Windows 10 users should turn this feature off now for better gaming performance
Game Mode causing problems
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Game Mode, a feature introduced toWindows 10way back with theCreators Updateof 2017, was supposed to make gaming a much better experience – but it seems the opposite is true.
Many PC gamers have noticed that with Game Mode enabled, which should usually prioritise games and minimise background tasks to improve performance, many games actually encountered poorer frame rates, stutters and freezes.
As theGuru3D website explains, there have been reports that games such asCall of Duty: WarzoneandLeague of Legendshave been encountering issues with Game Mode, while bothAMDandNvidiagraphics cards can also be affected.
The website singles out AMD’sRadeon RX 5700 XT,RX 570, RX 480 and R9 29 and Nvidia’sGeForce GTX 980and theGeForce GTX 1080 Tias being particularly prone to issues when Game Mode is on.
It’s certainly frustrating, especially as Game Mode is supposed toimprovegame performance, but thankfully it can be easily fixed by disabling Game Mode.
How to turn off Game Mode in Windows 10
The process of turning off Game Mode inWindows 10is pretty straightforward. To do this, open up the Start Menu and click the icon of a cog. This opens up the Settings app.
In the app, click ‘Gaming’ then on the left-hand menu, select ‘Game Mode’ then click the toggle to turn it off.
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You should now see improved gaming performance. HopefullyMicrosoftis aware of this issue and will fix it in a future update to Windows 10. We’ve contacted Microsoft for comment.
Matt is TechRadar’s Managing Editor for Core Tech, looking after computing and mobile technology. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there’s no aspect of technology that Matt isn’t passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. He’s personally reviewed and used most of the laptops in our best laptops guide - and since joining TechRadar in 2014, he’s reviewed over 250 laptops and computing accessories personally.
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