This can often be problematic for USB drivers that run in the background, since background tasks are not given power priority by the OS.
***On some Dell computers, it is necessary to set "Intel Ready Mode" to "Manual" to avoid the power settings reverting on each reboot.Īlso, many systems come preset to conserve USB power by temporarily cutting or disabling power to USB ports that are not actively in use. Choose "High Performance." Click the "Next" button, and make sure both options are set to "Never." To optimize your power settings for audio performance, go to Control Panel > Power Options > Create a Power Plan. This can pose a major problem for users who record long sessions, as the computer may power itself down in the middle of recording! It works by automatically powering down or “hibernating” one or more components of the computer system when the computer has been idle for a predetermined amount of time. This is useful for conserving energy when the computer is not in use. Windows allows for custom configuration of its power settings. * Advanced > Data Execution Prevention > Turn on DEP for essential Windows programs and services only. * Advanced > Processor Scheduling > Background Services. * Visual Effects > Adjust for best Performance. To make these adjustments, right-click on Computer > Properties > Advanced System Settings > Performance > Settings, and select: While great in theory, DEP can sometimes see audio applications as "malicious code." Leaving it on to prevent attacks on essential Windows files is preferable. This is a technology originally developed in Windows XP that is now a part of Windows.
In order to get the most performance from audio gear, it is best to set your processor to handle background services first.ĭata Execution Prevention (DEP) is a set of hardware and software technologies that perform additional checks on memory to help prevent malicious code from running on a system. This seems good on the surface however, audio drivers run in the background, and NOT as separate programs. The default setting is to devote more to your programs. Processor scheduling determines which types of processing are given a higher priority by Windows. They address the visual aspects, processor handling, and DEP for the Windows OS. These adjustments are some of the more sweeping optimizations in this guide. Click Cortana > type in "Device Manager" and press "Enter." Right-click on the Start button and go to "Device Manager." It is assumed you can access the Device Manager. For example, instead of seeing "double-click on Computer, then double-click on C:, then double-click on Program Files," you will see this: "Go to Computer > C: > Program Files."Ĥ. When navigating Windows, the ">" symbol is used to show the next step. This view will show you all options rather than grouping them together under categories.ģ. The Control Panel is set to "Large Icons." This options is available from the "View By" drop-down at the top right-hand corner of the page. Therefore, if you have modified the way your windows are displayed, or otherwise customized the OS, some of the instructions may be slightly different.Ģ.
This guide assumes that you are working off a fresh install of Windows.
This guide is intended to step you through optimizing your machine in preparation for your new hardware and software to gain the most out of your system without experiencing the unnecessary heavy processor loads of poorly optimized machines.Ī few conventions are used in the following sections:ġ. Some of these are not the ideal settings for dedicated DAW users though. Because Windows is meant for an entire spectrum of users, by default, the user interface is designed to have a very nice GUI (Graphical User Interface), plenty of security, a pleasing set of sounds, and several other features. It is important that you read through this documentation, as it covers several crucial optimization steps recommended when setting up your DAW. Here you will find a comprehensive guide to optimization of any computer for use as a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).
Welcome to the Windows PC Optimization Guide.