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Windows 11 Gaming Performance Guide: Steps to Optimize and Boost FPS

Gaming on Windows 11 can offer an enhanced experience, but sometimes performance may not be as smooth as expected. Optimizing your system can help improve frame rates and overall gameplay quality.

This guide will walk you through simple and effective steps to boost your FPS (frames per second) on Windows 11. Each step is explained clearly so even beginners can follow along.

By making a few adjustments, you can enjoy better visuals and smoother gameplay without needing advanced technical knowledge.

Let’s get started with some basic checks before diving into optimization steps.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Ensure your PC meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11 and your games. Insufficient hardware can limit performance.
  • Update your graphics drivers regularly. The latest drivers often include performance improvements and bug fixes.
  • Close unnecessary background applications to free up system resources.
  • Check your game settings to make sure they are suitable for your hardware capabilities.

Step 1: Update Windows and Graphics Drivers

Keeping Windows and your graphics drivers updated is crucial. Microsoft often releases updates that improve system stability, while graphics card manufacturers optimize drivers to boost gaming performance.

  • Update Windows: Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install any available updates.
  • Update GPU drivers: Visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest drivers. Alternatively, use their official software tools like NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Radeon Software for automatic updates.

Step 2: Adjust Graphics Settings in Windows 11

Windows 11 includes gaming features designed to enhance performance. Enabling or adjusting these can help boost FPS.

Enable Game Mode

Game Mode prioritizes your game by allocating more system resources to it and reducing background activity.

  1. Open Settings and go to Gaming > Game Mode.
  2. Toggle Game Mode to On.

Use Graphics Performance Preference

You can assign games or apps to use your high-performance GPU instead of integrated graphics.

  1. Open Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
  2. Click Browse and select your game’s executable (.exe) file.
  3. Click on the game in the list, then choose Options.
  4. Select High performance and save.

Step 3: Optimize Power Settings

Power plans affect how your PC manages performance and energy consumption.

For gaming, you want maximum performance, so follow these steps:

  1. Open Control Panel > Power Options (you can search for “Power Options”).
  2. Select High performance or create a custom plan that prioritizes performance.
  3. Make sure your laptop is plugged in to avoid power-saving throttling.

Step 4: Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs and Background Apps

Background applications can consume CPU, memory, and disk resources, slowing down your game.

Disable Startup Programs

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Go to the Startup tab.
  3. Right-click programs you don’t need to start automatically and select Disable.

Close Background Apps

Before gaming, close apps like browsers, chat programs, or streaming software that you don’t need running.

Step 5: Adjust In-Game Settings for Better FPS

Sometimes, your hardware can handle only moderate settings for smooth gameplay. Lowering certain graphics options can significantly improve FPS.

  • Resolution: Lowering resolution reduces the workload on your GPU.
  • Texture Quality: Set to medium or low if experiencing lag.
  • Shadows and Effects: Disable or reduce shadows, anti-aliasing, and other effects.
  • V-Sync: Disable to reduce input lag and possibly increase FPS, but this might cause screen tearing.

Step 6: Use DirectX 12 Ultimate or Game Mode Features

Windows 11 supports the latest gaming APIs like DirectX 12 Ultimate, which can improve performance and visual quality.

Make sure your games are using DirectX 12 if supported. Check game settings or update games to the latest versions that enable this API.

Step 7: Consider Advanced Options (Optional)

If you want to dive deeper into performance tuning, here are some additional methods:

  • Overclock your GPU or CPU: This increases clock speeds for better performance, but should be done carefully to avoid overheating.
  • Use third-party optimization tools: Tools like Razer Cortex or MSI Afterburner provide game boosting and system monitoring features.
  • Adjust virtual memory: Increasing the paging file size can improve stability in some games.

Adjust Virtual Memory

  1. Open Settings > System > About > Advanced system settings.
  2. Under the Advanced tab, click Settings in Performance.
  3. Go to the Advanced tab and click Change under Virtual Memory.
  4. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size, select your system drive, and set a custom size (usually 1.5 to 3 times your RAM size).
  5. Click Set and restart your PC.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is my FPS low even though my hardware is good?

Background apps, outdated drivers, or improper power settings can reduce FPS. Make sure to close unnecessary programs, update drivers, and check power plans.

Does Windows 11 improve gaming performance over Windows 10?

Windows 11 includes gaming features like Auto HDR and DirectStorage that can improve performance and load times on supported hardware.

Should I disable antivirus software while gaming?

Disabling antivirus temporarily can improve performance but increases risk. Instead, add games to antivirus exceptions to reduce interruptions.

What is Game Mode and should I always keep it on?

Game Mode prioritizes system resources for gaming. It’s generally recommended to keep it on for better performance.

Can lowering resolution significantly boost FPS?

Yes, reducing resolution decreases the GPU workload, often resulting in higher FPS, especially on mid-range systems.

When Nothing Works

If you still experience poor gaming performance after trying all steps, consider these final options:

  • Check for hardware issues: Faulty components or overheating can cause lag.
  • Reinstall Windows 11: A clean installation may resolve system corruption affecting performance.
  • Consult official support: Visit Microsoft’s Windows Support or your GPU manufacturer’s help resources.
  • Upgrade hardware: Sometimes, upgrading your GPU, CPU, or adding more RAM is necessary for better gaming performance.

Conclusion

Optimizing gaming performance on Windows 11 involves a combination of keeping your system updated, managing background tasks, adjusting power and graphics settings, and configuring your games properly. Simple steps like enabling Game Mode and updating drivers can make a noticeable difference in FPS.

By following this guide, you can ensure smoother gameplay and better utilization of your hardware. Remember, gradual adjustments and monitoring your system’s response will help you find the best balance between performance and visual quality.

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