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What Are “Basic Mode” Windows 7 Themes And How Would I Use Them?

Ever noticed that some themes on DeviantArt are optimized for “Basic Mode“? Does that mean you can not run them on Windows 7 Professional? No, here’s how to use them.


Basic Mode is the name of the mode without Aero enabled. So, basically if you disable Aero you enable the basic mode, but there’s a special theme exactly for that purpose.

Anyway, here’s how to get the Basic Mode theme enabled:

1. Step Open the Personalization Control Panel via right-click on your Desktop, then left-click on Personalization:

2. Step Scroll down until you see the list of Basic and High Contrast Themes

3. Step Click on Windows 7 Basic and now you can see why it’s called Basic Mode. Your shell will no longer be transparent, but it’s sometimes easier on the eyes because the contrast is a little higher. For even more contrast use the mentioned high contrast theme.

Download Basic Themes

Grab various Basic Mode visual styles