How to Optimize Windows 11 for Gaming and Get More FPS (2026)
Windows 11 ships with several settings that are not optimized for gaming. With the right changes you can get more FPS, less stuttering and faster load times without spending money on new hardware.
1. Enable Game Mode
Go to Settings → Gaming → Game Mode and turn it on. Windows will allocate more CPU and GPU resources to the active game and pause updates and background tasks while you play.
2. Set High Performance Power Mode
Settings → System → Power and battery → Best performance. Essential on desktop. On laptops, only use when plugged in (it consumes more battery).
3. Disable Xbox Game Bar If You Don’t Use It
Settings → Gaming → Xbox Game Bar → turn it off. While useful for recording clips, it consumes background resources. If you don’t use it, turn it off.
4. Enable Resizable BAR / Smart Access Memory
Resizable BAR (NVIDIA) or Smart Access Memory (AMD) lets the CPU access all GPU VRAM, improving performance by up to 15% in some games. Enable in BIOS (look for Resizable BAR or ReBAR) then in your GPU control panel.
5. Configure NVIDIA or AMD Control Panel
NVIDIA: NVIDIA Control Panel → Manage 3D settings → maximum performance mode, vertical sync off, low latency mode = Ultra.
AMD: AMD Software Adrenalin → Gaming → Graphics → custom performance profile with Anti-Lag enabled.
6. Disable Background Game DVR
Settings → Gaming → Captures → disable Record in the background while I’m playing a game. This constantly records the last few minutes of gameplay even when you don’t ask it to, using CPU and disk resources.
7. Update GPU Drivers
Outdated drivers can cost 10-20% performance in new games. Update from the official app:
NVIDIA: GeForce Experience or nvidia.com/drivers
AMD: AMD Software Adrenalin or amd.com/drivers
8. Set Maximum Refresh Rate
Right-click desktop → Display settings → Advanced display → choose your monitor’s maximum refresh rate. If you have a 144Hz or 165Hz monitor, make sure it is set to maximum, not 60Hz by default.
9. Enable Dual Channel RAM
If you have two RAM sticks, make sure they are in the correct slots for Dual Channel (usually slots 2 and 4, not 1 and 2). Dual Channel can improve gaming performance by up to 10%.
How much do these settings improve FPS?
It depends on the game and hardware, but together these settings can give 10-30% more FPS, especially on systems that came with suboptimal defaults. The biggest impact usually comes from enabling High Performance mode, updating drivers and properly configuring the NVIDIA/AMD control panel.
Does Windows 11 Game Mode actually work?
Yes it does, though the impact varies. In CPU-intensive games, Game Mode reduces Windows interruptions and prioritizes the game, which can improve FPS stability and reduce stuttering. It does not increase maximum FPS but does improve minimum FPS, which is what you actually feel.
Should I disable antivirus to play games?
Not necessary or recommended. The impact of antivirus on modern game performance is minimal (less than 2% in most cases). Windows Defender is efficient and does not significantly affect gaming. Disabling it creates an unnecessary security risk.
Conclusion
Start by enabling Game Mode, setting Best Performance power mode, and disabling background DVR recording. Then update GPU drivers and configure the GPU control panel. These steps alone will give you a noticeable FPS and stability improvement.
