8 Steps to Optimize Windows 10 for Gaming

If you have been gaming most of your life, then you must know Windows 10 is the final frontier. Even, though numerous online users tend to avoid Windows 10, many people are now settling for it.

Windows 10 has become a significant Operating System for gamers because it combines many features. There are some limitations, but with these simple steps, you would be able to optimize Windows 10 for Gaming.

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But first note down that, most of the steps would require a restart to take effect.

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Step 1: Disable Nagle Algorithm

Nagle’s algorithm bundles data packets but costs a great deal of Internet connection. If you have it enabled, then you’re in for trouble. It will slow down the smooth internet experience.

So, you need to disable it. For disabling just follow the below steps:

Step 1.1: Firstly, you have to go to Registry Editor. For that just follow the path Windows + R > type regedit > Enter. It will open the Registry Editor.

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Step 1.2: After that, go to the following path,

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces

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Step 1.3: Under interface, you’ll see various folders with different letters and numbers. To locate the correct folder, you need to match your IP address with the DhcpIPAddress value.

To check your IP address follow the path below:

Start > type Control Panel > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Connections > Details > IPv4 Address.

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Step 1.4: In my case, the IPv4 Address is 192.168.100.3, So I have to look for the folder whose DhcpIPAddress value is equal to my IP Address. I don’t have to look so much as I found it in the second folder.

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Step 1.5: After you have found the correct folder, right-click it and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. You have to create two DWORD Values named TcpAckFrequency and TCPNoDelay. After creating both, double click to open them and then set the parameters to 1.

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It will be active and the parameter will disable Nagle’s Algorithm. But you run into problems just set them back to 0, and everything should be fine.

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Step 2: Disable Automatic Update and Restart

Windows 10 updates automatically. We all know this, though it’s a great feature, it can cause headaches too! The upgrades and restart schedules can surely lose your progress forever.

I mean, if you are unaware and haven’t saved and the unthinkable might happen. And of course, the updating in the background will also limit your internet connection.

So for disabling this one follow the steps accordingly:

Step 2.1: Firstly, you need to go to Updates Settings. So just follow the path Start > type update > Check for updates > Advanced options > Update Options – Disable Automatically download updates, even over metered data connections (charges may apply)

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Step 2.2: Now make sure that “We’ll show a reminder when we’re going to restart. If you want to see more notifications about restarting, turn this on” option is enabled.

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Step 3: Prevent Steam from Updating Games Automatically

If you use Windows for playing games, you must know about Steam. Steam may seem perfect, but it’s not. Their updating feature is quite annoying for that fact.

You won’t be able to prevent all of your games from automatically updating without your consent. It will eat up all your memory and will slow the connection too!

So, to prevent this from happening, you need to follow the steps below to disable the update option.

Step 3.1: Go to your steam client first. And then follow this path to go to Downloads.

Steam > Settings > Downloads

Step 3.2: Uncheck Allow downloads during gameplay to prevent it from updating games while you’re gaming.

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Step 3.3: If you want to stop additional downloads just click on the game and select properties. Uncheck Always keep this game up to date to Only update this game when I launch it. You’ll find it in the Automatic Update settings.

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Step 4: Adjust Visuals Effects for Best Performance

Your GUI van is a major letdown to your processing power. By default, the Windows 10 appearance settings are all maxed out. Games running may have a conflict with this running in the background.

So, you need to adjust it.

Step 4.1: Go to Start > type performance > Choose – Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows > Adjust for best performance > Apply.

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Step 4.2: After that, Go to the Advanced tab of the same window and ensure that Adjust the best performance of, is set to Programs as well.

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Step 5: Install an SSD Startup Drive

Ever wondered, what’s with all this fuss about SSDs? Do they make a difference? Well, if you are a hardcore gamer then you might want to tweak your hardware a bit for Windows 10 to run more efficiently.

The upgrading speed will surely mesmerize you. So, by replacing your hard drive with an SSD will run all the massive games pretty smooth.

Step 6: Max out your Power Plan

Well, this is a slightly different way to get better smooth performance while gaming. People tend to leave Power Plans alone. But tweaking them a bit would surely come in handy for you.

Tweaking it to Higher Performance enhances the performance a bit. But to surely know for sure you need to follow the steps below to change it.

Step 6.1: You need to go to Power Options. So, for that, follow the path,

Start > Type Control Panel > Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options > High Performance.

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This action will make Windows 10 to run with higher performance but will cost you energy and temperature control.

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Step 7: Keep your Drivers Up to Date

GPU is the main ingredient for a better gaming experience. And it requires the latest driver to stay that way. The graphics card needs to have an updated driver to run faster and smoother.

But first, check out your GPU name and specs,

Step 7.1: Firstly, Right-click on Desktop > Display settings > Advanced display settings > Display adapter properties.

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Step 7.2: Though you’ll be able to update it by following this path too, it’s better to download it manually.

Properties > Driver > Update Driver

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Step 8: Get DirectX 12

DirectX 12, or the latest version of Microsoft’s popular API tool, will surely make a huge difference in gaming.

DirectX 12 anchorages in a new era for the PC gamer. So, you need to keep it updated to the latest version. But first, check if you already have it or not.

Step 8.1: To check just follow the path below:

Start > Run > Type- dxdiag > Enter > DirectX Version

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Step 8.2: If you don’t have DirectX 12 then just simply run a software update by following the path and get DirectX without any fuss.

Start > type update > Check for updates > Click- Check for updates

If you want, you can manually download it too.

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Wrapping Things Up

Windows 10 is one of the best OS for modern gaming. With tons of games to choose from and Xbox compatibility, you’ll surely have an excellent experience while gaming.

Though nothings perfect as I said before, try out these steps and just see the difference for yourself.

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