Window 7

Performance Testing Guide for Windows

August 18, 2009

Abstract

This paper provides information about testing performance on Windows® 7. It provides guidelines for hardware and software industry professionals, information technology (IT) professionals, and technical users who run performance tests to ensure accurate, repeatable results.

This information applies to the following operating systems:

Windows 7

Windows Vista®

References and resources discussed here are listed at the end of this paper.

The current version of this paper is maintained on the Web at:

http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/system/sysperf/Win7Perf.mspx

Disclaimer: This is a preliminary document and may be changed substantially prior to final commercial release of the software described herein.

The information contained in this document represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation on the issues discussed as of the date of publication. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information presented after the date of publication.

This White Paper is for informational purposes only. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT.

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Document History

Date Change

August 18, 2009 Updated for Windows 7. Includes changes for new Windows features, more detailed methodology, and reorganization.

July 2007 First publication as “Measuring Performance in Windows Vista”

Contents

Introduction 4

Windows Performance Testing Challenges 4

Background Tasks 5

Scheduled Tasks 5

Memory Management and SuperFetch 6

Performance versus Power 7

Performance Test Design Considerations 8

Automating User Presence 8

Testing End-User Scenarios 9

Effects of Hardware on Performance 9

CPU 10

RAM 10

Type of Storage Device 10

Graphics Subsystem 10

Recommended Test Methodology 11

Step 1. Set Up the Operating System 11

Step 2. Set Up the Test Software 11

Step 3. Run Windows Update 11

Step 4. Reboot the System 12

Step 5. Download Windows Defender Definition Files 12

Step 6. Disable Windows Update 12

Step 7. Calculate the Windows Experience Index 12

Step 8. Reboot the System 12

Step 9. Let Windows Defender Build a System File Cache 13

Step 10. Disable User Account Control 13

Step 11. Complete Indexing 13

Step 12. Use SuperFetch to Train the System 14

Step 13. Complete Idle-Time Tasks 15

Step 14. Disable System Restore 15

Step 15. Review Scheduled Tasks 16

Step 16. Run the Test 16

Best Practices 16

Best Practices for Designing Performance Tests 16

Best Practices for Running Performance Tests 17

Resources 17

Appendix. Scheduled Tasks 19

Introduction

A key goal for Windows® 7 is to improve performance in common customer scenarios. To increase system responsiveness and performance, Windows 7 adapts over time to user behavior and takes advantage of the machine’s idle cycles to perform background tasks. Although Microsoft focused on making “in-box” background tasks efficient, these tasks can nevertheless create challenges for those who want to test performance in a controlled environment.

When you evaluate performance, ensure that you understand whether the tests measure raw hardware performance or operating system performance.

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