If you like the Windows Aero features, you'll be glad to know that the Flip 3D functionality introduced in Windows Vista still exists in Windows 7. Flip 3D is a fancy way to cycle through all of your open windows. It's similar to Alt + Tab but with a 3D flare.
By holding down the Alt key while pressing the Tab key, you can preview each of your open windows sequentially. However, by holding down the Windows key while pressing the Tab key, your open windows are presented in three dimensions. By continuing to press the Tab key you can rotate through the windows until the one you want is on top, at which time releasing the Windows key will make it the active window. If you don't want to cycle through all of your windows, simply clicking the one you want will make it active.
Since Windows 7 doesn't have an icon for Flip 3D (as Vista did), you can create your own shortcut to invoke it. Right-click on an open area of the desktop and select New | Shortcut from the resulting Context menu. For a shortcut location, type the following:
C:\Windows\System32\rundll32.exe dwmapi #105
Click the Next button and enter a name for your shortcut (perhaps "Flip"). Click Finish and you can now drag your new shortcut to the Taskbar. When you click it, Flip 3D activates. You can Tab your way through the windows as before or click the window you wish to work in.
This tip (12647) applies to Windows 7.
If you want granular control over all the devices on your system, getting familiar with the device manager is time well ...
Discover MoreAs your computer starts up, certain apps may be causing your system to run or startup slowly. A quick check of your ...
Discover MoreOne of the big new features of Windows 10 is the ability to create new virtual desktops. This tip tells you about them.
Discover MoreThere are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments