1. Optimize Windows 10 With Gaming Mode
Looking for another option to squeeze the best gaming performance out of Windows 10?
Later releases of the operating system feature a gaming mode, built-in optimizations for Windows 10 gamers. To find out more, press Windows key + I, type game mode then click Control Game Mode for optimizing your PC for games.
On the Gaming screen, click Game Mode. Switch to On to take advantage of Game Mode. If your PC supports Game Mode, Windows Update will be suspended while gaming and resources will be managed to achieve the optimum frame rate.
2. Disable Nagle’s Algorithm
Nagle’s algorithm essentially bundles data packets at the cost of a smoother internet connection. Having Nagle’s algorithm enabled on your computer may contribute to latency issues when playing games online.
To disable this and improve gaming performance on Windows 10, edit the Windows Registry: Start > type regedit > Regedit. Tread carefully when fiddling with the Windows Registry!
In the address bar, copy and paste the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\InterfacesIn the left-hand pane, you’ll see a collection of folders, with filenames comprised of letters and numbers. In order to access the correct file, match your IP address with the listed DhcpIPAddress in one of these files.
Check your IP address by going to Windows key + X > Windows PowerShell and entering ipconfig.
Look for the “IPv4 address” listed under your current connection (typically Ethernet or Wireless LAN) to identify your IP address.
Once you’ve tracked down the IP address of your internet connection, right-click on the corresponding folder and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Here, create two DWORD Values: name one TcpAckFrequency and the other TCPNoDelay. Once you’ve created the values, double-click on each and set their parameters to 1.
This activates the two parameters, thereby disabling Nagle’s Algorithm. If you run into any problems, set their parameter value to 0 and they will be disabled.
3. Disable Automatic Update and Restart
Windows 10 will automatically update your OS and schedule a restart without your permission. While this feature doesn’t activate often, you never want to be caught unaware and risk your game save.
Not only can automatic updates restart Windows without warning, downloading updates in the background will limit your network connectivity.
While you cannot disable automatic restart, it can be delayed. Start by accessing your update settings under Windows key + I > Update and security > Windows Update > Advanced options > Update Options.
Here, disable Automatically download updates, even over metered data connections (charges may apply). This is the best option to reduce the chance of Windows Update downloads interrupting your gaming performance.
Ensure that We’ll show a reminder when we’re going to restart is left enabled, too. Windows will now give you plenty of warning when the system is going to restart following an update.
In the main Windows Update screen, it’s worth using the Change active hours feature.
4. Prevent Steam From Auto-Updating Games
If you use Windows to play games, you’re probably buying and installing games via Steam.
One of the largest annoyances with Steam is its update feature, which will not allow you to prevent automatic updates across all your games. This may eat up memory by updating games you don’t play or limit your network connectivity with background updates.
To prevent Steam from updating games in the background, head to your Steam client and access your update options under Steam > Settings > Downloads.
Uncheck Allow downloads during gameplay to prevent Steam from updating content while you’re gaming.
To prevent Steam from downloading updates for largely-unused games right-click on each of the installed games in your Library in question and select Properties.
Under Automatic Updates, change Always keep this game up to date to Only update this game when I launch it.
5. Adjust Windows 10 Visual Effects
Your graphical user interfaces (GUI) can be a hindrance to your processing power. By default, your Windows 10 appearance settings are set to impress.
Games running in the foreground may conflict with a shiny GUI running in the background. Adjust these settings to optimize Windows 10 for gaming performance.
Press Windows key + I and type performance, then select Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows > Adjust for best performance > Apply > OK.
Then switch to the Advanced tab and ensure that Adjust the best performance of is set to Programs.
6. Max Power Plan to Improve Windows 10 Gaming
Power options are often left alone due to their supposed, negligible effect. Some gamers claim adjusting for higher performance works, while others fail to notice any difference changing their PC power settings.
The only way to know for sure is to test it out on your PC. Change your power settings via the Settings screen, using Windows key + I > type power > Power and sleep settings > Additional power settings.
If you have a high-performance option, select this. If not, use Create a power plan to configure a new, custom power plan.
7. Keep Your Drivers Up-to-Date
Your GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is the core of your PC gaming experience, and it requires the latest Windows driver to keep it working faster and better.
All graphics cards, no matter how old or new, benefit from continually updated drivers.
To check your GPU name and specs, right-click Desktop > Display settings > Advanced display settings > Display adapter properties.
