Disable Windows 10's Window Animations to Boost Responsiveness

Microsoft added a slew of animations to Windows 10 to make it run faster and more smoothly for end users. A lovely touch, unless you're using an ancient computer with a rotating hard disc. It's unpleasant to wait for an animation to finish on PCs that don't need it, especially if you're using Windows. Here's how to turn off Windows 10's window animations if you're sick of waiting for things like the Start menu or windows to appear and disappear.

Why Deactivate Animations?

Animation slows down a system significantly when compared to a system without animation. Start menu tiles take a long time to animate when you first access them. New programs and taskbar minimize are both examples of this. Fortunately, disabling any of these transitions is a simple process.

Stopping Windows 10 Animations

Animations in Windows 10 are wonderful, but they're not enough. The faded windows are truly a visual treat. However, if they slow down your computer to a snail's pace, they will cause additional problems. Everyone dreads having a computer that is too sluggish. Windows 10 is not Microsoft's first operating system to integrate animation, even though Windows 10's user experience has been deemed superior by many due to the addition of features like the Fluent Design System.

The addition of animations may certainly improve the look and feel, but on older or less powerful devices, they may slow things down. Users may have to wait a few seconds for the animations to do their work, which is a nuisance. The best course of action here is just to get rid of them.

For the most part, this isn't a difficult task to do. Additional speed gains can be gained by disabling animations, even if your computer or laptop isn't sluggish by your standards.

How to Stop Windows 10 Animations from Playing

Let's see how to deactivate animations in Windows 10 without further ado.

1. This is done by clicking the gear symbol directly above the Start button on your computer's bottom-left corner. Open the Windows Settings window by clicking on this button.
2. You'll be presented with a list of alternatives; pick Ease of Access.
3. The Display window should appear after that. The Simplify and customize Windows area is where you'll find it. For further information, see the picture.
4. There are three alternatives after the fourth step of the process. Windows has an option to turn off animations. You may also turn off the other two choices to give your PC an even bigger performance increase.

Advanced Method: Disable Windows 10 Animations

Animation parameters may be easily controlled using the approach outlined above. Then here's how you can do it with more complex modifications:

1. Type "advanced system settings" after tapping the Windows symbol on your keyboard.
2. In the Performance section of the Advanced tab, click on the Setting box.
3. When you click on it, a new window will open up. Under the Custom choices section, you'll see four radio buttons and a slew of checkboxes that you may choose from. The picture is seen below.
4. To disable animations, uncheck "Animate controls and components inside windows," "Animate windows while reducing and maximising," and "Animations in the taskbar."
5. Additional checkboxes may be found here. Unchecking them will have the same effect as unchecking the boxes previously. On a side note, you may quickly select the desired effects by clicking on one of the radio buttons at the top.
6. To put the changed setting into effect, click OK or Apply. You can close the window by pressing Apply. As a result, you have the option of experimenting with different display effects by turning them on and off. You won't have any trouble deciphering the alternatives because they are self-explanatory.
7. Now that the UI has been streamlined, you may use it. The modification takes effect immediately without needing a reload of the system.

Eventually, you'll notice that the window minimization and maximization animations are gone. For example, animated controls and components in select programs and the Start menu are also included. Changes are made to the taskbar as well. People who use PCs with older technology and often close and reopen windows will likely like the change since the GPU won't have to work as hard.

Is Disabling Windows 10 Animations Worthwhile?

Initially, you may find it a little awkward, but it will soon become second nature. The two ways above will have little to no effect if you have a PC with a competent graphics card, RAM, and storage. However, if you have an older machine, the trade-off is worth it.

However, some users may want to preserve the animations even if they slow down the system. For accessibility reasons, animations may assist users in better understanding screen changes. After some time without animations, if you think there is no difference between the two options, you may as well switch them back on for a better visual experience.