Buzz
For newer computers with superior configurations, this may not be noticeable. However, for machines meeting just the minimum Windows 8 requirements, such as a 1GHz CPU, 1GB RAM, or slightly higher, the sluggish performance becomes more apparent. Depending on user needs, we can identify essential and non-essential processes. As regular users, optimizing certain features will make our computers smoother.
Guide to Optimizing Windows 8 Performance
1. Optimize in Folder Options.
Access This PC\View\Option. Follow the steps (1), (2) below.
In the View tab (1), we are interested in the following components in the Advanced settings area.
- Display file size information in folder tips: Display the file size information of items inside the folder when hovering the cursor over the folder.
- Hide empty drives: Conceal vacant drives on the computer.
- Show encrypted or compressed NTFS files in color: Display color for encrypted or compressed NTFS files.
- Show pop-up description for folder and desktop items: When hovering over any folder or file, it will show information like file type, folder modification date, and time.
Uncheck these components, after completion, press Apply and OK
2. Disable unnecessary services.
Press the key combination “Window + R,” enter Services.msc at (1), press Enter, or click OK (2).
In the Services window, locate the following components:
- Application Experience: Handles application session compatibility issues during installation into the system.
- Diagnostic Policy Service: Monitors and diagnoses services on the system.
- Distributed Link Tracking Client: Service tracking clients in renaming, moving linked files on the NTFS-formatted network system.
- IP Helper: Provides services related to IPv6.
- Offline Files: Feature to access files on the network even when not online.
- Print Spooler: Disabling this function will prevent document printing on the printer.
- Program Compatibility Assistant Service: Assists in detecting compatibility of programs, applications, older versions when installed on the computer.
- Portable Device Enumerator Service: Manages, plays, or synchronizes data with portable storage devices.
- Secondary Logon: Use this function only when the computer requires multiple different users.
- Security Center: Manages and notifies firewall settings, Virus programs, internet security, user account installation control, etc.
- Server: Supports printer sharing, data sharing within the network.
- TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper: Supports NetBIOS over TCP/IP for printer sharing, data sharing, etc.
- Windows Error Reporting Service: Service reporting issues when there is a malfunction or unresponsive program.
- Windows Image Acquisition: Provides services for working with Scanners, cameras.
- Windows Search: Provides services for file and email search for the computer.
Double-click on these components, in the Startup type section, select Manual(1). Then click Apply (2) and OK (3).
3. Disable unnecessary programs on Windows startup.
Right-click on the Taskbar, select Task Manager.
In the Startup tab (1), choose the unnecessary components during Windows startup, then select Disable (2).
4. Disable some virtualization features of the computer.
On the Desktop, right-click on This PC, select Properties.
Select Advanced system settings at this step.
On the Advanced tab (1), choose Settings… (2).
Under the Virtual Effects tab (1), uncheck the components in the area (2), then click Apply (3) and OK (4).
These components include:
Enhance controls and elements within windows.
Bring windows to life during minimizing and maximizing.
Add flair to the taskbar with animations.
Introduce elegance with fading or sliding menus.
Bring ToolTips into view with style.
Eliminate menu items gracefully after clicking.
Preserve taskbar thumbnail previews.
Cast shadows under the mouse pointer.
Create shadows beneath windows.
Implement a sleek translucent selection rectangle.
Display Window contents while dragging.
Gracefully slide open combo boxes.
Windows in various versions are crafted for a diverse user base, from developers and designers to everyday users. Depending on user preferences, components are added or removed to optimize performance for Windows 8. The mentioned changes are aimed at the majority of users to enhance the operational efficiency of Windows 8.
Above are the steps to optimize performance on Windows 8. As for Windows 10, optimizing it with the VMware OS Optimization Tool will help accelerate processing speed for your computer running the Windows 10 operating system. Using VMware OS Optimization Tool improves your work and entertainment experience.
