Optimize Windows for Better Gaming

There’s a constant dispute going on between PC and console gamers. While PC gamers need to constantly be on the lookout for new hardware components for a flawless experience, console gamers just need to insert the disk and play.

However, a console comes with a standard pack of hardware components that only get upgraded through new device iterations. On the other hand, a computer can be transformed into a monstrous machine capable of running any game or special application.

Upgrading your PC is a pretty expensive task, and modern games seem to be specially built to benefit mostly from high-end hardware components. This doesn’t mean you can’t play games on an older PC, and just like Microsoft says, you can tweak and optimize Windows for a better gaming experience.

Check your computer’s components and drivers

Step 1: Press Win + R to launch the Run utility.

Step 2: Write down dxdiag and press Enter.

Step 3: Remember or write down Video and Audio board details.

Step 4-a: Go online and grab the latest drivers.

OR:

Step 4-b: Access this website to have an automatic scan done to see if you can run specific games. Results also tell you whether or not drivers are outdated.

Note: The latest driver is not always the best, with a high chance of old hardware components to be heavily affected by new drivers. Do some research before installing a driver.

Boosting Windows performance

Manually adjusting the system:

Step 1-a: Press Win + S and search for Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.

Step 1-b: Right-click My Computer/Computer/This PC and select Properties. Follow the link to Advanced system settings, and press the Settings button in the Performance section.

Step 2: Choose to Adjust for best performance, or manually deselect visual options you don’t need.

Step 3: Switch to the Data Execution Prevention tab.

Step 4: Choose to Turn on DEP for all programs and services except for those I select.

Step 5: Press the Add button and select the game executable file so that Windows funnels resources better to that process.

Starting Windows with a clean boot:

Step 1: Press Win + R to launch Run.

Step 2: Write down msconfig and press Enter.

Step 3: In the General tab, choose Selective startup and leave checked only Use original boot configuration.

Step 4: Switch to the Services tab, and check the box to Hide all Microsoft services.

Step 5: Hit the Disable all button and make sure no item on the list remains checked.

Step 6: Hit Apply, and OK to confirm changes.

Step 7: Restart your computer and perform a temp cleanup.

Removing temporary files:

Step 1: Press Win + R to launch the Run utility.

Step 2: Write down %temp% and press enter.

Step 3: Press Ctrl + A to select all files and folders.

Step 4: Hit the Delete (or Shift + Delete) button to remove everything.

Note: Files and folders found here only serve for temporary purposes and take up precious resources. Although no harm is done to your system, you lose all navigation and other history related data.