How To Make Window Look More Modern

Question

I have created a simple window using the Win32 API with C++. The window shows up fine, however, there is no styling to it and thus all the buttons and such on the window appear in the Windows 95/Me Style as oppose to the modern windows 7 look. So, how can I get this modern look?

I have tried using the xml ways stated in this (http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/bb773175%28v=vs.85%29.aspx) microsoft documentation but the program does not compile. I believe this to be because I am using the MinGW compiler as oppose to the VC++ compiler but I could be wrong. In addition, I am now trying the SetWindowTheme function but I am unsure as to how this works and how to include.

Some Notes that may be causing the issue:

• I am not using any IDE, Just a MakeFile
• I am using the MinGW Compiler

Answer 1

The manifest file must be incorporated as a resource in your executable. That's something VS does almost automatically for you; it is possible to do with MinGW too, it's just a little more convoluted. Take a look at this tutorial, in the section "Enabling Visual Styles".

Although the tutorial shows a winxp look, don't worry; once visual styles are enabled, they'll show up as the native theme of your machine.