- Game Mode prioritizes resources, limits background tasks, and stops Windows Update interruptions to stabilize FPS.
- Optimizations for windowed gaming reduce latency and enable Auto HDR/VRR on compatible displays.
- Setting the GPU for each game to High performance, updating drivers, and choosing power plans improves performance.
- Optional measures such as disabling Memory Integrity or VMP can increase FPS, but reduce security.
¿How to use the new Windows 11 Game Mode to gain FPS without external software? If you play on a Windows 11 PC and want to squeeze out a few extra frames without installing anything, you're in the right place. Here you'll learn how to activate and adjust the Windows 11 Game Mode and other system options that help to gain stability and performance without resorting to third-party applications.
In addition to explaining exactly what this mode does, we'll show you how to combine it with the new features. optimizations for windowed gamesAuto HDR, per-app graphics preferences, power plans, and a handful of maintenance tricks make a big difference. The improvement isn't a miracle cure: on most systems, you'll see between 1 and 6 FPS on average, with peaks that can reach around 10 FPS in certain games or on more modest equipment; on high-end machines the impact is usually less or zero.
What is Game Mode in Windows 11 and what does it do?
Game Mode is a native feature that, upon detecting that you are running a video game, adjusts the system so that prioritize resources in the gameIt doesn't change the hardware, but it does coordinate processes to reduce interruptions and small sources of latency that detract from smoothness.
When active, Windows 11 performs several actions designed to make the experience more stable and, sometimes, a little faster. Among the most notable effects, annoying tasks are stopped and the background load is minimized.
- Windows Update stops installing components on the disk while you play and avoids displaying restart prompts that kill the mood.
- Se limits background activity so that the CPU, GPU, and RAM can focus on the game and not on extraneous processes.
- Slight improvement of FPS and stability of the frame rate, depending on the game and the equipment.
In Windows 11, Game Mode is also complemented by modern system technologies, such as Auto HDR for compatible displays and the option to enable new optimizations specifically for windowed or borderless gaming. These settings are designed to reduce the frame latency and improve the presentation of DirectX 10/11 titles in non-full-screen formats.
How to enable Game Mode in Windows 11
Activating it takes just seconds. You can access the settings from the Start menu by searching "Configuration" or using the shortcut Windows + IWithin the app, enter the area designed for "Games".
- Open Settings (Start or Windows + I).
- In the left panel go to "Games".
- Accede to "Game mode" and activate the switch.
Once activated, the mode will be applied automatically every time start a gameThis is a setting worth checking if you've changed the configuration in the past or if you share the device and someone may have accidentally disabled it.
Optimizations for windowed gaming: lower latency, Auto HDR, and VRR
Windows 11 incorporates "Optimizations for windowed games" that allow many DirectX 10/11 titles to run in windowed or borderless windowed mode, moving away from the old presentation model. blt a modern flip-modelThis reduces frame latency and unlocks features such as Auto HDR and variable refresh rate (VRR) on compatible monitors.
To take advantage of it, it is advisable activate these default settings from the system's graphics settings. Applying these settings will notice improved responsiveness in games that don't run in full screen, which is very useful if you use overlays, chat, or frequently switch windows during your sessions.
- Go to Settings > System > Screen > Recorders.
- Sign in Change default graphics settings.
- Activate the option optimizations for windowed games and restart the game.
If a title has compatibility issues, you can disable these optimizations for that game only. It's also possible to override Auto HDR individually if you are not convinced by the visual result in a specific case.
- Settings > System > Display > Recorders.
- In “Custom options for applications”, select the game and tap Options.
- Brand “Do not use optimizations for windowed games” I “Do not use Auto HDR”, and save.
On systems with more than one GPU, that same options box allows you to choose the graphics preference (Saving, “Let Windows decide” or High performance). We will discuss this point in detail below.
Force high performance and dGPU per application
If your laptop or desktop has integrated and dedicated graphics, it's crucial to tell Windows which GPU to use for each game. This prevents a demanding title from launching with the integrated graphics card by mistake and losing performance.
The quick path is: Settings > System > Display > RecordersFrom there, add the game's executable (if it doesn't appear in the list) and open it. Options to establish “High performance” as a preference. It's the most direct way to force the use of the dGPU in titles that need it.
Please note that, since Windows 10 version 2004, the priority of graphic preference The settings you choose on this screen may override what you define in the NVIDIA or AMD panels. Therefore, it is recommended to adjust the preference in both. Windows and the manufacturer's panel to avoid surprises.
Pause what's in the way: control Windows Update while gaming
Although Game Mode blocks certain Windows Update actions, such as driver updates And despite restart prompts, update tasks may still be running in the background. If you're going to have a long or competitive session, you might want to check the status. pause updates for several days so that they don't interrupt your rhythm.
From Settings > Windows Update You'll see a "Pause for 1 week" option. Use it when you're on a winning streak; you can resume whenever you want. This pause helps prevent disk or CPU usage from spiking in the middle of a critical game due to a download or installation at the worst possible moment.
GPU drivers and dashboards: get the most out of your hardware
Another simple way to gain performance and stability is to maintain the drivers up to dateespecially those for the GPU. NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel usually release drivers with Game-specific improvements Newly released, and it's not uncommon to notice FPS increases or fewer performance drops after updating, and you'll also avoid errors like VK_ERROR_DEVICE_LOST.
In addition, the official panels (Control Panel of NVIDIAAMD Software Adrenalin or the panel IntelThese tools allow you to adjust profiles for each game, balance quality/performance, and enable capture or streaming features. Each software is different, so it's worth taking a few minutes to review the optimization options offered by your manufacturer.
Power, battery and cooling: put the system into performance mode
If you play on a laptop, connecting it to the charger is practically mandatory for the GPU and CPU They operate at their maximum sustained frequency. On battery power, the systems limit consumption and reduce performance to save energy.
In Windows 11, you can select the mode “Better performance” From the power settings, and in the classic Control Panel, choose the plan of “High performance” within Power Options. This profile reduces aggressive power saving and prioritizes immediate system response.
If you have an ASUS ROG or TUF PC, the built-in software Armory Supply (Only on these models) allows you to choose predefined modes. For gaming, the mode Turbo It offers maximum power when the adapter is connected, and if your device allows it, you can select the “Ultimate” GPU mode to prioritize the dedicated one, and if you need it Force the GPU fan without softwareIt also includes options for free memory occupied by GameVisual apps and profiles to calibrate the screen color to the type of game.
Cut the fat out of Windows: effects, apps, and startup
Disabling visual embellishments that add little value can free up resources. Go to System Properties > tab Advanced > button Unlimited and, in “Visual Effects”, select “Adjust for best performance”You'll lose transitions and animations, but you'll gain lightness on fair teams.
It's also advisable to uninstall apps you don't useFrom Settings > Applications In “Apps & features” you can find unnecessary programs and uninstall them. Many pre-installed apps update automatically and consume space and resources even if you never open them.
Another key point is in the Task ManagerIn the Processes tab, sort by CPU, Memory, or GPU to find what's hogging resources while you play and close it if it's not needed. In "Startup Applications," disable anything that doesn't need to start with Windows; you'll improve both your computer's startup time and reduce background resource usage.
The Performance tab will help you identify bottlenecks (CPU spikes, lack of RAM, GPU saturation), and if you see retained graphics memory when closing games, check Why doesn't Windows release VRAM?And if you share the PC, check the tab UsersSometimes there are open sessions from other users consuming resources without you noticing.
Storage and loading times: SSD is better than HDD
Install the games on a SSD drive It reduces loading times and disk access interruptions compared to a traditional HDD. If you have both, prioritize the SSD for your main titles and active library, and keep an eye on the temperature of your NVMe SSD.
If any games are still on an HDD, you can use the Windows tool to optimize/defragment To access that drive: File Explorer > This PC > right-click on the drive > Properties > Tools tab > “Optimize”. Select the HDD and run the optimization.
Important: SSD storage is not recommended defragmentYou won't gain any performance, and in fact, you might even reduce its lifespan. Leave it as is; traditional optimization only makes sense with mechanical hard drives.
Adjust in-game graphics
In addition to the system, the games themselves offer quick toggles to gain FPS. Lower the resolution This is the setting with the greatest impact. If you prefer to maintain resolution, reduce the quality of high-cost options such as shadows, reflections, or texture quality.
Antialiasing also plays a role. MSAA It offers classic but expensive edge smoothing; FXAA It is lighter, although it introduces a certain blurring; and TXAA It combines temporary techniques to reduce blinking, with a moderate impact. Try it and decide which balance works best for you.
With V-Sync You'll avoid screen tearing if your monitor doesn't support VRR, but keep in mind that it locks the maximum FPS to the panel's refresh rate and can increase latency. If your display supports VRR, combine it with windowed optimizations for a smoother experience.
Advanced security measures with a cost (use them only if you are willing to pay it)
Microsoft points out two tweaks that can improve performance, but in return reduce security or features. The first is disabling the “Memory integrity” From Windows Security > Device Security. If it's enabled, you can turn it off, but the system will ask you to. Reiniciar And by doing so, you'll be more vulnerable to certain types of attacks. Only use it if you understand and accept the risk.
The second is to disable Virtual Machine Platform (VMP) From Control Panel > Programs > “Turn Windows features on or off”. Requires administrator privileges and will affect the virtualization (For example, virtual environments you use for development or compatibility). If you don't need those features, it can provide a little extra lightness.
Take care of the connection and the temperature
For online games, a bad connection can ruin the experience even if you have high FPS. Check your Wi-Fi or cableChoose the correct band, update your network driver, and check for background downloads that might be saturating your connection. If you're still having problems, review the Windows diagnostic steps for wired or wireless networks.
Temperature also matters. A dusty or poorly ventilated device is a problem. throttling and low performance. Keep your PC clean, with good airflow, and if you use a laptop, avoid soft surfaces that block the vents. A simple restart before playing closes bloated processes and refreshes the system.
By applying Game Mode, enabling window optimizations, fine-tuning the GPU per application, optimizing drivers and the power plan, and cutting out unnecessary features in Windows, you'll achieve a more stable experience And in many cases, a few extra FPS. They're not magic tweaks, but the difference is noticeable, especially on low-end or mid-range systems, where every frame counts for smooth gameplay.
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