554 FC: 25 Essential Windows Tricks to Enhance Your Gaming Experience
As gamers, we are always looking for ways to enhance our gaming experience, optimize performance, and ensure that we have the best visuals and smoother gameplay. Windows, being the most popular operating system for gamers, offers a plethora of built-in features and settings that can help us achieve this. Here, we will share 25 essential Windows tricks that can take your gaming experience to the next level.
1. Game Mode Activation
Windows 10 and 11 feature a Game Mode that prioritizes your gaming experience by allocating more system resources to your game. To enable it, go to Settings > Gaming > Game Mode, and switch it on.
2. Background App Management
Prevent unnecessary background applications from running while you game. Head to Settings > Privacy > Background apps and disable the apps you don’t need while gaming.
3. Adjust Visual Effects
To improve performance, you can adjust Windows for maximum speed. Right-click on “This PC,” select “Properties,” then “Advanced system settings.” In the Performance section, click “Settings” and choose “Adjust for best performance.”
4. Disable Full-Screen Optimization
Some games may not run optimally with full-screen optimizations. Right-click the game’s executable, go to Properties > Compatibility, and check “Disable full-screen optimizations.”
5. Optimize Power Settings
Change your power plan to High Performance. Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options and select the High Performance plan for better resource allocation during gaming.
6. Update Graphics Drivers
Always ensure your graphics drivers are up to date for the best gaming performance. You can update them manually through the manufacturer’s website or use device manager.
7. Use Storage Sense
Storage Sense helps clean up unnecessary files which can impact performance. Go to Settings > System > Storage and enable Storage Sense to keep your system clean.
8. Configure Game Bar
Game Bar lets you capture gameplay, take screenshots, and stream. To customize it, go to Settings > Gaming > Game Bar and configure options like keyboard shortcuts.
9. Enable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling
This feature allows Windows to hand off some GPU scheduling tasks to the GPU, improving game performance. Go to Settings > System > About, and ensure you have the latest Windows update, then enable it under Graphics Settings.
10. Disable Notifications
Notifications can be intrusive. To turn them off while gaming, go to Settings > System > Notifications & actions and toggle “Get notifications from apps and other senders” off.
11. Manage Startup Programs
Limit programs that run at startup to enhance boot times and free up system resources. Go to Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), then the Startup tab to disable unnecessary apps.
12. Windows Game Optimization
Use Xbox Game Bar features to record gameplay and monitor system resources while gaming. Press Windows key + G to access the Game Bar while in-game.
13. Utilize DirectStorage (Windows 11)
If you’re using Windows 11, enable DirectStorage technology that allows games to load assets directly to the GPU, reducing load times significantly.
14. Customize Mouse Settings
For FPS gamers, tweaking your mouse settings can be vital. Go to Settings > Devices > Mouse and adjust the pointer speed and enhance pointer precision.
15. Clean Up Disk Space
Regularly use the Disk Cleanup utility to remove unneeded files. Simply type “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu, select your drive and scan for files to remove.
16. Defragment Your Hard Drive
If you’re using an HDD (not SSD), defragmenting can enhance performance. Search “Defragment and Optimize Drives” in the Start menu and select your drive to optimize.
17. Adjust In-Game Settings
Most games allow you to adjust graphics settings. Lowering some settings can significantly boost performance, especially if you’re struggling with frame rates.
18. Use a VPN for Online Gaming
For some gamers, using a VPN can help reduce latency and provide a better connection. Research and choose a reputable gaming VPN.
19. Monitor Temperatures
Utilize software like MSI Afterburner to monitor the temperatures of your CPU and GPU while gaming to ensure they are not overheating.
20. Customize your Keyboard Shortcuts
Many games allow custom keyboard shortcuts. Tailor them to your preferences for quicker access during intense gaming sessions.
21. Turn Off V-Sync
Disabling V-Sync can improve frame rates, although it may cause screen tearing. Explore this option to see if it improves your gaming experience.
22. Use SSD for Game Installation
If you have an SSD, install your games there to experience significantly faster load times compared to traditional hard drives.
23. Enable Cloud Saves
Use cloud saves to avoid losing progress in your games. Most platforms like Steam and Origin support this feature.
24. Take Advantage of Steam’s Overlay Community
Participate in Steam’s community features to get tips and find like-minded gamers. Access forums for troubleshooting and optimization tips.
25. Regular Update Your Windows
Finally, keeping your Windows OS up to date ensures you have the latest performance improvements, security patches, and features that can enhance gaming.
In conclusion, enhancing your gaming experience on Windows is about utilizing the resources and settings available at your disposal. By applying these 25 tricks, you can ensure that your gaming sessions are not only enjoyable but also optimized for the best performance possible. Happy gaming!