Windows Vista · How-To

HOW-TO: Change the window border size in Windows Vista

Kristan Kenney · · Restored archive post · Edited by Muhd Radhi Wahab
Restored from the windows-now.com archive. This guide was originally published by Kristan Kenney on 4 June 2007. It is reproduced faithfully for its historical and reference value, with the original author and date credited. If you are the author and would like this amended or removed, contact us.
Doing this on Windows 11?

This is the original archived post. For the current, step-by-step way on today's Windows, see our up-to-date guide: How to Change Title Bar and Accent Colours in Windows 11.

If you are using the Windows Vista Basic theme you have probably noticed that the window borders are rather thick, and may even look slightly unattractive (this depends on your preferences of course). Here's how you can make that window border smaller to clean things up a bit:

  • Right click on the desktop and click on "Personalization".
  • Click on Window Color and Appearance.
  • In the Appearance Settings window select "Windows Vista Basic" from the color scheme list.
  • Click on the "Advanced..." button.
  • Under "Item" click on the drop-down list and click on "Border Padding".
  • In the "Size" box set it to 0, 1 or 2
  • Click OK to dismiss the "Advanced Appearance" dialog, and then click OK again to dismiss the "Appearance Settings" dialog.

If you are using Windows Aero, you can still make the window border smaller but it requires two extra steps.

  • Right click on the desktop and click on "Personalization".
  • Click on Window Color and Appearance.
  • Click on "Open classic appearance properties for more color options".
  • In the Appearance Settings window select "Windows Aero" from the color scheme list.
  • Click on the "Advanced..." button.
  • Under "Item" click on the drop-down list and click on "Border Padding".
  • In the "Size" box set it to 0, 1 or 2
  • Click OK to dismiss the "Advanced Appearance" dialog, and then click OK again to dismiss the "Appearance Settings" dialog.
  • Click OK in the "Window Color and Appearance" window to apply the settings and then close the Control Panel window.

Frequently asked

How do I make the window borders smaller in the Windows Vista Basic theme?

Right click the desktop and choose Personalization, then Window Color and Appearance. Select "Windows Vista Basic" from the color scheme list, click Advanced, choose "Border Padding" under Item, and set the Size box to 0, 1 or 2. Click OK to close both dialogs.

Can I reduce the window border size while using Windows Aero?

Yes, but it takes two extra steps. Open Personalization, then Window Color and Appearance, then "Open classic appearance properties for more color options". Select "Windows Aero", click Advanced, choose "Border Padding", and set the Size to 0, 1 or 2. Click OK through the dialogs and then OK in the Window Color and Appearance window to apply.