How to Clean & Optimize Windows 10 for Gaming?

optimize-windows-10-for-gaming

Last updated on May 5th, 2025 at 6:44 am

If you are short on time:

There are multiple manual methods available to help you boost gaming performance on Windows 10. But, the problem is, it consumes a lot of time and efforts. Now that, if you are looking for an instant solution to optimize Windows 10 for gaming, then we suggest you should use best PC cleaner tools for enhanced gaming performance. CleanMyPC  and CCleaner are two best tools available that offer tons of useful features to optimize PC for improved gaming.

Overview

If you love gaming on Windows 10, then you are not alone. The Microsoft has designed Windows 10 keeping needs of power gamers in mind. This powerful operating system for gamers allows mixing native games, support retro titles, and even supports Xbox One Streaming. But, there are limitations with Windows systems as well that could affect your gaming experience negatively.

Why you should clean Windows 10 for better gaming performance?

You may encounter sluggish gaming performance due to various reasons. It could include over occupied disk space, malware issues, hardware & settings issues, and more. Now to get best out of your PC to enjoy seamless gaming experience, you need to make certain tweaks. With these tweaks, you can optimize Windows 10 for improved gaming performance.

How to clean & optimize Windows 10 for gaming?

To clean & optimize Windows 10 for gaming, you can consider to enable Game Mode, disable Nagle’s algorithm, upgrade to SSD, manage the active hours, tweak visual effects settings, and try similar things. Remember, best PC cleaner software also helps you optimize your PC for better gaming performance.

Method 1: Use Windows 10 Game Mode

Game Mode on your Windows 10 PC is a powerful tool that is designed to dedicate more resources for games for seamless gaming experience. Once you enable this mode, it will prevent other programs and Windows Update from distracting you with annoying notifications. It will also prevent these programs from hogging system resource while you are playing. To enable Game Mode, follow these steps:

  • Press Windows + I keys to open system Settings.
  • On Settings window, type game mode in the search box and hit Enter.
  • Click Control Game Mode for optimizing your PC for games option.
  • On the next window, select Game Mode from the left pane.
  • In the right pane, turn on the Game Mode option.

If your PC supports game mode, it will optimize your system for seamless gaming experience, If yu can’t see this option, then latest Windows Creators Update is not installed on your PC.

Optimize Windows 10 for better gaming performance

Method 2: Tweak Visual Effects Settings

Next thing you should do to optimize Windows 10 for gaming is to tweak Visual Effects settings. You can find stunning visual effects on your Windows 10 PC that enhances aesthetics of your PC. But, it consumes a lot of device resources making gaming experience sluggish. To deal with that, you can consider tweaking Visual Effects settings. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Press Win + I keys to open Settings.
  • On Settings window, search Performance and hit Enter.
  • On the next window, select Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows option,
  • Select Adjust for best performance when prompted.
  • Click Apply.
  • Next you need to click the Advanced tab and make sure, the Adjust the best performance of is set to Programs.
  • Click Apply & OK.
Visual Effects Settings

Method 3: Adjust for high performance

You can tweak power plans to adjust for high performance to speed up your gaming experience. To do this, you need to tweak your power settings. Follow these steps to adjust for high performance.

  • Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  • On Settings window, type Power and hit Enter.
  • Select Power & sleep settings > Additional power settings option in the right panel.
  • On the next window, select the High Performance option.
  • If you can’t find this option, then select Create a power plan from left pane and select High Performance on the next window.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
power options

Method 4: Update drivers

To speed up gaming performance in Windows 10, you can consider to update display drivers. Outdated, missing or corrupt drivers could affect your gaming performance, thus, it is suggested to update them immediately to avoid performance issues. To update drivers on Windows 10, follow these steps:

  • Right click on Start menu and select Device Manager.
  • On Device Manager window, search and expand Display Adapters category.
  • Once expanded, right click on device type and select Update Driver.

Now you will find two options on next window:

First, Search automatically for updated driver software that allows Windows to search and install the latest drivers automatically.

Second, Browse my computer for driver software, where you can browse the location of your driver file and install it.

Note: Before you browse the location of driver file, you need to download the latest driver file from the device manufacturer website.

If you find updating drivers manually complicated task, then you can consider using best driver updater software for instant and effective results.

Update drivers

Method 5: Install DirectX 12

DirectX 12 is useful addition on Windows PC that enhances gaming performance. It comes with the latest version of Microsoft’s popular API tool. With DirectX 12, you will find support for various CPU and GPU cores, lowered power consumption, better frame rates, and enhanced graphical effects. To check if your system has DirectX 12, open Windows PowerSheel, type dxdiag and hit Enter. You will find a direct Diagnostic Tool. If you don’t have DirectX 12 installed, follow these steps:

  • Open Settings > Update and Security.
  • Select Windows Update from left pane.
  • Click Check for updates in right panel.
  • Let the system update automatically.

DirectX 12 will be installed automatically and optimize many gaming settings.

DirectX 12

Method 6: Tweak DNS Settings

If you are relying on a remote server for Windows 10 gaming or playing online multiplayer, then network traffic could cause a trouble. To fix this issue, you can consider upgrading to faster Internet. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Open Settings > Network and Internet > Change Adapter Options.
  • On the next window, right-click on your wirless network.
  • Choose Properties.
  • On Properties window, highlight Internet Protocol Version 4.
  • Here, you need to write down the two DNS entries for future reference.
  • Next is to replace these entries with 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
  • Click OK.
  • Restart your browser to changes take place.
DNS Settings

Method 7: Disable Automatic Updates

If you find Windows 10 updates and restarts automatically, then you can disable automatic updates to avoid trouble during game save. This is one of the easiest ways to optimize Windows 10 for gaming. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  • Click on Advanced options > Update Options.
  • Here, disable Restart this device as soon as possible when a restart is required to install an update.
  • Enable Show a notification to allow Windows to send notifications before restarts.
  • You can click on Pause Updates to delay installation for different time duration.
Disable Automatic Updates

Method 8: Disable Notifications in Windows 10

Notifications and pop-ups could be annoying while you are playing your favorite game. To disable notifications, chimes, and pop-ups, follow these steps:

  • Go to Settings > System.
  • On the next window, select Focus Assist from left pane.
  • In the right pane, select Alarms Only to hide all other notifications.
  • You’re done.
Disable notifications to improve Windows 10 gaming

Method 9: Manage your Active Hours

To stop Windows from updating automatically, you can consider to enable Active Hours. Once you specify active hours on your PC for gaming and working schedule, the OS will be prevented from downloading updates during those times. You can try to optimize Windows 10 for gaming using this step to heading to Settings > Update & Security > Change active hours.

Manage your Active Hours

Method 10: Disable Mouse Acceleration

It doesn’t improve your Windows performance directly, instead, it helps you enhance your personal gaming performance. When this feature is enabled, your system mouse will move based on detection of physical movements and on speed. Thus, it may interfere with gaming performance. To disable mouse acceleration, follow these steps.

  • Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  • On Settings window, type Change the mouse pointer display or speed and press Enter.
  • On the next window, select Pointer Options tab and uncheck Enhance pointer precision.

You can also try to change the pointer speed slider to set it to the best configuration that suits you.

Disable Mouse Acceleration

FAQ

How to turn on Game Mode in Windows 10?

To turn on Game Mode in Windows 10, press Windows + I keys to open Settings. On Settings page, type game mode and press Enter. Next click Game Mode settings or Turn on Game Mode. On the gaming screen, turn on Game Mode option.

How to clean & optimize Windows 10 for gaming?

There are multiple ways to clean & optimize Windows 10 for gaming. It includes turnig on Game Mode, disabling Nagle’s algorithms, using faster DNS servers, disabling automatic updates, disabling notifications, and more. You can also use best PC cleaner to speed up gaming performance.

Which Windows 10 is best for gaming?

If you are going to use your system only for gaming, then Windows 10 Home edition will suffice. You can upgrade to Pro version, if you are power user. Here, you will find better security and compatibility features.

Does RAM increases FPS?

Depending on the memory size you are using, it could affect FPS. By adding more RAM, you could expect to increase your FPS. As all games require certain amount of memory to run, more RAM will translate into better gaming speed.

Conclusion

Following above mentioned steps, you can easily clean & optimize Windows 10 for gaming performance. Do try these steps and share your experience in the comments below.

Author Bio:

Dinesh Lakhwani

Dinesh Lakhwani, the entrepreneurial brain behind “TechCommuters,” achieved big things in the tech world. He started the company to make smart and user-friendly tech solutions. Thanks to his sharp thinking, focus on quality and the motto of never giving up, TechCommuters became a top player in the industry. His commitment to excellence has propelled the company to a leading position in the industry.

Popular Post

Recent Post

Top 15 Microsoft Defender Tips And Tricks [2025]

By TechCommuters / May 14, 2025

Microsoft Defender is a powerful security tool built into Windows. It protects your computer from viruses, malware, and other online threats. Many people don’t realize how capable this free security solution has become in recent years. Microsoft Defender tips and tricks can transform your PC security experience. The built-in protection has evolved from basic antivirus […]

6 Best Windows Defender Settings For Security

By TechCommuters / May 12, 2025

Protecting your computer is more crucial than ever. Cyber threats lurk everywhere, aiming to steal your data. Windows Defender provides solid security, yet many users overlook its most effective settings. Windows Defender has become a strong security solution, offering features once exclusive to paid software. With the right settings, you can enhance your protection at […]

How To Fix MSMPeng.exe Antimalware Service Executable High CPU

By TechCommuters / May 10, 2025

Is your computer running slow? Is your fan making loud noises? You might be facing the msmpeng.exe antimalware service executable high CPU problem. This is a common issue. The msmpeng.exe process can sometimes use too many of your computer’s resources. This makes everything else run slowly. Many people get frustrated when they see msmpeng.exe antimalware […]

Top Ways To Protect Windows From Malware

By TechCommuters / May 8, 2025

Keeping your Windows computer safe is crucial, don’t you think? The internet is full of risks that can harm your device. But knowing how to protect your system from malware can save you from major headaches. Every day, thousands of new malware threats surface, putting unprotected computers at serious risk. Malware is harmful software designed […]

How To Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus Software on Windows: Complete Removal

By TechCommuters / May 5, 2025

Removing antivirus software from your Windows computer can sometimes be tricky. Isn’t it?  Well, many third-party antivirus programs embed themselves deep in your system. They don’t always uninstall completely with regular methods. Don’t worry. This guide will help you fully remove any antivirus software from your Windows PC. When you need to uninstall third-party antivirus […]

Top 10 Free Antivirus for Windows PC/Laptop for Virus Protection

By TechCommuters / May 1, 2025

Agree or not, your Windows PC or laptop needs strong virus protection. The best free antivirus for Windows PC can keep your data safe without costing you money. Computer virus protection is not just an option – it’s a must for everyone who uses a computer. Many people think they need to pay for good […]

Everything You Need To Know About Universal Graphic Driver | Pros, Cons, Tips & More

By TechCommuters / April 29, 2025

Outdated graphics drivers can cause visual hiccups, poor performance, and incompatibilities with the newest software in today’s tech environment. Updating your drivers regularly is essential for preserving system stability and maximizing the capabilities of your hardware. With the potential to streamline driver management across various platforms and devices, universal graphic drivers have become a ground-breaking […]

How To Update Video Drivers on Windows 11/10: Complete Guide (2025)

By TechCommuters / April 25, 2025

Is your game experience simply dragging? Are you having problems with your display or graphical lag? Video drivers that are out-of-date or corrupt are frequently the cause. Thanks to these crucial software elements, your operating system and apps can interact with your graphics card more efficiently. It is, therefore, essential for every PC user to […]

Acronis True Image Cyber Protection: Complete Review

By TechCommuters / April 22, 2025

Data protection is more important than ever. Our computers and devices hold precious photos, important documents, and work files that we can’t afford to lose. Hackers, system crashes, and accidental deletions pose real threats to our digital lives. This is where backup and protection software becomes essential. Acronis True Image Cyber Protection stands out in […]

How to Update Display Driver on Windows 11/10 [Easiest Ways]

By TechCommuters / April 18, 2025

You might already be aware that between your graphics card and Windows OS, your display driver serves as an essential channel for communication. A driver that is out of date or corrupt can cause several annoying problems, ranging from slow performance and visual abnormalities to complete system instability. Maintaining the most recent versions of your […]