What is the Aero desktop experience?

To enable the Aero desktop experience in Windows Server 2008 R2, you'll need to install the Desktop Experience feature, enable the Themes service, and then select an Aero theme.

Note

• You might need to update your video card driver to run Aero. If your hardware does not support Aero, you can select the Windows 7 Basic color scheme, which does not include transparency or other Aero effects. For more information, see Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly.

To install Desktop Experience in Windows Server 2008 R2

1. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then, under Programs, click Turn Windows Features on or off.‌  If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
2. In the Features Summary section, click Add Features.
3. Select the Desktop Experience check box. If you are prompted to install additional features, click Add Required Features, and then click Next.
4. Click Install. You might be prompted to restart your computer.

To enable the Themes service in Windows Server 2008 R2

1. Click Start, point to Administrative Tools, and then click Services.  If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
2. Double-click Themes.
3. In the Startup type list, select Automatic, and then click Apply.
4. Under Service status, click Start, and then click OK.

To select an Aero theme

1. Right-click an open area of the desktop, and then click Personalize.
2. Click Themes.
3. Under Aero Themes, click an Aero theme.