I made 21 tweaks in Windows 11 to increase gaming performance

Windows 11 offers a robust gaming experience right out of the box, but for those looking to elevate their gameplay, a series of adjustments can significantly enhance performance. By fine-tuning system features, gamers can achieve higher frame rates and smoother gameplay. Below are some key tweaks to consider for optimizing your Windows 11 gaming experience.

Tweaks to boost gaming performance on Windows 11

The following suggestions are not ranked in any specific order and may depend on your hardware configuration. Some features may only be applicable to certain devices.

1. Enable Game Mode

Game Mode is a feature designed by Microsoft to prioritize gaming processes while minimizing background interruptions. While it is typically enabled by default, you can verify its status and toggle it as needed:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Gaming.
3. Select the Game Mode option on the right.
4. Activate the Game Mode toggle switch.

Once enabled, the performance improvements will vary based on your system’s hardware and the games you play, but many users report smoother gameplay.

2. Disable Memory Integrity

If you encounter performance issues during gaming, consider disabling the Memory Integrity feature, which can interfere with gaming performance:

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Click on Device Security.
3. Select Core isolation details on the right.
4. Toggle off the Memory Integrity switch.

After gaming, it’s advisable to re-enable this feature for enhanced security.

3. Disable Virtual Machine Platform

To turn off virtualization, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Select Optional features.
4. Click on More Windows features.
5. Uncheck the Virtual Machine Platform option.

As with Memory Integrity, it’s recommended to re-enable this feature after your gaming session.

4. Change Power Mode

Setting your power mode to “High Performance” can maximize your system’s resources for gaming. If using a laptop, ensure it’s plugged in for optimal performance:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Navigate to Power & battery.
4. Adjust the Power Mode setting to Best Performance.

This adjustment allows your CPU and GPU to operate at peak efficiency during gameplay.

5. Enable Auto HDR

Auto HDR enhances Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) games on HDR-capable displays, enriching color and contrast:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Select the Display page.
4. Turn on the HDR toggle switch.
5. Scroll down to Graphics and enable the Auto HDR toggle.

This feature provides a more immersive visual experience without compromising performance.

6. Enable Automatic Super Resolution

Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR) leverages AI to upscale games, enhancing frame rates and image quality. To enable it:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Select the Graphics page.
4. Activate the Automatic super resolution toggle switch.

This feature is available on compatible systems and can significantly enhance your gaming experience.

7. Change Game Default GPU

For users with multiple graphics cards, you can set a specific GPU for individual games:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Navigate to the Graphics page.
4. Select the game from the list.
5. Choose the High Performance option.

While this setting can be adjusted, the system may still opt for a different card based on its performance needs.

8. Install Games on Secondary Drive

To enhance loading times, consider installing games on a secondary drive, especially if it’s an SSD:

1. Open Microsoft Store.
2. Access the game page.
3. Click Get or Install.
4. Select the secondary drive for installation.

This approach minimizes the load on your primary drive, leading to faster game loading and improved performance.

9. Optimization for Windowed Games

Windows 11 includes optimizations for games running in windowed mode, reducing input latency:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Navigate to the Graphics page.
4. Enable the Optimizations for windowed games toggle.

This feature can enhance performance for games not running in full-screen mode.

10. Change Refresh Rate

Adjusting your monitor’s refresh rate can significantly improve gameplay smoothness:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Select the Display page.
4. Access Advanced display settings.
5. Choose the highest refresh rate available.

Higher refresh rates lead to smoother visuals and reduced input lag, enhancing your overall gaming experience.

11. Disable Apps at Startup

Minimizing startup applications can improve boot times and free up system resources:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Apps.
3. Navigate to the Startup page.
4. Sort by Startup impact and disable unnecessary apps.

This adjustment can lead to noticeable improvements in gaming performance.

12. Free Up Storage Space

Maintaining ample storage space is crucial for optimal system performance:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Select the Storage page.
4. Click on Clean recommendations.

By clearing out unnecessary files, you can enhance both system speed and gaming performance.

13. Install System Updates

Keeping your system updated can resolve performance issues:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Windows Update.
3. Enable Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.
4. Click Check for updates.

Regular updates can enhance gaming performance by fixing bugs and improving compatibility.

14. Update Graphic Drivers

Ensure your graphics drivers are current for optimal performance:

1. Open the Nvidia or AMD app.
2. Navigate to the Drivers section.
3. Download and install the latest driver.

Keeping your graphics drivers updated can lead to significant performance improvements in games.

16. Debloat Setup

Reducing unnecessary applications can free up system resources:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Apps.
3. Go to Installed apps.
4. Select the app and choose Uninstall.

By decluttering your system, you can enhance performance and reduce conflicts.

17. Enable GPU Scheduling

Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling can improve performance by offloading tasks from the CPU:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Navigate to the Display page.
4. Access Graphics settings.
5. Enable Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling.

This feature can reduce latency and improve overall gaming performance.

18. Use DirectStorage

DirectStorage allows games to load assets directly from an NVMe SSD to the GPU, reducing load times:

This feature works automatically, but ensure you have an NVMe SSD installed for compatibility.

19. Enable Variable Refresh Rate

Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) can enhance gameplay by synchronizing the refresh rate with the frame rate:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Navigate to the Display page.
4. Access Graphics settings.
5. Enable the Variable Refresh Rate toggle.

This feature can significantly reduce screen tearing and improve visual fluidity.

20. Change Settings in Games

Adjusting in-game settings can optimize performance:

Experiment with resolution, graphics quality, and other settings to find the best balance for your hardware.

21. Reset Your Computer

If performance issues persist, consider resetting your PC:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Navigate to the Recovery page.
4. Select Reset this PC.

This process can restore your system to optimal performance, though you will need to reinstall applications afterward.

More Resources

For further insights, explore additional guides and tips to maximize your experience with Windows 11 and gaming.