How to Turn Off Windows Vista Visual Effects to Speed Your System

High graphics can drain system resources.

Windows Vista comes with impressive visual effects, such as the transparent glass look. However, these effects can drain system resources and slow your computer. You can control approximately 20 of these effects, and disabling some will speed your system. You can turn off the features one at a time, or you can turn off many at once.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button and then "Control Panel." Click "System and Maintenance" and then click "Performance Information and Tools."

2. Click "Adjust visual effects" in the left pane. Enter an administrator password or give confirmation if you are prompted to do so.

3. Click the "Visual Effects" tab and then click next to "Adjust for best performance." Click "OK."

Tips & Warnings

• Select "Let Windows Choose What's Best for My Computer" if you want a less extreme option.

• Click "Custom" and choose what you want to turn on and off if you don't like the results of the other two options.

References

• Microsoft Windows: Optimize Windows Vista for Better Performance