How to improve gaming performance by disabling Game DVR

Sometimes, the Windows 10 Game Bar appears when you don't need it. If you're not going to record your gameplay, disabling it will save you time and system resources. Below you'll find a complete guide on how to do this. How to disable Game DVR (background recording) as well as the game bar.

In addition to explaining the steps from Settings, You'll also see how to block Game DVR from the Windows Registry...as well as tips, shortcuts, and useful details for those who prefer to continue using the capture function. All in one place, with clear and straightforward language.

What is Game DVR and what does the Game Bar do in Windows 10?

In Windows 10, the gaming experience integrates an overlay called game bar, accessible with the key combination Windows + GThis layer lets you start recordings, take screenshots, stream, and quickly open Xbox-related features, all without leaving the game.

Within that bar there is a key feature: GameDVR(which is enabled by default in Windows 10). Its mission is record in background Your sessions, so you can save the last few minutes of action when something epic happens. This continuous recording is discarded if you don't save it, but it's there, ready to preserve the best moments.

Although it is very practical, many choose to Disable Game DVR because it consumes a lot of resources.On many systems, this can reduce FPS or cause micro-stuttering, even when you're not actively saving clips. If you prioritize performance or never record, the wisest course of action is to disable this feature or simply turn off the Game Bar. You can also check settings such as HAGS and Resizable BAR to improve performance.

How to disable Game DVR (background recording only)

If your goal is avoid background recording But if you want to keep the game bar for screenshots or quick access, here's how. It's a quick and reversible setting in Settings.

1. Open Settings from Windows 10 from the Start menu (gear icon).
2. Enter the section Games, where all the parameters related to the game mode are located.
3. In the left column, click on GameDVR.
4. Turn off the switch Grabar en segundo plano mientras juego.

With that change, Windows stops allowing background recordingThis frees up CPU and GPU resources that you can then use to improve FPS or reduce latency. You can reactivate it at any time from the same point.

How to disable the game bar completely

If you know you're not going to use any of its features, You can turn off the entire game barThis will prevent it from appearing or being activated accidentally with the shortcuts.

1. Open Settings from the Start menu.
2. Go to Games.
3. In the side menu, go to Game bar.
4. Turn off the switch Grabar clips de juegos, capturas de pantalla y retransmitir con la barra de juegos.

In doing so, The Windows + G combination will no longer display the overlay in your games. It's an ideal option if you want to focus on playing and getting the most out of your computer's resources without any overlays getting in the way.

Disable Game DVR using the Windows Registry (alternative method)

Some users prefer or need Force the deactivation of Game DVR from the RegistryThis method is useful if you want to ensure the system doesn't activate the feature under any circumstances. Back up the Registry before touching anything and proceed with caution.

Part One: Create the policy key for Game DVR at the team level.

1. Open the Run dialog with Windows + R, writes regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows.
3. About the key Windows, creates a new Clubs call GameDVR.
4. Within GameDVR, create a new DWORD value (32 bits) called AllowGameDVR.
5. double click on AllowGameDVR and set its value to 0 (in hexadecimal) to disable the function.

Second part: Disable Game DVR per user in the game settings.

1. In the Registry Editor, go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\System\GameConfigStore.
2. In the right panel, locate the value DWORD GameDVR_Enabled.
3. Open it and put it in 0 to disable it.

When you finish, restart the pc for the changes to take effect. If at any time you want to revert the change, return to these routes and set AllowGameDVR y GameDVR_Enabled en 1This method offers total control, ideal if you want the deactivation to be firm and persistent.

How to record with Game DVR if you prefer to continue using it

You might not want to disable Game DVR and instead Use it to capture your gamesHere's a quick overview of its key functions and most useful shortcuts.

To open the game bar during a game, Press Windows + GIf it doesn't appear, check that the game is not in exclusive fullscreen mode or activate windowed modesince some titles require that condition to display the overlay. Once you see it, you'll have access to captures, clips, audio, and quick settings.

When the bar is visible, press the red record button To start capturing video, you'll see a small timer in one corner indicating the session duration. stop recording, press the stop button on the interface again.

If you like taking shortcuts, remember that Windows+Alt+R It starts and stops recording without opening the entire bar. Furthermore, with Windows + Alt + T You can show or hide the on-screen timer, which is convenient so as not to cover up elements of the HUD during gameplay.

For static screenshots, you have the shortcut to Windows + Alt + Print Screen, or the capture icon within the bar. Windows automatically saves videos as .mp4 files and images as .png files.They are usually located in the Captures folder within your user's Videos directory. Each file is labeled with the date, time, and game name, so you can easily find it.

Quick checks after deactivation

Once you've finished the adjustments, do a quick check: If you press Windows + G and the bar doesn't appearThis means the overlay is correctly disabled. If the bar is displayed but no auto-clips are being saved, Game DVR is turned off, which is what you wanted to reduce resource consumption.

In Settings > Games, Check that the switches are still in the off stateAfter making changes to the Registry, remember that a restart is key for them to take effect, so don't skip that step.

If you play on platforms like Steam or similar, Try a full-screen title And observe the results: the absence of the bar and an improvement in FPS confirm that the adjustment is benefiting you. If you need more help, consult our compatibility guide for older games.

Windows 10 gives you full control over the Game Bar and Game DVRYou can keep them active if you record frequently, or turn them off for better performance and to eliminate distractions. With the Setup steps and the Registry method, you choose how you want the system to behave while you play.

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Daniel Terrasa

Editor specialized in technology and internet issues with more than ten years of experience in different digital media. I have worked as an editor and content creator for e-commerce, communication, online marketing and advertising companies. I have also written on economics, finance and other sectors websites. My work is also my passion. Now, through my articles in Tecnobits, I try to explore all the news and new opportunities that the world of technology offers us every day to improve our lives.