For those who have spent years immersed in the world of PC gaming, the journey often begins long before the dominance of major players like Intel, AMD, and Nvidia. Building a gaming rig, selecting prebuilt systems, or even opting for handheld gaming devices are just the starting points. However, the choice of operating system is equally crucial, with Windows being the preferred platform for many gamers. While Windows has made significant strides in gaming performance, it still requires some fine-tuning to maximize its potential. From managing background processes to ensuring drivers are up-to-date, these adjustments can significantly enhance the gaming experience.
5 Close background programs
When diving into a gaming session, the last thing you want is for your PC to be bogged down by unnecessary background tasks. As you install various peripherals and applications, Windows tends to accumulate processes that can drain system resources, particularly on machines with fewer CPU cores. To optimize performance, it’s advisable to disable or uninstall any non-essential programs. This includes software that controls RGB lighting or other peripherals, which may not be needed during gameplay. Accessing the Task Manager and disabling startup applications can help ensure that your system is fully dedicated to your gaming experience.
4 Enable Game Mode
Windows 10 and 11 come equipped with a feature known as Game Mode, designed to enhance gaming performance by prioritizing resources for your games. When activated, this mode automatically suspends background tasks, including notifications and updates, allowing your PC to allocate maximum resources to your game. To enable Game Mode, simply navigate to the Settings app, select Gaming, and ensure that Game Mode is turned on. However, if you plan to livestream or record your gameplay, it may be wise to disable this feature to prevent any impact on your recording software.
3 Disable mouse acceleration
Mouse acceleration can often hinder precision in gaming. By default, Windows enhances mouse movement for smoother navigation, but this can lead to inaccuracies during gameplay. Disabling mouse acceleration allows for more consistent and precise control, as the cursor movement will directly correlate with the physical movement of the mouse. To disable this feature, head to the Settings app, select Bluetooth & devices, then Mouse, and adjust the pointer options accordingly.
2 Adjust power settings
For gamers seeking optimal performance, adjusting power settings is essential. Windows offers a hidden Ultimate Performance power plan that minimizes throttling and maximizes performance. This setting can be particularly beneficial for high-end hardware, preventing components like CPUs from downclocking during intense gaming sessions. To access this plan, users can input a specific command in an Admin Terminal, enabling it in the Power Plan menu. While this may not yield drastic changes for all systems, it can provide a performance boost for those with adequate cooling solutions.
1 Keep your GPU drivers up to date
The graphics card is the heart of any gaming PC, responsible for rendering stunning visuals and ensuring smooth gameplay. Keeping GPU drivers updated is crucial for optimal performance, as manufacturers frequently release updates that include bug fixes and optimizations for new titles. Whether using integrated graphics or a dedicated GPU, downloading the latest drivers from Intel, Nvidia, or AMD is a simple yet effective way to enhance gaming performance. Utilizing software like Nvidia’s GeForce Experience or AMD’s Adrenalin Edition can also help manage driver updates efficiently.
