WEI

Short for Windows Experience Index, WEI is a score of how a computer's hardware matches up with the performance requirements of software programs. The higher the score, the more advanced the hardware is and the better it matches up to higher end software, including graphic intensive video games and memory intensive graphic and video editing programs. In the below picture is an example of what the Windows Experience Index looks like in Windows 7.

The WEI is available for computers running Windows Vista and Windows 7. For Windows Vista, the WEI score can be between 1.0 and 5.9 and for Windows 7, the score can be between 1.0 and 7.9. The WEI consists of five components that make up the final score: processor, memory, 2D graphics, 3D graphics and disk. As more advanced and powerful hardware becomes available on the market, the highest possible score will increase as well. A bonus of looking at a computer's WEI score is that it can help determine what the best hardware upgrade would be to improve performance the most.

How do I open and run the Windows Experience Index?

1. In Windows Vista or Windows 7 click the Start orb
2. In the Search box type: windows experience and in the results above you should see "Check the Windows Experience Index" as an option to choose.

Also see: Benchmark