Technology Tips – Published May 2022 in the Guide and Digest
By Don Trauger – Kennett
Optimizing Windows 10/11
Window’s computer performance can be improved by making adjustments to its operating system. This can be started by opening the Control Panel and clicking on Power Options.
Type control in the Type here to search box. In the window that opens, click the Control Panel. Change the view of the Control Panel by clicking Category next to View by: at the upper right and choose Large icons. This change displays all of the items in the Control panel. Click Power Options to get started.
- 1. First, change your power plan to High performance. If you don’t see it, click Show additional plans then choose it.
- Open Settings, click System, then click Notifications & actions. Uncheck all 6 items.
- In Settings, click Personalization. Click Colors. Turn off Transparency effects.
- In Settings, click Gaming, then click Xbox Game Bar and turn it off. Also turn off Game Mode. Perform both modes if you are not a serious gamer.
- Improve computer response by turning off search indexing. Type services. MSc in the Type here to search box. Click Services. Scroll down to Windows search and right click it, then click Properties. Across from Startup type choose Disabled by clicking the down arrow. OK the window.
- 6. Perform regular system maintenance every 30 days. Refer to: https://hersheysmill.org/resources/technology/computer-performance-maintenance-tips/free-wise-disk-cleaner-and-registry-cleaner-programs-mar-2022/
- Type sysdm.cpl in the Search box then click sysdm.cpl in right side of the window. In the pop-up window click the Advanced tab, then under Performance click the Settings button. Choose Adjust for best performance, then OK the window. This will help improve performance particularly in the graphics area of the computer.
- Lastly, disable startup programs. These programs are unnecessary to load or run at startup. Each one robs memory and slows bootup speed. To view startup programs right click a blank area of the Task bar. That’s the bar that’s usually at the bottom of the screen. Next, click on Task Manager. Click on More details at lower left. In the opening window click the Startup tab and you will see all the programs listed that can start at boot up. Right click the ones that are not needed at startup and click Disable. If you need an explanation about what a program does, right click it and click Search online. Leave your anti-virus program Enabled along with the Windows Security notification icon.
These 8 tasks should provide a boost in performance without any negative side effects.