How to Fix: "Windows has detected your computer's performance is slow" (color scheme) Error

Infopackets Reader Judy G. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

I'm running Windows 7. Throughout the day, I often receive a message from Windows that says: 'Windows has detected your computer's performance is slow ... To improve performance, try changing the color scheme to Windows 7 Basic.' I click the option to 'Keep the current color scheme, and don't show this message again', but the error message 'Windows has detected your computer's performance is slow...' returns about 5 minutes later. I don't understand why this message appears, and I can't stop it from reappearing! It's incredibly annoying! Can you help? "

My response:

From what I understand, the reason why the "Windows has detected your computer's performance is slow" error message appears has to do with (a) the fact that you have the Windows Aero graphics theme enabled, and (b) that the allotment for your graphics memory is running out, which then triggers the error message.

Since it is difficult to control how much graphic memory is in use (which depends on the applications you're using, your hardware, and other variables), the easiest way to prevent the "Windows has detected your computer's performance is slow" error message is to go to the Windows "Action Center" and disable the "Windows Troubleshooting" option, or to disable the Windows Aero theme altogether. Another option would be to buy a new graphics card - but that option is only viable if you own a PC and not a laptop, for example.

I'll explain all three approaches below in greater detail. Note that this fix works for Windows Vista and 7.

How to Fix: "Windows has detected your computer's performance is slow" (color scheme) Error

1. The fact that the "Windows has detected your computer's performance is slow" error message keeps re-appearing even after you've told it to "Keep the current color scheme" or even "Change the color scheme to Basic," means that you are low on graphics resources. Therefore I think the best way to deal with this issue is to simply disable the alerts.
   
   To do so:
   
   Click Start, then type in "action center" (no quotes). Wait for "Action Center" to appear in the list, then click it.
   
   Next, click the "Change Action Center settings" near the top left of the screen; under the "Maintenance Messages" heading, make sure there is no check mark beside the "Windows troubleshooting" option, then click OK.
    
2. Another way to prevent the "Windows has detected your computer's performance is slow" error message is to disable "desktop composition" option via the "Visual Effects" of the system "Performance". This will save quite a bit of graphics memory.
   
   To do so:
   
   Click Start, then type in "advanced system settings" and click the option that says "View Advanced System Settings". The "System Properties" window will appear with the "Advanced" tab selected; under the "Performance" heading, click the "Settings" button. This will open the "Performance options" window; scroll down and remove the check mark from "Enable desktop composition", then click "Apply" and "OK". The Windows theme will change to "Windows Basic" and the error messages should stop.
    
3. Yet another way you can prevent the "Windows has detected your computer's performance is slow" error message is to buy a dedicated graphics card with plenty of memory - at least 1 to 2 gigabytes of memory. This is only possible if you own a PC and not a laptop because laptops can't be upgraded in this manner. With that said, having 1 to 2 gigabytes of dedicated graphics memory should be more than enough to run most applications and should certainly prevent the "Windows has detected your computer's performance is slow" error message from appearing. The cost should run you anywhere from $50 and up for a decent graphics card.

I hope that helps.

Got a Computer Question or Problem? Ask Dennis!

I need more computer questions. If you have a computer question -- or even a computer problem that needs fixing - please email me with your question so that I can write more articles like this one. I can't promise I'll respond to all the messages I receive (depending on the volume), but I'll do my best.

About the author: Dennis Faas is the owner and operator of Infopackets.com. With over 30 years of computing experience, Dennis' areas of expertise are a broad range and include PC hardware, Microsoft Windows, Linux, network administration, and virtualization. Dennis holds a Bachelors degree in Computer Science (1999) and has authored 6 books on the topics of MS Windows and PC Security. If you like the advice you received on this page, please up-vote / Like this page and share it with friends. For technical support inquiries, Dennis can be reached via Live chat online this site using the Zopim Chat service (currently located at the bottom left of the screen); optionally, you can contact Dennis through the website contact form.