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How to Fix Game Mode Not Working in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Game Mode in Windows 11 is designed to optimize your system for gaming by prioritizing resources and minimizing background activity. However, sometimes Game Mode may not work as expected, causing frustration during gameplay. Fortunately, there are simple solutions to fix this issue without needing advanced technical knowledge.

This article will guide you through easy, step-by-step methods to get Game Mode up and running again. By following these instructions carefully, you can improve your gaming experience on Windows 11.

Whether you’re a casual gamer or someone who relies on Game Mode for smoother gameplay, these troubleshooting tips cover everything from basic settings checks to more detailed system adjustments.

Let’s start with some quick checks before diving into the detailed solutions.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before you begin troubleshooting, ensure that:

  • Your Windows 11 is up to date. Microsoft often releases fixes and improvements that affect gaming features.
  • The game you want to play supports Game Mode. Some games might not show any improvement with this feature.
  • Your PC meets the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11 and gaming.
  • You are signed into Windows with an administrator account to make necessary changes.

Step 1: Verify Game Mode is Enabled

Sometimes, Game Mode can be accidentally turned off. Checking this setting first is the easiest way to ensure it’s ready to work.

  1. Click on the Start button and select Settings (the gear icon).
  2. Go to Gaming from the left sidebar.
  3. Click on Game Mode.
  4. Make sure the toggle switch under Game Mode is turned On.

Why this matters: If Game Mode is off, Windows won’t prioritize your gaming experience, so enabling it is the basic step.

Step 2: Restart Your PC

Restarting the computer can clear temporary glitches that may prevent Game Mode from functioning properly.

  1. Save any work and close all applications.
  2. Click the Start button, then select Power > Restart.
  3. After your PC restarts, try launching your game again.

Why restart? Many Windows issues are resolved simply by rebooting, as it resets services and system processes.

Step 3: Update Windows 11 and Graphics Drivers

Outdated system or graphics drivers can cause compatibility issues with Game Mode.

Update Windows

  1. Open Settings and go to Windows Update.
  2. Click Check for updates.
  3. If updates are available, click Download and install.
  4. Restart your PC if prompted.

Update Graphics Drivers

Graphics drivers control how your hardware communicates with games. Keeping them updated helps avoid crashes and performance problems.

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Display adapters.
  3. Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.

Alternatively, visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) to download the latest drivers directly.

Step 4: Disable Background Apps

Excessive background apps can interfere with Game Mode by consuming system resources.

  1. Open Settings, then go to Privacy & security > Background apps.
  2. Review the list of apps allowed to run in the background.
  3. Toggle off apps you do not need running while gaming.

Why do this? Reducing background activity frees CPU and memory for your game, complementing Game Mode’s resource management.

Step 5: Check for Conflicting Software

Some third-party applications, like system optimizers or overlays, might conflict with Game Mode.

  1. Temporarily disable or close apps like Discord overlays, MSI Afterburner, or any game booster software.
  2. Try running your game again to see if Game Mode works properly.

If the issue resolves, consider adjusting settings in those apps or uninstalling them if they cause persistent problems.

Step 6: Reset Game Mode Settings via Registry (Advanced)

If previous steps didn’t help, resetting Game Mode settings in the Windows Registry can fix corruption or misconfiguration. Proceed carefully and consider backing up the registry first.

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to the following path:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftGameBar
  3. Right-click the GameBar folder and select Export to back up.
  4. After backing up, right-click and delete the GameBar folder.
  5. Close Registry Editor and restart your PC.

After restart, Windows will recreate default Game Mode settings.

FAQs

Q: How do I know if Game Mode is actually working?

A: When Game Mode is active, you’ll often see a small on-screen notification when launching a game. You can also check Task Manager to monitor resource allocation during gameplay.

Q: Can Game Mode improve performance on all games?

A: Game Mode helps prioritize system resources but may have minimal impact on some games, especially if your system is already powerful.

Q: Does Game Mode affect non-gaming applications?

A: Game Mode mainly optimizes for games and may limit background activity, which can affect non-gaming apps running simultaneously.

Q: Should I disable antivirus to improve Game Mode?

A: Generally, no. Antivirus software protects your system, but you can add games to exceptions if you notice performance issues caused by scans.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and Game Mode is still not functioning, consider the following options:

  • Run the Windows Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run the troubleshooter for Windows Store Apps or Performance.
  • Create a new user profile: Sometimes user profiles get corrupted, affecting settings like Game Mode.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support page for personalized help.
  • Consider Resetting Windows: As a last resort, resetting Windows 11 can fix deep issues but make sure to back up your data first.

Conclusion

Game Mode is a valuable feature in Windows 11 that can enhance your gaming experience by optimizing system performance. If it’s not working correctly, starting with basic checks like enabling the feature and restarting your PC can often solve the problem.

Keeping your system and drivers updated, managing background apps, and being aware of conflicting software will help maintain Game Mode’s effectiveness. For more stubborn issues, advanced steps like resetting registry settings or seeking official support can restore functionality.

By following these clear, step-by-step solutions, you can get Game Mode working smoothly and enjoy your games with better performance on Windows 11.

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