Since Windows Vista has been out for a few months now the urge to get rid of the Aero “look” has seemed to increase. It seems like everyday I see questions posted on user forums asking how to change the standard look of Windows Vista. Recently, Stardock released WindowBlinds 5.5 which will allow you to change the look and feel of Windows Vista.

It uses a technology called “Smartskinning” which allows skins that were created for XP to be used Windows Vista. If you were a user of XP .msstyles then you can use SkinStudio to convert those existing themes over to WindowBlinds 5.5 for use on Windows Vista. I have tested several popular .msstyles using this method and the results have been impressive.

Being able to change the Aero theme is a welcomed change. While I do like the new look of Windows, after a few months of use I just need some change. With the great amount of Windows XP skins that already exist and the Vista specific themes soon to come, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding one that fits your style.  Be sure to check out the video tour for a visual guide of what WindowBlinds can do for Vista.

Tags: windowblinds, skins, themes, customize, desktop, vista, xp, stardock