Turn off theming for a more responsive user interface

Windows XP added updated the graphical interface over earlier Windows versions. If you have a fast machine, it’s great eye candy. It does however, slow things down if you are running a lot of graphic intensive applications or remote desktop. It’s easy to disable the graphics an revert back to the classic Windows look.

There are two ways to disable themes. Through the Display applet or by disabling the Themes service.

To disable the theme via the Display applet.

1. Right click on the desktop and select Properties
2. Select Windows Classic from the Theme dropdown list
3. Click the Ok button

The alternative is to completely turn off the theming engine, this may provided improved performance.

You can turn off your Windows XP themes by doing the following:

1. Open the Control Panel (Start->Control Panel)
2. Double click the Administrative Tools folder
3. Double click the Services applet

When the services applet opens, you will see a list of background programs that are currently installed on your machine. Scroll down the list until you see Themes. Click on Themes with your right mouse button and select Properties.

This opens up a windows which allows you to defined the startup mode of this service. Change Startup type to Disabled, and click the Stop button.

Your Window will change and you’ll notice that your fancy themes have disappeared.