How to optimize Windows 8 on old hardware - bunchtheepost
Microsoft has made a manoeuvre of advertising the public presentation enhancements and optimizations being successful to Windows 8. Although Windows 7 was well received and typically offered better performance and constancy than its overmuch-maligned predecessor, Windows Vista, Microsoft had some loftier goals in bear in mind for the jump to Windows 8.
Although it's too early to confirm that Microsoft has achieved all of their goals, it appears they'Re connected the right hand track. Windows 8 has mostly been an improvement over Windows 7 on the few systems we've installed the RTM release on: they boot up and shut down feather quicker, for example, and overall execution seems faster. This makes sense, because the new OS is built in addition and shut down faster than late editions, use less retentiveness and disk space, consume fewer combined processor and GPU resources, and accommodate a wider range of devices and shield sizes.
The Windows 8 Indian file manager, task manager, and symmetric the frame-up serve itself has been optimized; the last goal for these improvements is to raise performance and minimize resource consumption, which in turn would lower power consumption and possibly improve battery life on laptops, tablets and other mobile devices. So while information technology's not terribly expensive to build a new Personal computer tuned for Windows 8 (check stunned our conduct to building a speedy Windows 8 PC for nether $500) you power want to try installing it on your old PC first and implementing a few of the tricks and tweaks we've learned from examination Microsoft's latest operating system.
While Windows 8 is designed to be installed on cutting adjoin engineering, it was also engineered to work well on lower-performing hardware. In fact, Windows 8's system requirements are barely any high than Windows Vista's, which was released almost six years ago.
Reported to Microsoft, Windowpane 8's hardware requirements are:
- Processor: 1 gigahertz (Gigacycle) OR faster
- RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) (32-bit) or 2 Sarin (64-bit)
- Disk space: 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 Gi (64-bit)
- Graphics board: Microsoft DirectX 9 nontextual matter device with WDDM number one wood
If you'd like to take advantage of whatsoever of Windows 8's ancillary features and capabilities, these additional items wish also beryllium required:
- To use impact, you'll need a lozenge OR a monitor that supports multi-ghost.
- To get at the Windows Store to download and run apps, you need an active Internet connection and a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768.
- To snap apps, you need a screen resolution of leastways 1366 x 768.
- Internet access (ISP fees might apply)
With that said, Windows 8 should still set u and run on extraordinary systems that don't meet these requirements. To test that theory we installed it on an ancient Asus Eee PC 900, which is powered by a lowly, single-core Intel Celeron M 900MHz CPU and paltry integrated Intel 915GM nontextual matter. The Eee PC 900 system had been updated with 2GB of memory and a 64GB solid state force, though.
ASUS A you probably distrust, Windows 8's performance isn't prima on a simple machine with such measly specifications, but the OS was astonishingly smooth. Information technology wasn't until the system was taxed with a fistful of functioning applications and multiple open browser Windows that things significantly slowed. We managed to rectify the situation with some tweaking and streamlining, and now we know enough to show you how you can optimize Windows 8 on an older PC.
New Operating system, new issues
Before we dive into the real Windows 8 tweaks we ready-made to our humiliated-end Eee PC, we should citation that information technology is passing common (and make bold we say prospective) that any new operational system will have its fair share of bugs. In and of itself, information technology is paramount that users looking to transmigrate and get the nearly out of Windows 8 download the latest patches for their software and install the latest drivers for their hardware.
Although nearly any component operating theater device that kit and boodle with Windows 7 should also work with Windows 8, in that location are low-level differences between the operating systems that could affect compatibility, constancy, and performance. Keeping the Atomic number 76 patched and using the latest drivers available for Windows 8 will help see optimal performance and stability, indeed run Microsoft Update and seek outgoing whatsoever new drivers available for your components like a sho.
Don't rely on Microsoft
Microsoft may have made zealous strides in recent years to improve the dependability and carrying into action of Windows, and the company does include some useful tools to help users maintain their systems, only on that point is always room for improvement. Many another discharged third base-company applications are more comprehensive and offer up additive features than Microsoft's built-in tools and the adaptive nature of a few of Windows' features have resources and can affect the substance abuser experience connected slower hardware. Because of this, IT's often beneficial to replace or augment some of the tools built into Windows 8 and manually specify some settings to prevent the Osmium from having to manage them happening the fly.
If you have a hard drive, the first thing we'd urge is replacement Windows 8's built-in disk defragmenter (coif not use a disk defragmenter on a solid state drive). Windows 8's built-in defrag substitute isn't bad, but there are a few free solutions out there that are much major. Defraggler, available for download at piriform.com, is a free replacement for Windows' coordinated disk defragmenter, and (because IT does a more thorough Job analyzing and remedying file fragments) drives defragmented with Defraggler can theoretically offer better performance. The real-world carrying into action differences will be miniscule, but on experient ironware every little bit counts. We'd suggest downloading and installing Defraggler immediately after installing the OS. Do a Disk Cleanup spot to unrestrained up some space, update the OS, and then run Defraggler to ensure the majority of the OS' files are contiguous and that they are placed along the quickest set off of your hard push back.
Another free tool available at piriform.com, CCleaner, can also get in handy when optimizing a system. Not only does CCleaner do a good job of augmenting Windows' built-in Record Killing utility to better clear out junk files and recover disc space, only IT has easy-to-use options for cleaning down startup items too. On a fresh installation of Windows 8, the removal of unnecessary inauguration items is less noteworthy, but if you're upgrading a organisation that's already running an elder version of Windows, all of the junk that's polluted the original Bone testament migrate to the Windows 8 upgrade, so all of the unnecessary junk should be cleaned out.
Hera's what we did for our aging Asus Eee PC: First, install Windows 8 to a saucily formatted movement. Next, update the OS and install any patches and drivers available from Microsoft Update. Check the websites of your leading component manufacturers (your graphics card, monitor, etc.) and install the stylish drivers, then download and install CCleaner from Piriform's web site (mentioned earlier). If you're using a standardized hard drive (not an SSD), you should also download and set u Defraggler. Finally, run Windows' built-in Disk Cleanup position tool and CCleaner. If you have a baffling drive run Defraggler and defrag the disk for optimum performance; we didn't need to do this since our eeePC is forthwith functioning an SSD.
Stimulate some changes
After installing the OS and cleaning up some detritus leftover from the installation and update procedures, we move on to tweaking some of Windows 8's settings to better suit our aged PC. Our first discontinue was the Advanced Organisation Settings menu, where we can alter the Atomic number 76' virtual memory settings and visual options.To father to the Advanced System Settings in Windows 8, alternate to Desktop mode, click the Libraries shortcut in the taskbar, and and so rightmost-click on Computer. In the resulting context menu, select Properties, and the System control panel will open. Click on Sophisticated System Settings in the left pane of the windowpane and the System Properties instrument panel wish open. Click on the Advanced lozenge, and then click on the Settings button in the Performance segment at the top to open the Performance Options control panel. Once open, click on the Seeable Personal effects yellow journalism at the top and then tick the "Adjust For Best Performance" option and come to Apply. If thither is a particular optical effect you'd prefer to parting enabled, you fire individually select information technology here, only the much options that are unfit the advisable your PC's performance wish be.
While the Performance Options instrument panel is withal open, click on the Advanced tablet at the overstep and on the sequent menu click connected the Interchange button in the Virtual Memory section.
At that place's heaps of contend as to how to best configure Windows' paging lodge, but unless you consistently run heaps of applications a break awa out of strong-arm and virtual storage, Microsoft's advisable pagination file size should be fine. The recommended size of the paging file is going to vary based connected how much memory is installed in your organisation; in our Eee PC, which had 2GB of Pound, the recommended size for the paging file was 2039MB. By default option, Windows volition start with a littler paging register and scale it up along the fly if necessary. Away manually specifying the paging register size, Windows will no thirster deliver to dynamically manage the file and the recommended amount will always be available.
To specify the paging file size in Windows 8, take the Custom Size: radio release in the midst of the Virtual Memory control panel so input the recommended paging file size in megabytes (listed at the bottom of the windowpane) in some the Initial Size and Maximal Size up fields. Then clack the Countersink button, chink OK, and the click Okey to snug the Performance Options window. Click OK in the System Properties window besides, then restart the computer if necessary. However, as noted earlier, you actually don't have got to DO this.
Disable superfluous items
To encourage optimize Windows 8 on older computer hardware, we recommend disabling as many unnecessary startup items and services as possible, disqualifying any unaccustomed hardware, and turning off any inessential Live Tiles.
Turning off Live Tiles couldn't be whatever easier. Connected the Start Screen, simply starboard-click on any Live Roofing tile and select the option to turn of events it disconnected. By default, Windows 8 launches with the Sports, Travel, Finance, News, Post, Bing and Weather live tiles all active. If there are any you can live without, disable them to prevent Windows 8 from perpetually fetching data and updating them.
At that place probably aren't more hardware components that seat represent disabled, but by doing so Windows bequeath iron boot faster and with more for sale memory because the component's driver won't make up initialized. On that point are two ways of disabling hardware—via the system BIOS operating theatre in Twist Manager. The BIOS method is pet because the component part won't even be recognized by Windows, which will prevent its drivers from loading at all. The exact procedure is departure to vary from system to organisation, but typically you'll have to press F2 or DEL when your organization is first powered up to enter the BIOS and then navigate to the Integrated Peripherals section where items sack then be disabled. To disable hardware components via Device Manager, shift to Desktop mode; click the Libraries shortcut in the taskbar, and then right-click on Computer. In the resulting context menu, select Properties, and in the System control panel click along Twist Manger. When the Device Trough windowpane opens, click on whatever arrow close to a ironware group to expand the leaning, and the right-chatter on an item you'd like to disable and quality Invalid from the context of use menu. Along our system, we disabled the wired network controller since we were using Wi-Fi and also a Bluetooth controller. Many systems still have BIOS entries for nonparallel ports (RS-232); this backside usually make up disabled as well.
To disable unnecessary inauguration items, we'd again recommend using CCleaner. Windows 8's built-in configuration utility (msconfig) will workplace besides, simply CCleaner's startup menu is to a greater extent super, expandable, and easier to navigate. CCleaner also has the added benefit of being capable to list add-ons launching with Internet Explorer, should you want to straighten the browser too.
On a fresh Windows 8 installing, there won't be many startup items to consider. Afterwards an upgrade from a old edition of Windows, or after installing a myriad of applications, however, there will in all likelihood embody many items that can be eliminated. To disable unnecessary inauguration items, launch CCleaner, then penetrate on the Tools button on the left side of the program's menu, and then click on the Startup push. On the Startup menu, click on the Windows check, and all program that launches with Windows will comprise listed. Delete any inessential items, which usually means everything except for anti-computer virus/opposing-malware tools and whatever utilities you use regularly. Any "supporter" surgery "belt along catapult" apps can probably exist disabled. If you'Ra unsure, Google the name of the broadcast to see what it does and if it is essential.
At that place are multiple ways to disable services in Windows 8, but victimisation the System Configuration public utility company (aka msconfig) seems to be the most foolproof and least confusing. To launch the System Form utility, press the WIN+R key combining, type msconfig in the run field and hit the Enter key. When the utility opens, click on the Services tab and then tick the option at the lower left labeled "Skin altogether Microsoft Services." What you'll be left with is a name of services installed with any application or drivers that were installed on the system.
You shouldn't start disabling all services willy-nilly, but chances are many application-specific services can be safely disabled. On our machine, even though we started with a clean OS and installed but few applications, we were still able to disable four services, three associated with Google software updates and other associated with Adobe Proofreader. In that respect English hawthorn too atomic number 4 a couple of Microsoft services that can be hors de combat, like the Theme service of process or the Touch Keyboard military service (if you don't have a touch-concealment), but tread lightly here; if you're not certain a service force out be disabled, leave it alone.
Eliminate annoying UAC notifications
This recommendation may put option off PC veterans WHO manage multiple systems for other, less savvy users; if you are tweaking your personal Personal computer, however, it shouldn't be an issue. Every sentence a UAC (User Account Restraint) warning pops up, not only does it pause the system and compel a chink, but the dissuasive and screen dimming effect keister take an eternity on older hardware. Eliminating UAC notifications entirely can significantly boost the performance of Windows 8 on aging hardware; to minimize the number of pop-ups while still having some level of additional aegis, you terminate also just reduce the UAC notification level.
To do so, chute out the Windows 8 charms by placing your sneak away cursor in either the upper- or lower-right corner of the screen and click on the Look for icon. Then highlight Settings in the Search panel and type UAC into the search field. "Change User Account Ascendancy settings" will appear in the left superman, click it, and the UAC Settings window will open. Simply drag the slider down i notch so Windows 8 will no thirster dim the screen and will only notify you when an app tested to make changes to the system. Dragging the slider every the way to the bottom will disable all notifications, which is not recommended unless you're a PC power user who is happy to take the risk.
Results
We collected some data on how these tricks affected our aging Asus Eee PC running Windows 8, and hither's what we came heavenward with: immediately following a fresh installation (and fully patching the OS via Microsoft Update), Windows 8 would launch with 34 running processes, consume 30% (.6MB) of available memory, and use 9.72GB on the disk in our fussy motorcar. After run Disk Cleanup and CCleaner, 9.52GB of harrow space was used. After disabling whatever unneeded inauguration items, optical options, services, and computer hardware, running processes were reduced to the 33 and the used memory born to solely 20% (.4MB). Anecdotally, the PC seemed to perform typical tasks faster (porta and closing applications, moving files, etc.) and navigating the Windows 8 interface seemed to be more than smoother.
The changes we outline here probably aren't going to affect any bench mark lots, but they will result in a snappier arrangement with more available memory and resources, which is just what's necessary to hug around additional life out of an aging PC. Strain IT out connected your ironware and let U.S.A know how it goes; if you've got some tweaks of your own to optimize Windows 8, we'd love to hear them in the comments section beneath.
Musical note: When you buy something afterward clicking links in our articles, we may earn a half-size commission. Read our affiliate link policy for more than details.
Source: https://www.pcworld.com/article/461637/how-to-optimize-windows-8-on-old-hardware.html
Posted by: bunchtheepost.blogspot.com
0 Response to "How to optimize Windows 8 on old hardware - bunchtheepost"
Post a Comment