Windows 11 brings a lot of new stuff to the table when it comes to the user interface, but the OS carries forward a bunch of current UI elements too. These include the window animations.
This is the effect that occurs when a window is minimized or maximized in Windows 11.
While this has been the default option in the operating system for eons, not everyone prefers it. Some users want their system to be free of this eye candy effect and the lag it causes. For them, Microsoft has built in an option to entirely disable the window animations in the OS.
Let’s find out how.
Show or hide window animations
While the Settings app contains an option to modify animations in Windows 11, that is a systemwide toggle that turns off animations completely in the operating system. Since we only want to disable animations for windows, we’ll have to go the classic route.
We’ll be modifying this option in the Advanced system settings panel, as outlined below:
- Open Settings by pressing Winkey + I.
- In System, scroll down below to the About section and click or tap to open it.
- Here, click on the Advanced system settings link.
- Select Settings under the Performance pane.
- Deselect the Animate windows when minimizing and maximizing option.
- Tap OK to confirm the setting.
This should disable the window animations, and make the experience feel faster and breezier.
To reenable the animations when minimizing or maximizing windows, simply go back here and make sure the option is selected. This will restore the settings back to how it was before, and you will see Windows 11 animate the process when you deal with open windows.
Conclusion
Animations certainly add to the experience of using Windows 11, but they are not for everybody. If you are in the business of opening and closing windows day in, day out, then you can turn off the animations, and speed things up. After all, every second counts!
