Get a Start Menu Application:
You may not even need one of these, that is if you take a liking to the new changes. But, if you don't like the new changes, you may want to consider a Third-Party Start Menu application.
Windows 8 got rid of the old start menu function, so this is why I am listing the following as my recommendations.
I recommend any of these:
IObit Start Menu 8 (
Freeware) -
http://www.iobit.com/iobitstartmenu8.php
Classic Shell (
Freeware) -
http://classicshell.net/
StartIsBack (
2 PC License $3, 5 PC License $5) -
http://startisback.com/
Stardock Start8 (
$4.99 per PC License) -
http://www.stardock.com/products/start8/
Disable Animations:
Step 1: Hit
Windows Key and "
R" on your keyboard (This will bring up your run function)
Step 2: In the Run window, type "
sysdm.cpl" (This will bring up your System Properties Window)
Step 3: In the System Properties window, click on the "
Advanced" tab, under the
Performance category, click on "
Settings..." (This will bring up your Performance Options Window)
Step 4:
Disable/Uncheck the following:
Animate controls and elements inside windows
Animate windows when minimizing and maximizing
Animations in the taskbar
Enable Peek
Fade or slide menus into view
Fade or slide Tooltips into view
Fade out menu items after clicking
Save taskbar thumbnail previews
Show shadows under mouse pointer
Show shadows under windows
Show translucent selection rectangle
Show window contents while dragging
Slide open combo boxes
Smooth-scroll list boxes
Leave these Enabled/Checked:
Show thumbnails instead of icons
Smooth edges of screen fonts
Use drop shadows for icon labels on the desktop
Step 5: Click the
Apply button, then the
OK button to apply the above changes
Doing the above will help reduce lag when opening Windows and Programs, Especially when using an older to Mid-End computer...Newer/High-End computers, not so much.