Software archeologists dig up first remnants of the Aero effect in Windows Vista precursor
We now have a glimpse of the early days of the popular Aero blur effect from Windows.
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What you need to know
Many Windows enthusiasts love the Aero blur effect. Blurring has been around in some form or another within Windows for a long time, and it has evolved over the years, but the Aero effect is still the standard for some. Software archeologists have uncovered what may be the first instance of the Aero effect running on a version of Windows. A Twitter user known asevil_pro_tested the effect on actual hardware running Windows Longhorn build 4020 (viaAlbacore on Twitter). The code for the effect is in builds 4015 and 4017 but reportedly does not work the same as on build 4020.
Longhorn builds included several features during its initial development process, but the branch was reset in 2004 due to several issues. While Microsoft had to start over, some elements from Longhorn made their way into later versions of Windows, including the Aero effect in Windows Vista.
The Desktop Composition research was worth it!Happy to give you the 1st ever look at the earliest “Aero” frames hidden in build 4020Big thanks to@evil_pro_for testing on real hardwareAt this point only the window icon and caption buttons use textures, the frame is a D3D meshpic.twitter.com/HA1nz9YxzlThe Desktop Composition research was worth it!Happy to give you the 1st ever look at the earliest “Aero” frames hidden in build 4020Big thanks to@evil_pro_for testing on real hardwareAt this point only the window icon and caption buttons use textures, the frame is a D3D meshpic.twitter.com/HA1nz9Yxzl— Albacore (@thebookisclosed)December 5, 2021December 5, 2021
The Aero blur effect used the graphics of a PC to render parts of the Windows interface. Microsoft has since taken a different approach to blurring elements of its operating system.Windows 11has a mica effect that uses fewer system resources because it only samples the desktop wallpaper once. This allows a PC to blur parts of the screen without having to continually sample whatever is behind an active window.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
