Windows 7 Performance Tweaks

Windows 7 looks and feels much better than all previous versions of Windows (although we still like XP much). Yet it can still be tweaked and made much faster. As in previous Windows versions, you can disable the visual effects for maximum benefit.

1. Go to System Properties (press Windows + Pause / Break keys),

2. Select Advanced

3. Then press the Settings button under Performance

4. A new window opens

5. Select Adjust for best performance radio button

If you do not like the minimalist look, select the Custom radio button, disable the effects you do not need, and let the effects you want.

Another thing you can do is to customize folder and search options:

1. Open Windows Explorer

2. Go to Organize - Folder and Search Options

3. Disable the following:

* Hide file extensions for known file types

* Show popup description for folder and desktop items

* Display file size information in folder tips

* Show encrypted or compressed NTFS files in color

Another good thing to do would be to run Auslogics Service Manager, which is part of Boost Speed, and check which services can be safely disabled. Running some services can take a lot of disk space, and it is a shame, especially if you never use these services.

One more thing that can save you a lot of time is to adjust UAC settings. UAC in Windows 7 is not nearly as annoying as in Vista (do not get me wrong, it is a good feature in theory - just too annoying in daily life!). So if you want to change something:

1. Sign UAC in the Start menu search box and hit Enter

2. Click on the result, and you will be taken to UAC settings

3. Now you can adjust the settings to your taste - I prefer to have the opposite never communicate, as it is a good combination of not being constantly annoyed and security.