Windows Basic


 *  This article is about the Windows Basic theme used on Windows Vista and 7. For the Windows Basic theme on Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2, see Aero Lite.

Windows Basic is the main theme on Windows Vista and Windows 7 Starter edition (where Windows Aero does not exist). It also may be used when the Aero theme is not working or to provide compatibility with older programs. The Basic theme can also be used on Windows 8/8.1 when  is not running. This theme is also present in Windows 8/8.1/10/11's Preinstallation Environment and MDI child windows. The theme is also available in Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2, as a part of the optional "Desktop Experience" feature.