how to make games run faster on windows 10
If your games are running sluggishly on your Windows 10 computer, don’t worry—there are practical steps you can take to speed things up. By tweaking some settings, updating software, and optimizing your hardware, you can significantly boost your gaming performance. Follow this guide to get the most out of your gaming experience.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Make Games Run Faster on Windows 10
In this section, we will go through a series of steps to help you enhance your gaming performance on Windows 10. By following these steps, you’ll be able to squeeze more power from your system and enjoy a smoother gaming experience.
Step 1: Update Your Graphics Drivers
Updated drivers can significantly improve game performance and fix bugs.
To update your graphics drivers, visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (like NVIDIA or AMD), download the latest drivers, and install them. Keeping your drivers up-to-date ensures you have the latest optimizations.
Step 2: Adjust Your Power Settings
Power settings can influence your system’s performance.
Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options. Select the "High performance" plan. This setting prioritizes performance over energy savings, which is crucial for gaming.
Step 3: Disable Background Applications
Background apps can hog resources and slow down your games.
Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Under the "Processes" tab, end tasks for unnecessary apps running in the background. This frees up system resources for your game.
Step 4: Optimize In-game Settings
Lowering graphic settings can significantly improve game performance.
Within the game’s settings menu, reduce or turn off resource-heavy options like shadows, anti-aliasing, and reflections. This will lessen the load on your graphics card, resulting in smoother gameplay.
Step 5: Check for Windows Updates
Windows updates often include performance enhancements and bug fixes.
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Click "Check for updates" and install any available updates. This helps ensure your system runs efficiently.
Step 6: Upgrade Your Hardware
Sometimes, your current hardware might not be powerful enough.
Consider upgrading components like RAM or your graphics card. Adding more RAM can help with multitasking, while a better graphics card will handle games more effectively.
Once these actions are completed, you should notice a marked improvement in your gaming performance. Games should run more smoothly, with reduced lag and faster load times.
Tips for How to Make Games Run Faster on Windows 10
- Close unnecessary startup programs: Disable programs that start with Windows to free up resources. Use Task Manager or the Startup tab in System Configuration.
- Clean your PC regularly: Dust buildup can overheat your system, causing it to throttle performance. Regularly clean your PC’s components.
- Defragment your hard drive: If you’re using an HDD, defragment it to improve read/write speeds. Use the built-in Windows defragmentation tool.
- Monitor your system temperature: Overheating can cause slowdowns. Use software to monitor temperatures and consider improved cooling solutions if needed.
- Uninstall unused programs: Free up space and resources by removing programs you no longer need from your system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my game running slow on Windows 10?
Games can run slow due to outdated drivers, background applications, poor system optimization, or hardware limitations.
How can I see what’s slowing down my computer?
Use Task Manager to view and end tasks that are consuming too much CPU, memory, or disk usage.
Does upgrading RAM improve gaming performance?
Yes, adding more RAM can help with multitasking and improve overall system performance, including gaming.
Are there specific settings I should change in my game?
Lower graphic settings such as shadows, anti-aliasing, and reflections. These settings are often resource-intensive.
Will updating Windows improve game performance?
Yes, Windows updates can include performance improvements and bug fixes that help games run better.
Summary
- Update Your Graphics Drivers
- Adjust Your Power Settings
- Disable Background Applications
- Optimize In-game Settings
- Check for Windows Updates
- Upgrade Your Hardware
Conclusion
Making games run faster on Windows 10 is about ensuring your system is as optimized as possible. From updating drivers and ensuring you have the best power settings, to disabling unnecessary background applications and making sure your hardware is up to the task, each step is crucial.
By following this guide, you can turn your sluggish gaming experience into a smooth and enjoyable one. Remember, optimization is an ongoing process, so keep an eye on updates and be willing to adjust settings as new games and updates are released. Happy gaming!
Matthew Burleigh is the head writer at solveyourtech.com, where he covers topics like the iPhone, Microsoft Office, and Google apps. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has over 15 years of IT experience.
He has been writing online since 2008 and has published thousands of articles that have been read millions of times.