Windows 11 Gaming Optimization
Definitive guide to configure Windows 11 for maximum gaming performance. Learn how to enable DirectStorage, Auto HDR, Game Mode and optimize every aspect of your system.
Last updated: December 2024
In This Guide
Exclusive Windows 11 Gaming Features
Windows 11 was designed with gamers in mind. It includes exclusive technologies that significantly improve the gaming experience compared to previous Windows versions.
DirectStorage
Technology that allows games to load assets directly from SSD to GPU, reducing load times by up to 70% and eliminating stuttering.
Auto HDR
Automatically converts SDR games to HDR, improving colors, brightness and contrast on compatible monitors without requiring developer patches.
Enhanced Game Mode
Automatically optimizes system resources when it detects you're gaming, prioritizing CPU and GPU for the active game.
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
Native VRR support that syncs monitor refresh rate with game FPS, eliminating screen tearing without adding input lag.
How to Enable and Configure Game Mode
Game Mode is essential for gaming on Windows 11. When active, Windows prioritizes your game over other applications and system processes.
Open Gaming Settings
Press Windows + I to open Settings, then select 'Gaming' in the left panel.
Enable Game Mode
Click on 'Game Mode' and toggle the switch on. Windows will automatically optimize resources when you play.
Configure Xbox Game Bar
In 'Xbox Game Bar', you can enable or disable this feature. Use it to record clips, take screenshots and monitor performance with Win + G.
Adjust Captures
In 'Captures', configure recording quality, maximum duration and whether to capture audio. Higher quality uses more resources.
Pro Tip: If you experience micro-stuttering, try disabling Xbox Game Bar but keeping Game Mode active.
Configure DirectStorage and Auto HDR
These two revolutionary Windows 11 technologies can dramatically improve your gaming experience, but require compatible hardware.
DirectStorage
Requirements: NVMe SSD, DirectX 12 Ultimate compatible GPU (RTX 2000+ or RX 6000+)
- 1.Verify your NVMe SSD is set as your games drive
- 2.Update your GPU drivers to the latest version
- 3.Install DirectStorage-compatible games on your NVMe SSD
- 4.DirectStorage activates automatically in compatible games
Auto HDR
Requirements: HDR compatible monitor, HDMI 2.0+/DisplayPort 1.4+ cable
- 1.Go to Settings > System > Display
- 2.Click on 'HDR' and enable 'Use HDR'
- 3.Enable 'Auto HDR' below the main options
- 4.Adjust SDR brightness to balance older games
Graphics Settings Optimization
Windows 11 offers granular control over how graphics are rendered. These settings can significantly increase your FPS.
Per-App GPU Preferences
Go to Settings > System > Display > Graphics. Add your games and set them to 'High performance' to ensure they use your dedicated GPU.
Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling
In Settings > System > Display > Graphics > Default settings, enable 'Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling' to reduce latency and improve performance.
Windowed Optimizations
In the same section, keep 'Optimizations for windowed games' enabled for better performance in borderless windowed mode.
Per-Application DPI Scaling
Right-click game executable > Properties > Compatibility > Change high DPI settings. This fixes scaling issues in older games.
Reduce Input Lag and Latency
Input lag is critical in competitive games. Every millisecond counts. Follow these optimizations for the fastest possible response.
Disable Mouse Enhancements
- 1.Open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Mouse
- 2.Go to 'Pointer Options' tab
- 3.Uncheck 'Enhance pointer precision'
- 4.This disables mouse acceleration for 1:1 movement
Disable Global V-Sync
- 1.Open NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Software
- 2.Go to Global 3D Settings
- 3.Set 'Vertical sync' to 'Off'
- 4.Use in-game FPS limiter or RTSS instead
Low Latency Mode
- 1.NVIDIA: Enable 'Low Latency Mode' set to 'On + Ultra'
- 2.AMD: Enable 'Anti-Lag' or 'Anti-Lag+' in compatible games
- 3.Intel: Enable 'Low Latency Mode' in Control Center
Disable Visual Effects
- 1.Search 'Adjust appearance' in Start
- 2.Select 'Adjust for best performance'
- 3.Or choose manually: keep 'Smooth edges of screen fonts'
- 4.Reduces CPU load for system interfaces
Network Optimization for Online Gaming
A stable connection with low latency is crucial for online gaming. These settings minimize ping and packet loss.
Disable Nagle's Algorithm
This algorithm groups small packets, increasing latency. To disable: Registry Editor > HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces > Create DWORD 'TcpAckFrequency' and 'TCPNoDelay' with value 1.
Configure QoS for Games
In your router, configure Quality of Service to prioritize traffic from your gaming PC. You can also limit bandwidth from other devices during gaming sessions.
Use Optimized DNS
Switch to fast DNS: Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), Google (8.8.8.8) or your local ISP's DNS. Go to Settings > Network > Connection properties > DNS server assignment.
Router Gaming Mode
Many modern routers have a 'Gaming Mode' that automatically optimizes traffic. Enable it from your router's web interface.
Disable Unnecessary Processes and Services
Every background process consumes resources. Optimize your system by disabling what you don't need while gaming.
Startup Applications
Ctrl + Shift + Esc > 'Startup' tab > Disable apps you don't need at startup (Discord, Spotify can be started manually)
Windows Services
Search 'Services' > Change to 'Manual': SysMain (Superfetch), Windows Search, Connected User Experiences. DON'T disable critical services.
Xbox Services (if not using Xbox)
If you don't use Xbox features, you can disable: Xbox Live Auth Manager, Xbox Live Game Save, Xbox Live Networking Service
Notifications During Games
Settings > System > Notifications > Enable 'Do not disturb' or set 'Automatic rules' to enable it during games.
Windows Defender During Games
Windows Security > Virus protection > Settings > Add game folders to 'Exclusions' to avoid scans during gameplay.
Warning: Don't disable services if you're unsure of their function. Some are critical for system stability.
Power Plan for Maximum Performance
The power plan determines how Windows manages hardware. For gaming, you need maximum power available at all times.
Enable High Performance
Control Panel > Power Options > Show additional plans > 'High performance'. This plan keeps CPU and GPU at maximum.
Ultimate Performance Plan (Hidden)
Open PowerShell as admin and run: powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61. Then select it in Power Options.
Configure Advanced Options
Click 'Change plan settings' > 'Change advanced power settings'. Set minimum processor state to 100%.
PCI Express Link State
In advanced settings > PCI Express > Link State Power Management > Set to 'Off' to prevent GPU throttling.
Laptop Note: These settings increase battery consumption. Use 'High performance' only when plugged in.
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