Windows Peek Preview Animation Registry Setting

This guide provides a straightforward overview of the Windows Registry setting responsible for enabling or disabling the desktop Window Peek (Aero Peek) preview animations. By modifying specific DWORD values in the Registry Editor (regedit), users and system administrators can customize desktop preview behavior, disable hover animations, or force the feature on across individual user profiles.

The Primary Registry Setting for Window Peek

The Windows Peek preview feature is primarily managed through the Desktop Window Manager (DWM) configuration within the current user profile.

• Registry Path:
  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\DWM
• Value Name:
  EnableAeroPeek
• Value Type:
  REG_DWORD (32-bit Value)
• Value Data:
  • 1 = Enabled (Default: Shows desktop and window peek preview animations when hovering over taskbar thumbnails or the “Show Desktop” button).
  • 0 = Disabled (Turns off peek preview animations).

Step-by-Step Instructions to Modify the Setting

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

2. In the navigation bar or left sidebar, navigate to:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\DWM

3. Look for the EnableAeroPeek value in the right pane:

   • If it exists, double-click it and set its value to 1 (to enable) or 0 (to disable).
   • If it does not exist, right-click an empty area in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, name it EnableAeroPeek, and assign the desired value.

4. Click OK to save the changes.

5. Restart Windows Explorer via Task Manager or restart the computer for the changes to take effect.

Alternative Policy-Level Setting

For system-wide enforcement via registry policy:

• Registry Path:
  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DWM
• Value Name:
  DisallowAeroPeek
• Value Type:
  REG_DWORD (32-bit Value)
• Value Data:
  • 1 = Disallows and locks the Peek feature.
  • 0 = Allows the Peek feature to function normally.