Windows 11 Gaming Settings That Boost FPS

Updated 5 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

To improve PC gaming performance in Windows 11, enable Game Mode, turn on Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling, and disable Memory Integrity (if you don’t need it). These settings, along with a few others like adjusting visual effects and power plan, can reduce input lag, increase frame rates, and make your system more responsive.

Background: Why Windows 11 Affects Gaming

Windows 11 includes several features designed to improve gaming, but some default settings can actually hinder performance on certain hardware. The operating system runs background processes, applies security measures, and manages power that can compete with your game for CPU, GPU, and memory resources. Understanding which settings matter and how they interact with your specific hardware is the key to getting the best performance without sacrificing stability or security.

How to Access Gaming Settings in Windows 11

Most of the settings you need are in the Windows Settings app. Here’s how to get there:

Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
Click System, then Power & battery (or Power on desktop).
Click Gaming in the left sidebar to access Game Mode and related options.
For advanced graphics settings, go to System > Display > Graphics.

Also check System > About > Advanced system settings for performance options, and Windows Security > Device security > Core isolation for Memory Integrity.

Key Settings to Improve Gaming Performance

1. Enable Game Mode

Game Mode is on by default, but it’s worth verifying. It prioritizes your game’s processes, giving them more CPU and GPU resources while suppressing background tasks like Windows Update and notifications. To enable it:

Open Settings > Gaming > Game Mode.
Toggle Game Mode to On.

Game Mode also helps with features like Auto HDR and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) on supported displays.

2. Turn On Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling

This setting offloads some memory management tasks from the CPU to the GPU, which can reduce input lag and improve frame rates, especially on high-end GPUs. To enable it:

Go to Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
Click Change default graphics settings.
Turn on Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling.

If you experience crashes or instability, you can turn it off.

3. Disable Memory Integrity (Core Isolation)

Memory Integrity is a security feature that prevents malicious code from running in high-integrity processes. However, it can cause a small performance hit, especially on older CPUs. If you’re not concerned about advanced malware threats, disabling it can yield a few extra FPS. To disable:

Open Windows Security > Device security > Core isolation details.
Toggle Memory integrity to Off.
Restart your PC.

Note: This reduces security, so only do it if you trust your software sources.

4. Adjust Visual Effects for Best Performance

Windows 11 uses animations and transparency effects that consume GPU resources. You can disable these for a slight boost:

Press Windows key + X and select System.
Click Advanced system settings.
Under Performance, click Settings.
Select Adjust for best performance or manually uncheck animations, transparency, and shadows.

This is most useful on integrated graphics or low-end GPUs.

5. Set Power Plan to High Performance

Windows 11 defaults to Balanced power mode, which can limit CPU and GPU speeds. Switching to High Performance ensures your hardware runs at full speed:

Open Settings > System > Power & battery.
Under Power mode, select Best performance.

On desktop PCs, you can also open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options and choose High performance.

6. Disable Fullscreen Optimizations

Fullscreen Optimizations can cause input lag and stuttering in some games. To disable it for a specific game:

Right-click the game’s .exe file and select Properties.
Go to the Compatibility tab.
Check Disable fullscreen optimizations.
Click Apply.

This is especially helpful for older games or those with known compatibility issues.

How to Choose Which Settings to Change

Not every setting will benefit every system. Here’s how to decide:

High-end PC (recent CPU, dedicated GPU): Enable GPU scheduling, keep Game Mode on, and consider disabling Memory Integrity if you want maximum FPS.
Mid-range PC: Use Game Mode, GPU scheduling, and adjust visual effects. Disabling fullscreen optimizations can help with specific games.
Low-end PC or integrated graphics: Prioritize visual effects and power plan. Disable unnecessary background apps and consider lowering in-game settings instead.

Always test changes one at a time with a benchmark or your favorite game to see the actual impact.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Some settings can cause issues:

Game Mode causing stuttering: Some games don’t play well with Game Mode. If you see stutters, try turning it off.
GPU scheduling causing crashes: If games crash, disable it and update your GPU drivers.
Memory Integrity blocking drivers: Some older drivers are incompatible. If you get a warning, update the driver or keep Memory Integrity on.
Fullscreen optimizations causing black screens: Disable it for that game or update your graphics drivers.

Comparison: Windows 10 vs Windows 11 Gaming Settings

Windows 11 adds a few gaming-specific features like Auto HDR and DirectStorage, but many settings are similar to Windows 10. The main difference is the location of settings and the default state of some features. Windows 11’s Game Mode is more integrated, and the Graphics settings page offers per-game performance options. If you’re upgrading, you may need to reapply some settings like the power plan and visual effects.

Cost, Safety, and Alternatives

All these settings are free and built into Windows 11. There are no costs involved. From a safety perspective, disabling Memory Integrity reduces security, so weigh the FPS gain against your risk tolerance. Alternatives to improve performance include:

Updating GPU drivers.
Closing background apps like browsers and Discord.
Lowering in-game graphics settings.
Overclocking (if you’re comfortable and have adequate cooling).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Game Mode actually improve FPS?

Yes, for most games it can provide a small FPS boost by prioritizing the game’s process and suppressing background tasks. The impact varies by game and hardware, but it’s generally worth keeping on.

Is it safe to disable Memory Integrity?

Disabling Memory Integrity reduces protection against certain types of malware. If you only install trusted software and keep Windows updated, the risk is low. But for maximum security, keep it on.

Will these settings work on a laptop?

Yes, but laptops have power constraints. Setting the power plan to High Performance will drain battery faster. Consider using Balanced when on battery and Best performance when plugged in.

Can I revert these changes if they don’t help?

Absolutely. All settings can be toggled back to their original state. It’s a good idea to change one at a time and test to see what works for you.

Do I need to restart my PC after changing settings?

Some settings like Memory Integrity and GPU scheduling require a restart. Others like visual effects and power plan take effect immediately.

Why do some games still lag even with these settings?

These settings help, but they can’t overcome hardware limitations. If your CPU or GPU is below the game’s minimum requirements, you’ll still experience lag. Consider upgrading hardware or lowering in-game resolution.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.