Did you know that your Windows PC has a hidden performance score built into the system? This score, known as the Windows Experience Index (WEI), gives you a snapshot of how well your computer handles key aspects of Windows performance — and it’s still accessible even though Microsoft removed the graphical interface in Windows 8 and later.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to check this score using Windows PowerShell, so you can assess how your PC stacks up.
💡 What is the Windows Experience Index?
The Windows Experience Index is a performance assessment tool that measures your computer’s hardware across five critical components:
- Processor speed (CPU)
- Memory (RAM) performance
- Graphics (desktop performance)
- Gaming graphics (3D performance)
- Primary hard disk (disk data transfer rate)
Each component receives an individual score ranging from 1.0 to 9.9, with higher numbers indicating better performance. Your base score is determined by the lowest of these five scores, representing the weakest link in your system’s performance.
🧰 How to Check Your WEI Score Using PowerShell
Although Microsoft removed the graphical tool from modern Windows versions, you can still access the Windows Experience Index using PowerShell. Here’s how:
✅ Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator
- Right-click the Start menu (or press
Win + X). - Select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
- Click Yes when prompted by User Account Control.
✅ Step 2: Run the Assessment Command
In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_WinSAT
This command pulls data from the Windows System Assessment Tool (WinSAT), which generates the Windows Experience Index scores.
📊 Understanding the Scores
After executing the command, you’ll see several entries like these:
CPUScore– Measures your processor performanceMemoryScore– Reflects your RAM speedGraphicsScore– Evaluates your desktop graphics performanceD3DScore– Assesses 3D gaming and multimedia graphicsDiskScore– Indicates your primary hard drive’s performanceWinSPRLevel– This is your base score, based on the lowest of the above scores
Take a moment to note down these values. Here’s a rough interpretation of what they mean:
| Score Range | Performance Level |
|---|---|
| 1.0 – 3.9 | Basic – Suitable for older PCs or light tasks |
| 4.0 – 5.9 | Moderate – Ideal for general use like web browsing, office tasks |
| 6.0 – 7.9 | Good – Great for gaming and creative work (photo/video editing) |
| 8.0 – 9.9 | High – Excellent for high-end tasks like 4K video editing or modern games |
🔧 How to Improve Your Scores
If you find your performance scores are lower than expected, here are some upgrade suggestions based on the area that needs improvement:
- Low Disk Score? Upgrade to an SSD (Solid State Drive) — this can significantly speed up boot and load times.
- Low Memory Score? Add more RAM to improve multitasking and overall performance.
- Low Graphics or D3D Score? Consider upgrading your graphics card.
- Low CPU Score? Upgrading your processor (if supported by your motherboard) can give your system a noticeable boost.
- Software Optimization: Sometimes, simply updating your drivers, removing bloatware, and tweaking system settings can help improve performance without needing hardware upgrades.
📌 For More Advanced Performance Checks
If you’re looking for more detailed diagnostics or wish to compare your PC to others, you might consider third-party benchmarking software like UserBenchmark, Cinebench, or PassMark. These tools offer more granular performance insights across various metrics.
✅ Final Thoughts
The Windows Experience Index might be hidden, but it’s still a powerful way to understand your PC’s strengths and weaknesses. With just a simple PowerShell command, you can uncover valuable performance insights that help guide your upgrade decisions.
So go ahead — try it out, see where your PC stands, and consider a few simple upgrades to keep your system running smoothly!
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