Getting the best settings on Windows 11 is vital to increasing the user experience. The best settings, however, will depend on what you plan to achieve. Sometimes, you seek high-performance settings; other times, you seek optimal gaming settings on Windows 11.
If the latter is the case, we have compiled some of the best options in this comprehensive guide.
How do I Optimize Windows 11 for Gaming?
1. Enable Optimization for Windowed Games
Windowed games do not play on the entire screen but take a portion of the desktop. If you are playing one of these games, you may want the best Windows optimization. Here is how to enable it:
Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Click on Display on the right pane.
Step 3: Select Scale.
Step 4: Click Graphics.
Step 5: Select the Change default graphics settings option.
Step 6: Finally, toggle on the Optimization for windowed games switch.
2. Disable Windows Security’s Memory Integrity
Memory Integrity or HVCI (Hypervisor-protected code integrity) is a security feature in Windows 11 that protects your kernel against malware. While it is great for security, it is resource intensive and adds a lot of load on the CPU. This will reduce the gaming performance of the device. Here is how to disable HVCI.
Step 1: Search for Windows security on Windows Search and open the app.
Step 2: On the left pane, click Device Security, and select Core isolation details on the left.
Step 3: Toggle off the Memory integrity switch.
3. Enable Game Mode
Game Mode in Windows 11 is the native gaming setting designed to improve game performance on the operating system. It makes the OS give resource priority to gaming applications, optimizes graphics, and disables background tasks. Here is how to disable Game Mode.
Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: On the left pane, click Gaming, and on the right, select Game Mode.
Step 3: Finally, toggle on the Game Mode switch.
4. Adjust the Display Settings
The display settings have a direct impact on the gaming experience. While a lower resolution may be less tasking on the GPU and CPU, it may not offer the best image display for the user. On a powerful computer, you would want the highest display resolution. Here is how to adjust this setting:
Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Click on Display on the right pane.
Step 3: set the Scale option to 100%.
Step 4: Set the Display resolution to the maximum advertised for your monitor so that you can view the game’s highest possible FPS.
5. Enable Auto HDR
The Auto HDR feature in Windows will automatically convert SDR games to HDR. This Windows 11 gaming setting will make the games appear brighter and more realistic. Enabling this feature will increase contrast, enhance color accuracy, and reduce the load on your GPU. Here is how to enable it:
Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Click on Display on the right pane.
Step 3: Click HDR.
Step 4: Toggle on Use HDR and Auto HDR.
6. Disable Enhanced Pointer Precision
While Windows 11’s enhanced pointer precision setting aims to improve the user experience with mouse enhancements, it can hinder efficiency when playing games due to potential conflicts with similar game settings. This is contrary to the intended purpose of the feature. Here is how you may disable this setting:
Step 1: Search for Pointer Options in Windows Search and select Change the mouse pointer display or speed.
Step 2: Uncheck Enhance pointer precision.
Step 3: Lastly, click Apply and OK.
7. Optimize Sound Settings
Sounds are an important part of gaming. On Windows 11, you may set up gaming sound settings so that only specific mics and speakers work. You may also configure a setting so you are not interrupted by incoming calls, like Skype calls, when gaming. Here is how to do it:
Step 1: Right-click on the Sound icon of your Taskbar and select Sound settings.
Step 2: Right-click on any speaker you are not actively using and select Disable.
Step 3: Click on the Recording tab, right-click on any mic you are not actively using, and select Disable.
Step 4: Click on the Communications tab, and select Do nothing. Click Apply and OK.
8. Enable Storage Sense
If you’re struggling with limited disk space while gaming, Storage Sense can be a game-changer. This practical Windows feature can effortlessly clear out temporary and system files, optimizing your computer’s gaming performance. Additionally, you can tailor the frequency of these cleanups to your liking and schedule.
Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Click Storage on the right pane.
Step 3: Scroll down and click on Storage Sense.
Step 4: Enable Automatic User content cleanup, then set your preferred values for Run Storage Sense, Delete files in recycle bin if they have been there for over, and Delete files in Downloads folder if they haven’t been opened for more than.
FAQ on Windows 11 Gaming Settings
1. Why is Windows 11 so slow for gaming?
Windows 11 should be a great gaming device when installed on a modern computer. You may perform a disk cleanup or upgrade some hardware parts if it is slow.
2. How do I optimize Windows for gaming?
You can optimize the OS using tips like enabling Game Mode, optimizing sound settings, enabling auto HDR, etc.
3. What makes games run faster on PC?
Many factors include hardware, software, settings, and Overclocking.
Best Gaming Experience on Windows 11
Windows 11 is often called the gaming Windows edition, and this becomes truer when you use the best gaming settings for the OS. We have not written the tips in this guide in any particular order, but we encourage you to try as many as possible.
Lastly, please leave us your comments below, and tell us your favorite gaming tip on the OS.