The Windows boot logo screen is probably the only area of Windows operating system that can’t be customized easily. In fact, no version of Windows allowed users to change the default boot logo without using third-party tools.
Even though hundreds of customization tools were released even before the release of Windows 7 RTM, there were no quality tools to change Windows 7 boot logo until Windows 7 Boot Animation Updater was released almost a year after the release of Windows 7.
Windows 8 users who have already tried changing the boot logo with the help of Windows 7 Boot Animation Updater will know that it isn’t compatible with Windows 8. In fact, as of now, there is no software available to change the default boot logo of Windows 8.
Users who are bored with the default boot logo of Windows 8 might want to simply hide it. As you know, while it’s possible to hide the boot logo in System Configuration utility by enabling No GUI boot, it completely hides the boot screen and instead shows a black screen.
For users who would like to customize Windows 8 boot screen by hiding only the boot logo, small loading circle or messages, here is a fantastic utility.
Visual Boot Experience Settings is basically a batch file that, when launched as administrator lets you enable boot menu, disable boot logo, disable loading circle, and disable Updating Registry (the message that appears after installing updates) message. Visual Boot Experience is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 8 systems.
How to use Visual Boot Experience Settings to “customize” Windows 8 boot screen:
NOTE: We have tested this tool on Windows Pro (x64) and can confirm that it works. However, since this is an advanced tool, you must use it at your own risk. We recommend you create a system restore point or backup your data before using the tool. Also note that this tool might not work on UEFI supported PCs.
Step 1: Download Visual Boot Experience Settings zip file from developer’s page. And if the developer’s page isn’t loading for you, simply use this direct link.
Please note that during our test, Bitdefender Antimalware filter blocked the developer’s page. However, Virus Total found no issues neither with the webpage nor with the tool. So, it’s safe.
Step 2: Extract the zip file content to your desktop to get a file named Bcd_Visuals.cmd.
Step 3: Right-click on Bcd_Visuals.cmd file and click Run as administrator option to see the following command screen:
Step 4: Choose what setting you would like to customize by typing following numbers:
(Enter the number without quotation marks)
For instance, if you would like to disable the boot logo, enter “2” (without quotation).
Step 5: Next, you’ll be asked to enter a value. For instance, if you have previously disabled boot logo and would like to enable or show the same, you need to first select Disable Windows Boot Logo by entering “2” in Step 4 and then in this step, you need to type “2” (represents false).
Enter a value. That’s it! Enter any key to exit. Reboot your PC to see the “customized” boot screen. Good luck!
