Overview

Introduction

WindowBlinds is a software utility that allows users to completely change the look and feel of Microsoft Windows.  It works by applying new visual styles, called skins, across the entire user interface (title bars, push buttons, start menu, taskbar, etc.) of the operating system. As a result, users gain complete control over the way Windows looks.

Since 1998, WindowBlinds has been the defacto standard when it comes to customizing the look and feel of Microsoft Windows.  A WindowBlinds users can apply thousands of free skins from the Internet that change title bars, push buttons, Start menus, scrollbars and every other element of the Windows GUI.  WindowBlinds gives users the power to personalize their Windows experience to match their particular style.

Since its initial release, WindowBlinds has steadily improved in capability, performance, robustness, and popularity. With over 12 million downloads at CNET's Download.com, WindowBlinds is the most popular desktop enhancement utility of all time.

A Thousand Faces

Whether you're using Windows XP or Windows Vista, WindowBlinds 6 provides native skinning to the GUI.  It integrates so seamlessly into the operating system that it is the only solution Microsoft itself has ever licensed to deliver custom-branded themes for its users.  WindowBlinds 5 is Microsoft certified and WindowBlinds 6 is even better.

As good as someone might think Windows looks, it is a one-size fits all solution.  WindowBlinds gives users thousands of new looks to choose from.

FROM

 
Windows Vista and Windows XP by default

TO

And thousands of others...

Features of WindowBlinds

WindowBlinds has hundreds of different features for enabling users to customize the look and feel of Windows. For this guide, we'll stick to the primary features:

• Applies visual styles that can change the title bars, Start bar, push buttons, radio buttons, and nearly every other element of the Windows UI.

• Takes advantage of hardware acceleration on Windows XP and Windows Vista increasing window drawing performance over Windows by default

• Skins virtually every part of Windows XP

• Supports on-the-fly blurring of title bars and Start menus on Windows XP! (screenshot)

• Skins virtually every part of Windows Vista (screenshot)

• New, easy to use configuration (screenshot)

• Supports on-the-fly blurring of window frames, start menus, and menus on Windows Vista

• Users can change the color and brightness of individual skins (screenshot)

• Users can change fonts and font colors of their skins

• Supports animation overlays for integrated, high-quality animation (screenshot)

• Designed exclusively for Microsoft Windows as a native solution. Does not disable any system file protections, does not patch any system files on disk or in memory to bypass OS protections, does not break with new service packs or updates.

• Users can modify their skins within the easy to use configuration program and then save them as a new sub-style for later use

• Can change the Windows Vista Sidebar skin

• Allows users to re-define the right-mouse button behavior on the title bar.

• Supports the addition of roll-up buttons, website link buttons, always-on top buttons, and more on the title bar or border

• Even skins applications that are not "theme ware".

• Changes toolbar icons in Internet Explorer and Explorer (screenshot)

• Can change the background of Explorer windows

• Uses no additional memory over the default Windows XP or Windows Vista display system.

• Users can customize the color of individual pieces of their skins

• Users can customize the amount of transparency and blur on individual skins

• Includes a wallpaper manager

• Supports different skins for different programs

• Includes full Internet Explorer 7 skinning  (screenshot)

• Supports user customization of Aero on Windows Vista without making a new skin

• Includes several exclusive new skins created by top skinners in the community

WindowBlinds 6 in action

WindowBlinds is used by millions of people all over the world.  In fact, nearly half of all PC users have WindowBlinds on their machines in some form or other even if they don't know it because of the number of companies who have licensed WindowBlinds technology for skinning their own applications.

Here is a collage of WindowBlinds in action...

WindowBlinds used by movie studios

WindowBlinds used by Nintendo and Microsoft

nVidia and ATI both use WindowBlinds

Windows XP (left) with Diamond applied. Note the transparency and blur on Windows XP with negligible difference in performance. On right is Windows Vista with Diamond, note the blurred Start menu and subtle Explorer background to give Vista just a more elegant look and feel.

Requirements

Windows XP (32-bit or 64-bit) or Windows Vista (32-bit or 64-bit) are required for WindowBlinds 6 (users of Windows 2000, 98, and ME can purchase WindowBlinds Classic).  No additional requirements are needed to use it.

More Help & Information

You can download WindowBlinds for free at www.windowblinds.net. The full version of WindowBlinds is $19.95 on its own or you can get Object Desktop for $49.95 which includes not just WindowBlinds but many other programs with it.

Stardock is a Microsoft Gold Partner. WindowBlinds does not modify any system files and conforms to Microsoft's rigorous requirements for logo certification.  Windows Vista logo certification currently pending.