Transparency effects not working - is computer too old?

[ExTxL]

I'm trying to get transparency effects in Windows 11. I have tried and/or enabled the following recommendations I've found online:

1. Settings > Personalization > Colors > Transparency Effects
2. Settings > Accessibility > Visual Effects > Transparency Effects
3. HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize\EnableTransparency = 1
4. HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\UseOLEDTaskbarTransparency = 1
5. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Dwm\ForceEffectMode = 1

Yet everything (e.g. taskbar, windows apps like Calculator, etc.) remain 100% opacity. (note: I can get transparency for the Terminal app, but it has its own settings for that).

Because of this, I'm wondering whether my hardware is just too old to support transparency. Below are the relevant system specs I can think of. Feel free to request more info...
OS: Win 11 Home
Windows build: 22000.2124
CPU: Intel i5-4210U
RAM: 12 GB
SSD: 1 TB
GPU chip: Intel HD Graphics Family
GPU type: Integrated
GPU Adapter string: Intel HD Graphics 4400
GPU Adapter RAM: 1 GB
Total available graphics memory: 2176 MB
Dedicated VRAM: 128 MB
Shared System RAM: 2048 MB
Graphics driver version: 20.19.15.4549 ("up to date")
Installed Drivers: igdumdim64.dll,igd10iumd64.dll,igd10iumd64.dll,igd12umd64.dll
DirectX version: DirectX 12
DirectDraw Acceleration: yes
Direct3D Acceleration: yes
AGP Texture Acceleration: yes
DirectX 12 Ultimate: no
Direct3D DDI: 12

Can any hardware-savvy person advise whether it looks like the age of my system is what's preventing transparency from working? Or is the hardware fine, and I should keep looking for other solutions?

Thanks!

 

[rgd1101]

windows activated ?

and yes. that like decade old

 

[ExTxL]

windows activated ?

You mean is my Windows 11 Home installation activated? Yes.

that like decade old

My computer is 9 years young, thank you 😉

In all seriousness, though, it was able to install Win 11 and it cold boots in like 6 seconds. It has no problem running Adobe CC Photoshop and Premiere, Autodesk Meshmixer, Android Studio, WSL/WSA... So if it specifically cannot handle some basic transparency effects, I'd honestly be quite surprised.

 

[hotaru.hino]

Considering you're running Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, I would attribute any issues to this or Windows doing its thing of telling you you're running it on unsupported hardware.

 

[ExTxL]

Ok true, win 11 isn't officially supported, but it doesn't really answer the question. Win 11 transparency effects are the same as Win 10 transparency effects, and that OS was supported. I'm hoping someone might be able to say, "Oh you have 128 MB of VRAM, the problem is windows transparency requires at least 129 MB" or something like that, to be able to definitely say why it won't work. Because otherwise, for all I know it could just be a software conflict.

 

[rgd1101]

what gpu driver? did intel have windows 11 for that hd 4400?

 

[ExTxL]

I believe I put the gpu driver as Intel HD Graphics Family (at least, that's what it says in device manager).

did intel have windows 11 for that hd 4400

I assume not, otherwise it would've been included in Windows Update, or found when I click "Search automatically for drivers," right?

 

[stonecarver]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9Kkx2wM73Y

 

[rgd1101]

List of Drivers for Intel® Graphics

This page lists Intel® Graphics drivers for Intel® Graphics products.

www.intel.com

look like 10 was the last wddm

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

What power plan are you using, Use high. Might help.

 

[ExTxL]

What power plan are you using, Use high. Might help.

Yes, power plan is on high. Good thought, though.

List of Drivers for Intel® Graphics

This page lists Intel® Graphics drivers for Intel® Graphics products.

www.intel.com

look like 10 was the last wddm

I've tried using driver versions...
20.19.15.5171 (dated 2020, so the most recent)
20.19.15.4549 (dated 2016, but for some reason v5171 will update to this with the "Update driver" button)
15.40.48.5171 (dated 2021, but per Intel naming documentation, is identical to 20.19.15.5171)
15.40.38.4963 (dated 2018)
Microsoft Basic Display Adapter (not Intel. no date or version number)

So yeah, I guess Win 10 was the last officially supported OS, but as noted earlier, the transparency effects feature is identical between Win 10 and Win 11.