Guides/Windows
Windows Game Mode: should it be on or off?
Game Mode is on by default in Windows 11 and 10. Years ago, some guides told people to turn it off because it caused stutter. That advice is out of date.
What Game Mode does#
- Gives the game you're playing priority for processor and graphics time over background work.
- Keeps Windows Update from installing drivers and from showing restart notifications during a game.
- Can lower the frame rate of background apps a little.
It doesn't overclock anything and won't turn a slow PC into a fast one. On a PC with few background tasks, the difference is small; on a PC that's busy in the background, it helps keep the game steady.
Where to find it#
Windows 11: Settings → Gaming → Game Mode. Windows 10: Settings → Gaming → Game Mode.
Why old guides said to turn it off#
Early versions of Game Mode around 2017 and 2018 caused stutter in some games. Those problems were fixed. If you suspect it anyway, test the same scene with it on and off; don't switch it off blindly.
Questions#
Does Game Mode increase FPS?
Does Game Mode cause stutter?
Frametide has this setting under Tweaks, says what it does, and switches it and back with one click (some settings need Premium). With Premium it also measures FPS, 1% lows and stutters in your own game, so you see whether it helps on your PC.