7 tips for a better gaming experience on Windows

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Gaming on a PC has many advantages. The screen is much larger than the display of a smartphone or tablet. There is also a gaming chair, modern desk and the right LED mood lighting. For this reason, passionate gamers prefer to play via the fixed tower, but without optimization they quickly reach their limits with current games.

After all, customizing the operating system opens up even more possibilities. Gamblers enjoy visiting virtual online or offline casinos that feature roulette wheels. First, they look for interesting online roulette tips to make the game even more fun. They love trying out new tricks and passing the evening in front of the big screen—and this is exactly where Windows customizations can help.

After buying a PC, there are a few software-related tasks to be completed first. Of course, hardware components must also match your favorite game. However, an initial check of the software is just as important. In the following, gamers can see the 7 best tips for gaming via Windows.

1. from HDD to SSD

Computer speed is the top priority when it comes to gaming. Using state-of-the-art components contributes significantly to speed. Alongside RAM and the processor, one of the most important components is the internal hard drive. If you’re still using an HDD, don’t be surprised if your gaming experience is slow. The SSD impresses with its incredibly fast read and write speeds. There are also other advantages to using an SSD, such as its silent operation. This is quite different from an HDD, which operates mechanically and therefore generates noise. This can be distracting when you’re focused on gaming. Users also benefit from a quiet hard drive when working from home.

The modern hard disk is still insensitive to external influences. Of course, it is not indestructible. On average, however, it lasts far longer than the HDD hard disk. It is a standard feature of PCs currently on the market.

2. a new working memory is needed

The working memory is the engine when the PC is performing several tasks simultaneously. Just a few years ago, a size of 4 GB was considered sufficient. In the meantime, usage behavior has changed. Most users don't just play games. They stream their favorite movies, work in the office and run other programs in the background.

Currently, websites specializing in PC optimization recommend at least 8 GB of RAM; 16 GB is even better. This figure should not be considered a fixed limit. Since new developments emerge daily in the world of computing, it’s a good idea to check a reliable gaming blog for the latest news every day. These blogs constantly feature new posts on software and hardware, as well as useful tips and tricks for gaming. 

A PC with 16 GB RAM runs on all Windows devices. However, it is quite expensive and in principle only necessary for multidimensional games. For simple games, 8 GB is completely sufficient. With 4 GB, gamers are at the lower level. Without optimizing the other components of the PC and the software, not much is possible.

3. the correct handling of Steam updates

Steam is one of the most popular gaming platforms in Germany. Gamers can find the latest games from various genres on the site. Racing games, platformers, strategy games, skill games and much more invite gamers to browse every day. However, updates are a problem for most users.

When Steam Games misses an update, the computer slows down. This is all the more annoying when working from home. Gamers can make the necessary settings in their Steam profile to prevent updates from being automated. They navigate to the 'Download' tab via 'Settings'. They then deactivate downloads during the game.

4. keep an eye on the graphics processor

The graphics processor is the basis of the ultimate gaming experience. For this reason, it requires regular maintenance. Gamers can find the processor under the name 'GPU'. To increase the speed of the graphics processing unit, the drivers must always be kept up to date. This can only be done with a little effort.

Press the 'Windows' and 'R' keys simultaneously to open the Run dialog. Gamers enter 'devmgmt.msc' in the search window and are taken directly to the device manager. The existing graphics card appears there. If updates are available, they can be carried out here by updating the driver.

5. working with DirectX

DirectX 12 is the latest version of DirectX. The program actually offers an enormous increase in efficiency. CPU utilization is optimized and installation is very fast. Every Windows user with games on their computer wants the new DirectX.

6. deactivate messages from Windows

There is nothing more annoying than game interruptions. If they come from the operating system itself, this causes additional anger. That doesn't have to be the case! In fact, gamers can deactivate Windows notifications for certain times. This means they don't feel disturbed during exciting gaming moments.

To do this, press the Windows key on the keyboard. Now enter 'Focus Assistant' in the field that appears. Within 'Notifications' there is the tab 'Do not disturb notifications from applications and system'. This setting must be activated. The user then clicks on the 'Enable do not disturb automatically' field and then selects the 'When playing' area.

From now on, no more annoying pop-ups will appear. Offline gaming with the help of download games is another way of preventing disruptions. If your favorite games are only available online, gamers should close other tabs on the Internet. This also optimizes gaming behavior.

7. save energy costs

A PC consumes far more electricity than a laptop. This in turn generates more electricity costs than a tablet and the smartphone is ahead in terms of energy efficiency. If you want to save on your PC, you need to know and follow a few little tricks.

One option is to configure power settings and select the 'High Performance' tab in System Settings. Another option is to close streaming services. Streaming services do consume power, though this is negligible for one-time use. Anyone who watches TV on their PC every day should expect high costs.

According to electricity prices from 2022, a standard PC costs around 500 euros a year for electricity. A laptop is significantly less. This is particularly the case if it runs mainly on battery power and is not permanently dependent on a power supply from the socket. It makes sense to measure energy costs and consumption using an electricity meter from the respective provider.