1:49 am
    Reply

    Fast Aero is a sad try at what has already been done wonderfully by TrueTransparency.

    It is faster and more stable and has tons of different custom skins you can use with the it too.

    Download here:
    http://www.crystalxp.net/galerie/en.id.5139-truetransparency-lefreut-explorer-tools.htm

    No I am not a developer for it however if you have Vista and are a fan of Aero then you can check out my applications (and a library if you are also developer) at http://www.tensailabs.com/. The apps and library use Aero over the entire window.

    More to the point though don’t waste your time. I have tried them all and TrueTTransparency is the best. It was even the only one that could do it over a remote desktop which neither Windowblinds, real Aero or any other such as the one mentioned in this article could do.

  12. gokudomatic said on December 25, 2008 at 11:52 pm
    Reply

    does it only do glass effect?

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