Important tools and tips for optimizing your Windows for gaming

Gaming has long since ceased to be a niche hobby and is now a billion-dollar industry that has long since left Hollywood behind. Of course, this has not escaped the attention of hardware and software manufacturers. So if you enjoy gaming on your PC, you can get the most out of your PC and the Windows operating system with a few tricks. It doesn't matter whether you Book of Dead or have the latest AAA hit on your hard disk: The best performance should simply be part of it.

First step: Game mode on

Microsoft was not born yesterday and is of course firmly anchored in the gaming industry thanks to Xbox. Windows 10 and 11 therefore have a Game modewith which you can better adapt the performance to the requirements of games. Windows processes in the background are reduced, for example, so that more capacity is available. You will also not receive any notifications during your gaming session. You can find the option under "Settings" and there under "Gaming". Select Game Mode and set the switch to On.

Set power mode to "Best performance"

At first glance, this step may seem a little obvious, but many gamers are not aware that the general performance of programs can be improved with this option. It regulates the energy and power used for the various processes in the PC. To do this, go to Settings and then System. There you will find the Power option. In this menu, find the "Best performance" option and switch it on. Now your applications, such as games, have priority when it comes to internal management.

Switch off memory integrity

Memory integrity is also known as HVCI (hypervisor-protected code integrity). This is a particularly important tool when it comes to the security of your computer. It prevents aggressive and complex malware from settling on your PC. However, it is also a real resource hog and the process can cost you a lot in terms of performance. So if you are sure that all your software comes from a secure source, you can disable this option. To do this, click on the Windows logo and search for Core Isolation. Switch the option off here. However, you will then have to restart your computer.

Switch off the Virtual Machine platform

Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) is a process for the security of your PCs. It uses virtualization processes to guarantee the security of your hardware. However, it uses a lot of resources, such as RAM, and can therefore have a lasting impact on your gaming experience. So if you want to do without this option, first click on the Windows logo. Now search for Turn Windows tools on or off. Here you will find the option "Virtual Machine Platform" and click on it. Remove the tick from the box. Your PC now needs to be restarted.

Set resolution and update settings

The monitor can also have an influence on the display of your favorite game, which is why it is worth taking a look at the resolution. Go to Settings and select System. Under "Display" you will find the various options for the resolution. Be sure to select the recommended option here. If your monitor allows it, switch on HDR and Auto-HDR. Now search for "Advanced display" under "Display". Now select the highest possible refresh rate here.

Internal hardware vs. graphics card

If you have a powerful graphics card available, you should of course use it instead of the internal graphic display. To do this, go to System and Display again. Under Options you will find the option "High Performance". Now you need to save. Under the Graphics section, you will find the option "Change default graphics settings". Activate the "Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling" option and enjoy the best graphics your system can deliver.

General

In addition to specific tricks, there are of course also a few General tips for performance. Regularly clean your system of unnecessary data, which improves performance. You should also always make sure that the cooling systems are clean and working properly. It is also worth considering using a section of your hard disk just for gaming. This will ensure that nothing else gets in the way of your gaming experience. It's also a good idea to regularly update your hardware and use a few malware prevention programs.