Speeding up VNC on Vista By Limiting Visual Effects
This article was written by MetrotekGeek from Metrotek Solutions, a friend of the How-To Geek
As a computer field tech, I use the remote desktop program UltraVNC quite often. I utilize it mostly to connect to offsite computers so I can run diagnostics and repair remotely, if needed.
Recently, I ran into an issue with UltraVNC and Vista. I was able to connect but the desktop was slow to the point of being almost non-responsive. There was no way I would be able to diagnose let alone repair anything over that connection.
After adjusting various color depth and screen resolution options without any noticeable improvement in speed, it dawned on me that I was connected to an Aero enabled Windows Vista machine. Sure enough, when I disabled Aero, the remote desktop sprang back to life. Here’s how disable all Aero features for UltraVNC sessions.
Disable Visual Effects
Right click on Computer, and choose Properties.
Click on Advanced System Settings, and then under Advanced, click Settings.
Select the "Visual Effects" tab, and then click “Adjust for best performance� and OK.
I've found that this dramatically speeds up the remote connection. Note that you should probably re-enable the old setting after you are done.
Editor's note: This is a helpful way to speed up any remote desktop solution, not only for VNC.
Disclaimer: Many of our articles require making changes to your system. While we fully test and stand by our advice, there is still the potential for problems when making any configuration changes. Please be careful.
I'm a 75 year old neandertal trying to recycle myself and I would like to know if there is a way to jump the cursor to the next box without having to use the mouse when I am typing a form such as the one I just filled out above. Thank You
While listening to music, or watching a film clip, my XP only will play part of it, then stops. It has done this for quite some time. I install new updates automatically from Microsoft, updated the media player, do you have a answer ? thanks Judd
reply to Mike Drewery
just press tab
Re: "Note that you should probably re-enable the old setting after you are done."
Why should we re-enable the old setting, please? It seems faster and looks more like XP with "Adust for best performance"
Just disabling desktop composition speeds it up 90%.