Windows 10 Gaming features:

Windows 10 includes several cool features that gamers will appreciate, including the ability to play games across platforms, stream games, and record your gameplay in real time. The enhancements of Windows 10 over previous versions require higher hardware specifications to run as they’re intended, so you can upgrade your existing system to take advantage of the gaming features in Windows 10.

Microsoft has been working hard for several generations to improve gaming on their Windows operating system. Windows 10, with DirectX 12, shows an incremental improvement in frame rates over Windows 8 and 7. Windows 10 automatically updates DirectX 12 drivers and the OS, leaving little for the user to configure. However, the introduction of Game Mode in the Creators Update prioritizes gaming for both the CPU and GPU, preventing Windows from using resources while you are playing a game.

The architecture of Windows 10 was created to retain compatibility for games with previous Windows versions, but with the addition of the Xbox capability, some games are not yet compatible. The number of compatible games is steadily improving, however.

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How to Optimize Windows 10 for Gaming

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So, you just bought the latest gaming title, and you want to know how to optimize Microsoft® Windows® 10 to make sure you’re getting the most out of your system. No problem, our comprehensive guide below will help you optimize Windows 10 for gaming. But before we get into changing things, let’s talk about the unique features of Windows 10 and gaming.

Windows 10 Gaming features

Windows 10 feature How to get the most out of it

PC and Xbox One™ gamers utilizing the Xbox Live® app can compete in the same game at the same time – on different platforms

PC gamers should make sure they have enough, and fast enough, memory to avoid lag times.

Buy and play an Xbox® games on your PC

Make sure your storage drive is up to the task. A solid state drive will get you into the game faster.

Record and stream gameplay in real time

Game DVR and streaming use a lot of active data. Make sure your memory and storage drive are up to the task.

Run Xbox Live® features from your PC (voice, text, chat)

Running Xbox Live features requires additional multitasking resources. To ensure your system has the ability to handle everything it'll be doing at once, improve your memory performance and density.

Compatible with DirectX® 12 graphics cards

The graphics card relies on memory, so faster memory enables better integrated graphics performance. You need sufficient memory that's fast enough to produce sharp visuals.

Now that you know the basics, let’s cover how to really optimize Windows 10 for gaming.

Step 1: Minimize background programs:

Generally speaking, a computer runs the same way no matter how you use it. Most systems have numerous programs that run automatically when the system is booted up. The problem is, these programs can be incredibly power hungry, which will limit your system's potential while you're gaming. Closing these extra programs allows your system to focus on your game.

Windows 10 has a unique built-in Game Mode that addresses this very subject. It focuses your system on your game, thus preventing the programs from stealing your CPU’s power. Additionally, it prevents updates and restart notifications from happening during gameplay. Turn the mode on or off by going to Settings > Gaming > Game Mode.

Tip: Try both Game Mode settings. Some games react differently to this setting, experiment with both for the title you want to play.