10 ways to improve the performance of your Windows 8 PC

There is no doubt that Windows 8 is the new and improved “version 2.0” of Windows 7. However, if you have recently upgraded to Windows 8, there’s a chance you’ll find some performance issues along the way. These are 10 ways in which you can improve the performance of Windows 8 without sacrificing any other part of the experience.

1. Turn Off Visual Effects

Navigate to the Advanced System Settings by searching for it via the Start Screen Search. Choose “View advanced system settings” under Settings and then select the Advanced tab. Finally, choose Settings under Performance. Here you can pick and choose what visual effects your machine uses.

2. Turn Off Search Indexing

Constant search indexing can also strain the computer. Turn it off by typing “services.msc” into a Run command prompt and find the Windows Search entry. Choose “Disabled” as its Startup Type.

3. Change Power Settings

Search for “Power options” via Windows Search and select it from the results. Be sure that “High Performance” is selected to ensure that your computer is working to give you best experience possible.

4. Schedule Weekly Defragmenting

This tip is good for those who work lots with files. Search “defrag” with Windows Search and select it. In the opened window, check “Run on a schedule” and choose “Weekly” from the frequency box. Select “OK” to save changes.

5. Use Windows Defender

Windows Defender is free software that comes with Windows 8. Be sure to use it for preventing and protecting against online threats!

6. Perform a Disk Cleanup

The built-in disk cleanup tool is specifically designed to help keep your computer running smoothly. Use it periodically to keep your disk spic and span.

7. Improve Startup Time with the System Configuration Tool

Open the “Run” command prompt and type “msconfig” into the box. There you can disable running Services and even select what programs you want to run when the computer powers on.

8. Analyze Processes to Find the Culprits of Speed Bottlenecks

To find out what’s slowing your computer down, press Ctrl+Alt+Del to see a list of your processes and how much memory they’re consuming. Sort by “memory” to find out what’s causing a strain to your computer.

9. Enable Fast Startup

Fast Startup is a new feature in Windows 8 that helps the computer boot up quickly after a full shutdown. Ensure that this is enabled.

10. Close Metro Apps

Multi-tasking can hog resources like nothing else in Windows 8. Keep your Metro app multi-tasking area clean and empty to ensure utmost performance.

All these should help you increase the performance of your windows 8 PC. Do let us know your feedback !!