Long gone is Aero Glass in Windows 8. Previously, I showed you a nifty trick to bring back transparency by changing a Windows 8 theme in a certain way, but if those were too many steps for you, now there is an easier way. WinaeroGlass is a free standalone utility (or a portable utility) that allows you to bring total transparency to the latest version of Windows — The steps are really easy to follow; keep reading to learn how.
Instructions
1. Download the utility from its source: Winaero.com.
2. Extract the files from the zipped folder. If the Windows SmartScreen appears, click More info and then click or tap Run anyway.
3. Finally double-click WinaeroGlass.exe and watch your screen change to glass. That’s all there is to it.
Two things to keep in mind though: the translucent effect last only as long you are signed in to your account. If you sign out or restart your PC, you’ll need to repeat the process. There isn’t any blur in the transparency like you used to see in Windows 7, but hopefully that will change in the future.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].