Taskbar Transparency - Disable using Aero Lite Theme

How to Disable Taskbar Transparency using Aero Lite Theme in Windows 8 and 8.1


information   Information
In Windows 8, the taskbar on your desktop is transparent by default while Window borders use a solid color now.

This tutorial will show you how to disable taskbar transparency by using a customizable Aero Lite theme for only your account or all users in Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1, and Windows RT 8.1.


EXAMPLE: Aero Lite theme in Windows 8
NOTE: Notice that the taskbar is no longer transparent, and uses a solid color now that you can change.
Default_Aero_Lite_Theme.jpg



Here's How:

1. Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .zip file below.
Aero_Lite_Theme.zip
download


2. Save the .zip file to your desktop.

3. Open the .zip file and extract (drag and drop) the aerolite.theme file to your desktop.
Note   Note
This aerolite.theme file is only the default "C:\Windows\Resources\Themes\aero.theme" file already included in Windows 8 that has been edited to use the aerolite.msstyles file instead of aero.msstyles file that are also both included in Windows by default.

Note   Note

I just provided an already edited copy of this .theme file for you to download and use instead of you having to do all the work yourself to make it easier without having to use any 3rd party programs. :)


4. Unblock the extracted aerolite.theme file, and do step 5 or 6 below for what you would like to do. (see screenshot below)
Unblock.jpg

5. To Make Aero Lite Theme Available Only for your Account
A) Click/tap on the unblocked aerolite.theme file to add and use it as your theme, and then go to step 7 below.​
NOTE: This will also save a copy of the aerolite.theme file in your hidden "C:\Users\(user-name)\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Themes" My Themes folder.​
Aero_Lite_Theme_Current_Only.jpg
Aero_Lite_My_Theme.jpg

6. To Make Aero Lite Theme Available for All User Accounts on PC
NOTE: You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do this step.
A) Save the unblocked aerolite.theme file into the C:\Windows\Resources\Themes folder. (see screenshot below)​
Aero_Lite_Theme_All_Users.jpg
B) If prompted, click/tap on Continue to approve copying the file.​
C) Change your theme to the new Aero Lite theme under Installed Themes, and go to step 7 below. (see screenshot below)​
Aero_Lite_Installed_Theme.jpg

7. If you like, you can now customize this default Aero Lite theme to how you want it just like you would with any other theme.

8. When finished, save this customized theme so that you will not lose your changes. (see example below)
NOTE: Notice how the taskbar is still a solid color of your choice and no longer transparent even after you customized the Aero Lite theme.
Custom_Theme.jpg




Tip   Tip
To enable taskbar transparency again:

Select to use any theme other than the default or your custom Aero Lite theme.

If you like, you could also delete the Aero Lite theme at anytime to remove it.






That's it,
Shawn


 

Attachments

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Last edited by a moderator:
Another way:

screenshot_118.png
 

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Hey David. Thank you for the addition.

Yep, this tutorial was just a way to do so without having to install a program. :)
 
Last edited:

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  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
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    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
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Searching for a way to make the Taskbar a solid colour and came across this thread. I have now used the Aero Lite theme, which does the trick. Thanks. :) A problem is that I like a black Taskbar and the theme gives black text for the clock, hence the clock is invisible. Can the clock text be made white?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Hello Mart,

I'm afraid that I don't know about that. You might post a new thread for that in the Customization forum area to see someone may know how. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Thanks for the tutorial. I have never liked the transparent taskbar in 8. This makes me system look that much closer to whatit did with 7
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
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    HP Pavillion
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