Visual effects: best performance

Turns off window, menu and list animations, fades and shadows (keeps font smoothing and thumbnails).

SafePerformanceRecommendedModerate evidenceSign out

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What it changes

Animate controls and elements inside windows: off
Animate windows when minimizing and maximizing: off
Fade or slide menus: off
Fade or slide tooltips: off
Slide open combo boxes: off
Smooth-scroll list boxes: off
Fade out menu items after clicking: off
Shadow under mouse pointer: off
Shadows under windows: off
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\TaskbarAnimations = 0
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\DWM\EnableAeroPeek = 0
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VisualEffects\VisualFXSetting = 3

Before anything is written, the review screen shows this setting's current value on your PC next to the new one.

Why it helps

Windows feels snappier, especially on older or integrated GPUs. It does not change in-game frame rates.

Trade-offs

Windows looks plainer. Fully reversible.

Evidence

Moderate evidenceExpected impact:Small

Moderate evidence means: helps in specific situations. Expected impact is small (1 of 3): how much it can matter when this is actually the bottleneck on your PC, not a promised gain.

Is it in a pack?

Yes. It's in the Gaming performance pack, so that pack and Optimize everything include it. You can still untick it in the review screen.

How to undo

Switch the tweak off in Nexus, or open Restore Center and restore this change (or choose Undo last change). Nexus writes back the original value it recorded before applying, not a generic default, then reads it back to confirm.

Like applying it, undoing it takes full effect after you sign out and back in.

Apply it safely with Nexus

Preview the exact change, apply it with its original value recorded, and undo it in one click if you change your mind.

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