We described the Visual Effects in Windows XP in previous articles and most notably in the Windows XP Optimization Guide.  The minimize and maximize window animations take up quite a few resources and are for the most part useless.  To speed up performance, disable them!  You will notice the sluggishness in Vista float away.

The effect creates a noticeable and unnecessary delay when switching windows and other than being a cool effect, lends nothing to the user experience.

In Vista, click on the Start Orb and type in SystemPropertiesPerformance and hit Enter.

On the Visual Effects tab remove the check from Animate windows when minimizing and maximizing.

Click OK.

The Effect will be gone, and if you want to take a few extra steps as outlined in The Optimization Guide then you can disable most of the visual effects.  This will however reset your theme from Windows Vista or Windows XP to Custom.  You may have to reset your background and/or colours.

In XP, right-click My Computer and go to Properties.  Click on the Advanced Tab, and under Performance click on Settings.

Then remove the checkmarks.  Again you may need to reset your theme and desktop colours.

Tags | General, Windows Vista, Windows XP