So… you may have seen the following screen:

But what is the Windows Experience Index? What does it mean? Does it even matter at all?

The Windows Experience Index (WEI) allows users to match their Computer hardware performance with the performance requirements of software. For example, the Aero graphical user interface recommends a WEI score of 3 or higher for satisfactory use of the “Aero Glass” feature. The WEI can also be used to show which part of a system will provide the greatest increase in performance when upgraded. For example a computer with the lowest subscore being its memory, would benefit more from a RAM increase than adding a faster hard drive (or any other component).

Therefore, it’s a good first place to look when in the market for Upgrades. Peronally, I’ve taken systems from 3.1 to 4.9 with only a few minor upgrades. However, in the long run, upgrading may go both ways. If your system is low end, upgrading may yield powerful results. High end computers, you’d be hard pressed to improve more then a few points.