# How to dynamically resize windows in XP?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-dynamically-resize-windows-in-xp/218716>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [December 13, 2003, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-dynamically-resize-windows-in-xp/218716 "2003-12-13T02:33:38Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\
**Post date:** [December 13, 2003, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-dynamically-resize-windows-in-xp/218716/1 "2003-12-13T02:33:38Z")

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I got NT and W98 to dynamically resize windows, instead of just showing a gray outline while you are dragging, where the window was to be redrawn. I can’t figure out how to do it in XP. I tried looking for a folder option, or a display option, but to no avail. I have been through the help file, and have been through Microsoft’s knowledgebase, but I can’t find anything that applies. Anyone know how to access this option?

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**Author:** ![Taran](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/edb3f5/32.png) [@Taran](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Taran)\
**Post date:** [December 13, 2003, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-dynamically-resize-windows-in-xp/218716/2 "2003-12-13T02:39:20Z")

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My copy of XP Pro always installs that way by default (all three times I’ve installed it; being XP Pro it has other issues). I can’t find the option either though.

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**Author:** ![aerodave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f08c70/32.png) [@aerodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aerodave)\
**Post date:** [December 13, 2003, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-dynamically-resize-windows-in-xp/218716/3 "2003-12-13T03:04:42Z")

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Under **Display Properties** -\> **Appearance** -\> **Effects…** there is a check box labeled “Show window contents while dragging”

When I uncheck that box, it only shows the outline. When it’s checked (my default in XP Pro), the windows whow their contents when I resize, and when I move.

That would seem to be your answer.

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**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\
**Post date:** [December 13, 2003, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-dynamically-resize-windows-in-xp/218716/4 "2003-12-13T14:03:00Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by audilover \*  
> \*\*Under **Display Properties** -\> **Appearance** -\> **Effects…** there is a check box labeled “Show window contents while dragging” \*\*

Bless you.