Windows 11 is touted as the ultimate OS for PC gaming by Microsoft, but not all gamers are convinced. While it may have its perks, there are still concerns with regard to its performance and stability when it comes to gaming. Fortunately, if you’re experiencing issues like low FPS, lagging, and crashes, this article has got you covered. Below, you’ll find some tips to optimize Windows 11 for gaming and make it more enjoyable.
Is Windows 11 better optimized for gaming?
To understand if Windows 11 is better for gaming, you need to compare its performance with Windows 10. Findings from benchmark testing reveal that Windows 10 and Windows 11 possess comparable gaming capabilities. Hardware that runs Windows 11 and Windows 10 yields almost equivalent outcomes in most tests. Though Windows 11 scores slightly higher overall, FPS performance in particular games may be slightly lower or higher compared to Windows 10.
Despite the slight difference in performance, upgrading to Windows 11 based on raw performance alone does not appear warranted. However, it is worth noting that Windows 11 incorporates a few beneficial gaming features that are not present in Windows 10.
How do I optimize Windows 11 for the best gaming performance?
#1 Turn On Game Mode
If you’re tired of interruptions while gaming, Windows Game Mode is here to help. It dedicates more resources to your game, turns off notifications, and slows down background activities that could be stealing your CPU’s attention. Say goodbye to file indexing, feature updates, and malware scans that slow you down. To activate Game Mode, simply go to the Gaming settings in your Windows 11 menu and toggle it on. Enjoy a smoother gaming experience without any unnecessary interruptions.
#2 Use Auto HDR
Enhance your gaming experience with Auto HDR! High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology offers significant advancements from Standard Dynamic Range (SDR), including superior brightness and color representation. To enable Auto HDR, follow these simple steps: navigate to your Settings app, select System settings, and go to Display. Click on HDR and choose your desired display from the drop-down menu. Check if the Use HDR option is supported under Display Capabilities and turn on both Use HDR and Auto HDR. Elevate your game visuals and immerse yourself in stunning graphics with Auto HDR!
#3 Prioritize GPU in Specific Games
Enhance your gaming experience by changing your graphics settings. Simply click on “Graphics” while in Game Mode and select the default setting you want to modify. For demanding games, make sure to always use high-performance GPU during gameplay. To enable this, select “Change The Default Graphics Settings” and turn on Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling, as demonstrated in Figure B.
#4 Use a VPN
There are many tactics on how do I optimize my PC for gaming and they all work best together. Another way to improve your online gaming experience is to use a fast VPN for your PC. It is your connection that may be the weak point. If so, then VeePN for Windows 11 will improve things a lot. If you download VPN for PC, you can reduce latency, unblock other game servers, bypass IP address bans, and eliminate throttling from your ISP. VeePN is capable of all this because it has more than 2500 servers with white IP addresses. This is the best among VPN apps, but VeePN also leads in other qualities, such as security, anonymity, cross-platform support, etc.
#5 Use Software for NVIDIA and AMD GPUs
Elevate your gaming experience on a laptop with NVIDIA or AMD graphics by downloading their respective software. NVIDIA’s GeForce Experience and AMD’s Radeon Software allow you to customize graphics settings and optimize GPU performance for each game. Enjoy smoother gameplay and stunning visuals with these easy-to-use tools.
#6 Turn Off Enhanced Pointer Precision
Did you know about this little-known tip to take your gaming experience to the next level? With Windows 11, you can improve your mouse movement with enhanced pointer precision. However, if you’re using this setting with certain games that already have a similar feature, you’re actually reducing efficiency.
For the best gaming performance, disable enhanced pointer precision. It’s easy to do – just search for Mouse Settings in the Windows search bar and click on Additional Mouse Settings in the Related Settings section. Give it a try and see the difference for yourself!
#7 Pause Automatic Windows Updates
Don’t disable automatic updates in Windows – they can fix major issues without you even knowing! However, Microsoft does allow you to temporarily pause updates for up to five weeks, and Game Mode ensures they won’t interrupt your gaming. Here’s how to pause updates: open the Settings screen with Windows + S, select “Windows updates” from the left menu, then choose “Pause updates” under “More options.” While you’re there, be sure to check for new updates – they can boost your gaming performance by updating drivers and fixing bugs.
Conclusion – Gaming Performance on Windows 11
No matter how you slice it, Windows 11 is just as capable as Windows 10 when it comes to gaming. Though certain features make the OS slightly more efficient than its predecessor, the difference in performance between the two is negligible. However, by following our tips above – from turning on Game Mode to using a fast VPN – you can boost your gaming experience and take full advantage of the updated OS.
