If you have a powerful computer and Windows Vista Aero (that 3D, glass-like window interface) is enabled, you can flip through your windows in 3D. Instead of using Alt-Tab to flip between windows, hold down the Windows key (it’s near the Alt key) and press Tab repeatedly. Windows Vista will show your windows in 3D, even if they’re changing.
If it’s not working for you, first make sure that your pressing Windows+Tab, and not Alt+Tab.
If you’re pressing the right keys, Aero might not be enabled (3D-Flip requires Aero). Follow these steps to troubleshoot Aero.
nice tips.
Thank you !!! . I never know before to Switch between windows by press Start+Tab to enabled Flip 3D.
I don’t know what happened to my 3-d flip function. It still works but instead of the nice 3d image i get a tiny rectangle with the icons of the programs that i have opened. it’s not as appealing.
Thanks to this tip!!! Once I changed my Windows theme. After that, this windows filp feature was not effective in my system. I was wondering… With this useful tip, I got it back by setting my Windows theme to Windows Aero. Thanks!!!
yes i am the same as davina any help
I have Windows vista and my computer have got the correct propierties but I don’t be able to see 3D and Aero.Can you help me?
Thanks
I am having the same problem…tried “Start & Tab” to enable 3D function…no luck. Any help would be appreciated!!
I don’t know what happened to ‘switch between window” button. I can switch windows only by clicking “window” + “tab”, but I need to use “switch between window” icon and from where I can get it I don’t know. Some one can help me please!
im using Vista home basic… its without the flip 3D function.. can i download the function..?
I have Windows Vista Home Premium and my husband has the switch between windows, but I do not. How do I enable this function?
I am having the same problem…tried “Start & Tab†to enable 3D function…no luck. Any help would be appreciated!!
Comment from davina
Time: June 22, 2007, 3:44 am
I don’t know what happened to my 3-d flip function. It still works but instead of the nice 3d image i get a tiny rectangle with the icons of the programs that i have opened. it’s not as appealing.
—————————————————————————–
TIP:-
You hav to pres “Start+Tab” And NOT “Alt+Tab”
I DON-T HAVE THE 3D FLIP HOW CAN I GET IT, OR WHERE CAN I DOWNLOAD IT. I HAVE WINDOWS VISTA
I don’t know what happened to my 3-d flip function. It still works but instead of the nice 3d image i get a tiny rectangle with the icons of the programs that i have opened
Great tip but another useless feature. This serves no purpose at all other than ‘cool eye candy’ Just as the Aero effect is a total waste of effort & resources. A faster OS without the bloat would’ve been more welcome.
Sover, suggest you continue running DOS then, this is progress. Go back to your dark ages :) Everyone, you hold down the START button and stab at the TAB key. Therefore, not ALT-TAB but START-TAB. G’luck.
Found how to fix this problem. Right click on DESKTOP click PERSONALIZE, click on WINDOWS COLOUR AND APPEARANCE, if its set on (Windows Vista Basic) – click WINDOWS AERO and then OK. Its worked for me.
Thank You..that definitely works now its back to the way i like it…yaaaay!!!
I have a different problem my 3d flip moves automatically I don’t have to do anything and it just filps between screens.I could be typing or scrolling down a page and the screen just flips this is annoying. How can I fix this problem.
You hold start and press tab, if you hold tab or press it repeatedly the windows just spin continuosly and it’s annoying. just hold start and tap tab key.
I like the Windows switch most of the time; it’s fun. But, it often kicks in when I don’t want it to – must be tied into a mouse gesture or something, because usually goes bananas then. There’s no warning.
How do I fix this?
Thanks
Theresa
Ok but if use The Key Alt and Tab no comming 3D what is broblem ?
hey it worked also for me, thnx Chris
ound how to fix this problem. Right click on DESKTOP click PERSONALIZE, click on WINDOWS COLOUR AND APPEARANCE, if its set on (Windows Vista Basic) – click WINDOWS AERO and then OK. Its worked for me.
THANKS CHRIS! It’s sure worked for me!
Windows Ultimate looks alot nicer now.
Thanks again.
Wow chris Thanks For The Tip.
It Worked.
Nice One
Hi, I find it difficult to obtain 100% download of my vista pack upgrade since i started using last february 2008. the maximum ever obtained is about 75% using a dial up internet comnnection for 10hrs
Will like to download yahoo massenger on my computer but the download fails all the time.
Thanks
i have windows vista basic
so i cant do it
can i download it
if i can email me at rikesh919@yahoo.com
Chris you are life saver. Thanks, it worked.
THANKS CHRIS YOU ROCK!!!!!
NOT LIKE THIS STUPID GUY WHO MADE THE WEBSITE THAT NEVER ANSWERS BACK!!!
THANKS
Live in the now. If you want customization, try Linux. Linux has enabled desktop effects since 2005/2004. Some time before Windows did. And it’s free.
I went to Color and Appearance, and I don’t see Aero.
When we first got the computer with Vista the 3D function worked fine, and then recently it just stopped.
Is there another option to try if you don’t see Aero in your appearances?
My Flip 3D cannot apply to my Switch Between Windows after sent my pc for serviced. Please guide to install back, Thanks.
I don’t have the 3D flip.How can i get it. or how can i apply to switch it.I have windows vista basic
You have to have “Ultimate” Vista for the flip windows
Thank you…Thank you…Thank You!!! I was lost on what had happened to my 3D. I had installed a game that had me change my theme to windows vista…later I noticed the change and was lost on a solution. Thank you for this great tip. ~J
i have windows vista home basic bt i m not able to see windows 3d or switch between windows wht i do
I don’t know what happened to my 3-d flip function. It still works but instead of the nice 3d image i get a tiny rectangle with the icons of the programs that i have opened. how can i restore my 3d flip,
Thank you Chris, You tip solved my 3D problem. I lost my 3D after I sent my PC for repairs after a heavy thunder storm damaged my PC Vista home premium edtion. Well here again are Chis tips:
1. Right click Desktop
2. Click Personalize
3. Click Window Color and Appearance
4. If it is set on Window Vista Basic, click or change it to WINDOW
AERO and click Ok. That’s it. It worked for me. Thank again Chris.
Chris you are the best, thanks…
thanks chris.
i was wondering how to do but i got after changing to windows aero.
thanx
I have Windows vista and my computer have got the correct propierties but I don’t be able to see 3D and Aero.Can you help me?
Thanks
yaar i am not able to find windows aero option in my
“DESKTOP click PERSONALIZE, click on WINDOWS COLOUR AND APPEARANCE”
option of choosing windows aero
mine is vista ultimate still its not there
what to do ?
omg…. THANKS CHRIS (and Mylitis for asking and reposting…)
I have been annoyed because i cleaned my computer and reinstalled vista but when i did it looked different. everyday i just decided not to worry about it, but today i finally wanted my old vista back. and the first place i saw on google-search was here… and now IT’S FIXED!
thanks alot
i am using windows vista …
i am not getting switch b/w windows in 3d ..rather in a horizintal strip … how can i change it to 3d
I accidentally deleted the icon that was pinned to the toolbar that allowed me to switch thru windows 3d, how do I put back the switch icon?
Hello, I am a new “poster”, I guess that’s what you’d call me.
Anyways, I just wanna say, Chris, thanks for the help, I came here with the same problem with the windows flippper, I thought my kids had gotten something outta sink, I don’t use it that often, but I would like to know that it works when I need to use it! I paid for it! Have a wonderful day everyone!
Everyone is hailing chris but that didnt work on my comp. There is no personalize when you right click on desktop. You have to go to the windows start button on the far bottom left of the windows desktop. Left click. Go to control panel at bottom right of window.left click. Go to appearance and personalization. left click. go to personliztion. left click. go to windows color and appearance. left click. choose windows vista aero as your default. click apply. Voila, its fixed.
But i cant see the Window vista aero option.. what to do any other way to fix this 3D problem???????
i have got win.vista(home basic) n when i press “win” + “tab” i get nothin… any help is appreciable..
my 3-d flip was working before but now, it isn’t. instead, the rectangular thing-y with the icons appear. and whenever I click windows Aero, it doesn’t set to windows Aero. I don’t know why.HELP :((
by clicking in Desktop, PERZONALIZE, you select windows color and appearence, and choose windows aero…that’s what you have to do…!!!good luck!!!
Windows aero is only available at the premium versions of vista ;)
If you got Vista Home Basic you will get a ordinary swich between windows.
If you got Vista Home Premium you get the 3d looks ;)
Hi Tony
I have a dell Inspiron 32bit laptop.It is a big Proublem Ican not set “Switch Betweeen Windows”in 3d mode.see some such web search then i go to c:\>windows>system32>cmd>input
net start ……..
its reply access denied.Plese help me.I want to window in full 3d layer
Ok I’m getting irritated!! A whole bunch of people are hailing chris like some other dude said but the whole personalize option didn’t work for me!! I know a few others are having this problem, but there is no option for me to click on Aero or whatever you guys are talking about. I have vista basic so if you could please, chris or somebody, help me with this problem. thank you :)
I dont know what happened to my 3-d flip function. It still works but instead of the nice 3d image i get a tiny rectangle with the icons of the programs that i have opened. its not as appealing. I have tried ur TIP to pres “Start+Tab” And NOT “Alt+Tab” still it does nt work.
Can u provide me a visual on it…?
It sounds like you used to have Aero enabled, but it’s no longer enabled. I just wrote an article for you on troubleshooting Aero: http://www.vistaclues.com/aero-is-disable-how-to-fix-it/
Let me know if it works, please!
well let me tell u i had the same problem.i was getting the blue square with icon inthere.the problem was that some laptops come with power saver button that change your screen resolution.turn it off.or take off your computer battery if you know where it is.makesure that u have your computer on aero or windows vista.the problem is when u turn on your baterry power button.
thnks.. My problem is solved..
Thnks to u
If you press Ctrl+Start+Tab at the same time, the 3D windows will become permanent until you click the mouse.
This hint is very useful. Thank you very much.