If you own an older computer or just want to run a program that requires a lot of graphics and system resources, you can improve your machine's performance by reducing hardware acceleration or completely disabling it. On modern computers this possibility may no longer be available; however, it is very useful in the case of outdated systems.
Steps
Before starting
Step 1. Not all computers support this procedure
Most modern systems use Nvidia or AMD / ATI video cards that do not allow you to change the percentage of hardware acceleration used. Normally this feature is only available on older computers or systems that use an integrated video card on the motherboard.
- In order to change the hardware acceleration settings of these graphics cards, you need to access their control panel. You can do this by selecting an empty spot on the desktop with the right mouse button and then choosing the video card management software from the menu that appears.
- Hardware acceleration settings vary depending on the manufacturer and model of the video card in question. Normally these options are located in the configuration section of the "System Settings" or in the "Image Settings" section.
Method 1 of 2: Windows 7 and Windows 8
Step 1. Go to the "Start" menu and choose the "Control Panel" item
Step 2. Choose the "Personalization" option
Step 3. Select the "Display" link
Step 4. Click the "Change Display Settings" link, then locate and select the "Advanced Settings" item
Step 5. Access the tab
Troubleshooting.
- If the Troubleshoot tab is not present, it means that the video card installed on your computer does not support this Windows feature. Updating device drivers may be able to make this option available, but it is much more likely that you can change these settings directly from the video card control panel.
- To access the control panel of an Nvidia or AMD card, select an empty spot on the desktop with the right mouse button and choose the relevant item from the context menu that appears.
Step 6. Press the button
Change settings.
- If the Change Settings button is disabled, it means that the video card installed on your computer does not support this Windows feature. Updating device drivers may be able to make this option available, but it is much more likely that you can change these settings directly from the video card control panel.
- To access the control panel of an Nvidia or AMD card, select an empty spot on the desktop with the right mouse button and choose the relevant item from the context menu that appears.
Step 7. Change the "Hardware Acceleration" percentage according to your needs
To completely disable this feature, move the relative slider all the way to the left.
Step 8. When finished, to close the dialog, press the buttons successively
Apply And OK.
Step 9. Press the button again
OK to close the "Properties" window of the video card.
Step 10. Restart your computer for the new settings to take effect
Method 2 of 2: Windows Vista
Step 1. Press the "Start" button to access the menu of the same name
Step 2. Open the "Control Panel"
Step 3. Choose the "Appearance and Personalization" category
Step 4. Click the "Change Screen Resolution" link from the menu that appeared
Step 5. From the displayed "Screen Resolution" window, select the "Advanced Settings" link
Step 6. Access the tab
Troubleshooting of the window that appeared, relating to the properties of the monitor and the video card.
Step 7. Press the button
Change settings.
Step 8. The "User Account Control" window will be displayed, to continue press the button
Continues.
Step 9. Change the "Hardware Acceleration" percentage according to your needs
To completely disable this feature, move the relative slider all the way to the left.
Step 10. When done, press the button
OK and restart your computer for the new changes to take effect.
