18 April 2017

Optimise Windows for gaming

Bender - Overclockwise - Futurama

Here's some tips for getting Windows into best performance mode for gaming or other demanding tasks.

  • Install all updates - see Windows Update
    • Windows 10 Creators Update includes Game Mode
  • Get all your drivers up to date and not in error states - see Windows Defender Security Center and Device Manager
  • Update all apps on the Windows Store
  • Update all your programs and games (e.g. via Steam or SUMo)
  • Disable DVR
  • Set Power Options to High performance mode
    • If there is no mode then edit the following settings:
    • Highest brightness
    • High performance for wireless and CPU
  • Windows animations - System > System Properties > Advanced system settings > Advanced > Performance [Settings] > Adjust for best performance
  • Set a reasonably large page file
  • Graphics card settings
  • Turbo boost on some CPUs (usually edited via BIOS or a program provided by your OEM)
  • Game boosters
  • Game mode on your antivirus/internet security suite, if available, so that scans and notifications are disabled during. If not on the internet, possibly temporarily disable all protection.
  • Close all apps/programs not in use, and uninstall ones not in use
  • Use C-Cleaner to free up space, remove temporary files
  • If using a HDD, defragment. If SSD, trim/optimise the drive.
  • Disable explorer extensions and not-needed startup items - use Autoruns
  • Stop or disable any unnecessary services like iTunes, iPod, Bonjour, Dropbox and Google Updaters, telemetry, etc.
  • Disable or replace your Antivirus. Some Antiviruses or Internet Security suites can  severely impact performance.
  • See more suggestions from Microsoft