Aero Glass in Windows 8: How to bring the beloved transparency back

Windows 8 transparency winaeroglass

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.

smartscreen win8

3. Finally double-click WinaeroGlass.exe and watch your screen change to glass. That’s all there is to it.

Win 8 Desktop transparent

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.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of (est. 2010). With over 21 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.

Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.

Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.

You can follow him on YouTube, Threads, BlueSky, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].