Two Windows 11 Gaming Settings to Turn On: Game Mode and Windowed Optimizations
Got a new gaming PC or just reinstalled Windows? Before you launch your first game, two Windows 11 settings deserve two minutes of your time: Game Mode and Optimizations for windowed games. In this article we explain what each one does and how to turn it on, based on Microsoft's official support pages.
1. Game Mode: what does it actually do?
According to Microsoft, when you run a game with Game Mode on, Windows prioritizes your gaming experience by turning things off in the background. Specifically, Game Mode:
- Prevents Windows Update from performing driver installations and sending restart notifications while you play.
- Helps achieve a more stable frame rate, depending on the specific game and system, according to Microsoft.
So it will not double your performance, but it protects you from the worst moment: a restart prompt or a driver install in the middle of a ranked match.
How to turn it on
- Press Start, type Settings and open Settings.
- Go to Gaming then Game Mode.
- Make sure it is On.
Good to know: according to Microsoft, Game Mode is on by default. It is still worth checking, especially if someone changed your settings or a "booster" app touched them.
2. Optimizations for windowed games
Many gamers play in borderless windowed mode so they can switch quickly between the game, Discord and the browser. This is where this setting comes in.
According to Microsoft, this feature improves performance for DirectX 10 and DirectX 11 games running in windowed and borderless windowed modes. It moves compatible games from the legacy blt-model presentation to the newer flip-model, which Microsoft says reduces frame latency and enables modern features such as Auto HDR and variable refresh rate (VRR) on supported displays.
How to turn it on
- Open Settings, then System, then Display.
- Select Graphics.
- Under Default settings, turn on Optimizations for windowed games.
- Restart your game.
A note from Microsoft: if you turn on Auto HDR, this option turns on automatically. To turn it off, you need to turn off Auto HDR first.
Who benefits most?
- Borderless players: the second setting is made for you, especially in DX10 and DX11 games.
- Owners of VRR or HDR monitors: the optimizations unlock modern display features in windowed mode.
- Ranked and tournament players: Game Mode keeps update and restart prompts away while you play.
Quick tips on top of these two settings
- Do not trust unknown "game booster" apps. Start with the official Windows settings.
- After any major Windows update, check that both settings are still on.
- Keep your graphics driver up to date from the manufacturer's official site.
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Bottom line
Two simple Windows 11 settings, Game Mode and Optimizations for windowed games, can make a difference to gaming stability and your daily experience, and turning them on takes under two minutes. Want a PC that is ready and set up from day one? Message us on WhatsApp 0564121558 or visit our Olaya or Aqiq branch in Riyadh. Installments available with Tamara and Tabby.