If you’re a gamer looking to get the most out of your Windows 10 PC, then optimizing your system for performance is a must. Whether you’re playing competitively or just enjoying casual games, these tweaks will ensure that your computer isn’t holding you back. Drawing from over 10 years of competitive Counter-Strike experience, this guide provides practical steps to help you maximize FPS and overall performance in your games.
Key Takeaways
- Adjusting Windows 10 settings can significantly improve gaming performance.
- Disabling unnecessary background apps and features frees up system resources.
- Tools like QuickCPU and the Chris Titus Tech Windows Utility streamline optimization.
Step 1: Create a System Restore Point
Before making any changes, it’s crucial to create a system restore point. This allows you to revert back if something goes wrong during the optimization process. Here’s how to do it:
- Search for “restore” in the Windows search bar and select “Create a restore point.”
- Make sure system protection is on for your C: drive.
- Click “Configure,” then set system protection to about 5GB, and create the restore point.
This ensures you have a safety net if any settings cause issues.
Step 2: Clean Up Display and Taskbar Settings
A clean desktop and taskbar not only look better but also improve focus and performance:
- Display Settings: Ensure your monitor is set to the highest refresh rate. For gaming, a refresh rate of 144Hz or higher is optimal.
- Taskbar and Start Menu: Right-click on the taskbar to hide unnecessary icons and remove unwanted apps from the start menu for a cleaner interface.
Step 3: Adjust System Settings for Performance
Tweaking system settings can prevent unnecessary processes from eating up valuable resources:
- Notifications and Focus Assist: Disable all notifications to avoid interruptions during gameplay.
- Storage Sense: Turn on Storage Sense to automate temporary file cleanup and reduce clutter.
- Personalization: For low-end systems, set your desktop background to a solid color, such as black, to save system resources.
Step 4: Tweak App and Startup Settings
Reducing startup programs and background apps frees up memory and CPU power:
- Startup Programs: Go to Settings > Apps > Startup and disable any unnecessary programs from launching at startup to speed up boot times and performance.
- Background Apps: Go to Settings > Privacy > Background apps and click on the slider to Disable apps from running in the background.
Step 5: Debloat Windows 10 Using Chris Titus Tech Utility
The Chris Titus Tech Windows Utility helps you streamline Windows 10 by removing unnecessary bloatware and tweaking performance settings:
- Open PowerShell as an administrator and run the following command:
irm "https://christitus.com/win" | iex
- Once the utility launches, use it to remove Microsoft Edge and other unwanted apps.
- Apply recommended tweaks such as enabling the ultimate performance plan, disabling mouse acceleration, and removing Cortana.
- Set Windows Update to install Security Updates only.
This tool helps you automate the optimization process and removes features that slow down your system. For an in-depth guide, check out this post.
Step 6: Uninstall Unnecessary Apps with HiBit Uninstaller
HiBit Uninstaller is a great tool for removing pre-installed Windows apps that might be taking up space and resources:
- Download the portable version of HiBit Uninstaller from the official website.
- Extract the downloaded file, then run the .exe to launch HiBit Uninstaller.
- Use HiBit to force-remove unwanted programs like Microsoft OneDrive and other pre-installed apps. This will free up space and reduce the chance of these apps interfering with your system.
HiBit Uninstaller also includes a Windows Store Apps Manager that allows you to uninstall built-in Windows Store apps that you no longer need. Be careful when uninstalling these apps, as some, like the Calendar, are essential to Windows functionality. Once you’ve selected the apps to remove, click “Uninstall Selected” to clean up your system.
By removing these unnecessary apps, you’ll free up space and ensure that your system is focused on running your games efficiently.
Step 7: Fine-Tune Additional Windows Settings
After using HiBit Uninstaller to remove unnecessary apps, there are several key Windows settings that can further enhance your system’s performance. These tweaks ensure that your system remains efficient and doesn’t drain resources unnecessarily:
- Adjust Visual Effects for Performance:
- Open File Explorer and right-click on “This PC.”
- Select “Properties,” then click on “Advanced system settings.”
- Under the “Performance” section, click “Settings” and choose “Adjust for best performance.”
- Make sure to check the option for “Smooth edges of screen fonts” to avoid a poor visual experience.
- Optimize Network Adapter Settings:
- Open Device Manager and locate your Network Adapter under “Network Adapters.”
- Right-click on your adapter and select “Properties.”
- Under the “Advanced” tab, disable “Power Saving Mode.”
- In the “Power Management” tab, uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”
- Disable Unnecessary Power-Saving Features:
- Go to Settings > System > Power & Sleep.
- Set your system to “High Performance” or “Ultimate Performance” to ensure that Windows isn’t throttling your CPU or GPU to save energy.
These additional settings ensure that your Windows 10 installation is optimized for performance and won’t be held back by power-saving features or unnecessary visual effects.
Step 8: Enhance CPU Performance with QuickCPU
QuickCPU is a powerful tool that ensures your CPU cores are fully utilized for optimal gaming performance:
- Download and install QuickCPU.
- Set your system power plan to Ultimate Performance.
- Adjust the sliders to ensure maximum CPU performance, preventing any cores from being parked.
This ensures that your CPU is working at its full potential, improving performance during intense gaming sessions.
Step 9: Optimize Graphics Settings for Maximum Performance
If you’re using an Nvidia graphics card, optimizing the settings in the Nvidia Control Panel can provide a significant boost in gaming performance. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the best settings to ensure your system is fully optimized for gaming:
Note: Before you can access the NVIDIA Control Panel, you’ll need to install the latest NVIDIA Graphics driver.
- Low Latency Mode: Set this to Ultra to reduce input lag, which is critical for fast-paced, competitive games.
- OpenGL Rendering GPU: Choose your dedicated GPU (e.g., your Nvidia card) to ensure the highest performance, rather than relying on integrated graphics.
- Power Management Mode: Change this setting to Prefer Maximum Performance to ensure your GPU maintains its full potential during gameplay, rather than throttling to save power.
- Preferred Refresh Rate: Set this to the Highest Available refresh rate for your monitor, ensuring the smoothest possible gameplay and reducing motion blur.
- Texture Filtering – Quality: Adjust this to High Performance to prioritize performance over visual fidelity, which will result in higher FPS.
- Vertical Sync (V-Sync): Turn off V-Sync to minimize input lag and avoid unnecessary synchronization delays that could affect your gaming experience.
- Threaded Optimization: Make sure this is set to Auto to allow your GPU to manage multiple threads efficiently.
- Triple Buffering: Disable Triple Buffering, as it can introduce latency without significant benefits in most gaming scenarios.
These settings ensure that your Nvidia graphics card is fully optimized for gaming, focusing on delivering the highest possible frame rates and minimizing latency. By turning off power-saving features and prioritizing performance, you’ll see a noticeable improvement in your gameplay experience.
Conclusion
By following this guide, you’ll have a Windows 10 setup that’s optimized for gaming and performance. Whether you’re gaming competitively or just want a smoother experience, these tweaks will give you the edge you need.
FAQs
1. Why is it important to disable background apps in Windows 10?
Disabling background apps frees up system resources like memory and CPU power, allowing your games to run more smoothly.
2. What is the best refresh rate for gaming?
A refresh rate of 144Hz or higher is ideal for gaming as it reduces motion blur and provides smoother visuals, especially in fast-paced games.
3. Should I disable Windows updates for better performance?
It’s best to disable non-essential updates but keep security updates enabled. This helps maintain system performance while keeping your PC secure.
4. Does changing to a local account improve gaming performance?
Switching to a local account can reduce background sync activities tied to a Microsoft account, freeing up system resources for gaming.
5. What does the Ultimate Performance plan do?
The Ultimate Performance plan ensures that your system prioritizes performance over energy savings, reducing latency and improving responsiveness.