Windows 8.1 - any suggestions on improving performance?

Dinarius · 09-06-2014 11:39am #1

I have a reasonably powerful desktop computer (Intel Core 2 Extreme CPU X9650 3.00GHZ) with 8Gb RAM which I only use for Photoshop and Lightroom. Everything else is done on a laptop next to it.

I don't whether it's the upgrade to 8.1 or what, but it's starting to run slower these days.

Any thoughts on how I might speed it up? Or a link to suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

D.

Overheal · 09-06-2014 11:48am

When was te last time you did just a clean wipe of the PC? Usually the most effective way to go about it if the installation is years old

solomafioso · 09-06-2014 11:58am

Performance and Maintenance tips from MS.

Dinarius · 09-06-2014 12:32pm

Thanks.

I also went into Settings/PC Info/Advanced/Settings/Performance/Visual Effects and changed this to 'Adjust for best performance'.

Also, in the Advanced tab, selected Adjust for best performance of programs.

Definitely faster now.

D.

solomafioso · 09-06-2014 1:13pm

Dinarius wrote: »

Thanks.

I also went into Settings/PC Info/Advanced System Settings/Performance Options/Visual Effects and changed this to 'Adjust for best performance'.

Also, in the Advanced tab, selected Adjust for best performance of programs.

Definitely faster now.

D.

I always do that with machines that have low spec or are just chugging along. Turns off the 'bells and whistles' that makes Windows look all shiny. Like window animations or transparency.

PropJoe10 · 09-06-2014 1:22pm

Running Malwarebytes and CCleaner is never a bad idea either. It'll clean up temporary files and scan for malware.

Dinarius · 09-06-2014 1:39pm

The difference between 'performance' over 'appearance' is alarming! It's like a new computer!

D.

Windows 8.1 - any suggestions on improving performance?

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