If you’re a Windows user and your computer feels sluggish, there might be a simple fix. One particular setting could be standing in the way of your computer’s speed.
When your computer starts to lag, it often points to the solid-state drive (SSD) being slow. The SSD is vital for your computer’s responsiveness. However, slow performance might also come from a hidden Windows setting, not just the SSD itself.
This setting could be why your computer is running slowly:
Modern SSDs have a temporary area called a cache that helps them save data quickly. When you save a file, it first goes to this cache before moving to slower permanent storage. This usually works well, but Windows treats file saving in one of two ways:
- **Quick Removal:** This focuses only on data saved after it hits permanent storage.
- **Better Performance:** This considers data saved as soon as it reaches the cache.
For large files, like movies, the difference might go unnoticed. But for smaller, frequent saves—like app updates or temporary files—this setting can slow everything down.
To change it, go to Device Manager, find Disk Drives, and right-click the drive you need. Click on Properties and then the Policies tab. From there, you can choose Better Performance, which can speed up your computer’s caching and overall performance.
While this change can help, it comes with risks. Quick Removal is there to prevent data loss if your computer loses power before it saves from the cache. As reported by MakeUseOf, switching to Better Performance makes this scenario more likely.
If you’re on a desktop, losing data is less of a concern. However, if you use a laptop that could run out of battery, think carefully before making this switch.
In summary, knowing this hidden setting can help your computer run smoother. Just weigh the benefits against the potential risks before you act!
