Windows 10: Ten tips for traders; get these now or stay a laggy trader
Read this at your trading computer
Here are 10 Windows 10 tips for traders to optimize performance and reduce distractions:
1. Disable Taskbars on Secondary Monitors
Multiple taskbars can slow down the system, especially when switching between monitors. To disable taskbars on secondary screens:
Right-click on the taskbar, select Taskbar settings.
Scroll to Multiple Displays, and toggle Show taskbar on all displays to Off.
This will reduce clutter and prevent the cursor from being slowed down or “imploding” across screens.
2. Enable High-Performance Power Plan
Ensure your PC runs at peak performance by enabling the High-Performance power plan:
Go to Control Panel > Power Options, and select High Performance.
This keeps the CPU running at higher speeds, which is critical during trading hours.
3. Turn Off Transparency Effects
Transparency effects can slow down performance:
Go to Settings > Personalization > Colors, and turn off Transparency effects.
4. Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs
Many programs run at startup and can slow down performance. To disable them:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Go to the Startup tab and disable unnecessary programs.
5. Optimize Windows for Best Performance
Visual effects in Windows 10 can slow down your system:
Go to System Properties (right-click This PC > Properties).
Click on Advanced system settings > Performance Settings, and select Adjust for best performance.
6. Use Task View for Multiple Workspaces
Task View allows you to organize multiple trading platforms across virtual
desktops:
Press Windows + Tab and add new desktops to separate trading tasks from other work.
7. Disable Notifications During Trading
Windows notifications can be distracting. Use Focus Assist to disable them:
Go to Settings > System > Focus Assist and set it to Alarms only during trading hours.
8. Use Shortcuts to Navigate Quickly
Speed up tasks by using keyboard shortcuts. Some key ones for traders:
Alt + Tab: Switch between open applications.
Windows + D: Show desktop.
Windows + Arrow keys: Snap windows to sides for easy multitasking.
9. Update Drivers Regularly
Ensure that your display and network drivers are up to date for the best trading performance:
Go to Device Manager > Display Adapters or Network Adapters, right-click, and choose Update driver.
10. Schedule Reboots to Free Memory
Rebooting regularly can clear out memory and speed up your system:
Set a reboot schedule during non-trading hours by using Task Scheduler to automatically reboot the computer at a set time.
By following these tips, you can optimize your Windows 10 system for a smoother trading experience with less lag and distraction.