Windows 10 adds “Game Mode” with the Creators Update to optimize performance during game play, instead of balancing resources with other applications running on your computer.
We knew for quite some time that Microsoft was working on a new feature specific for games, and now the company is sharing more details on what it is and how it works.
What’s Game Mode on Windows 10
Game Mode for Windows 10 is a new feature part of the Creators Update that aims to boost performance and framerate while playing games. When Game Mode is enabled Windows 10 will work to prioritize CPU and GPU resources on your device to offer the best possible gaming experience.
How to enable Game Mode on Windows 10
Microsoft is building a new Gaming section in the Settings app identified with the Xbox logo that includes new pages to configure Game bar, Game DVR, Broadcasting, and Game Mode.
To enable Game Mode, do the following:
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Open Settings.
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Click on Gaming.
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Click on Game Mode.
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Turn on the Use Game Mode toggle switch to ensure your games play with the best performance.
Game Mode settings -
Launch a Windows Store or traditional Win32 game.
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Use the Windows key + G keyboard shortcut to open the Game bar.
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Click the Settings (gear) button.
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Check the Use Game Mode for this game option to enable the feature.
Game bar settings
Once the new feature is enabled on the game, Windows 10 will make sure to prioritize system resources to improve your gaming experience.
Windows 10’s Game Mode works on your traditional Win32 or Windows Store games. However, Microsoft says that at the beginning only select games will be able to automatically use Game Mode on Windows 10, but not every game will work with the new feature.
Beam for Windows 10
Furthermore, the software giant is also adding Beam to enable gameplay streaming without needing extra software or complicated setup. On Windows 10, users will be able to configure Beam inside the new Streaming page in the Settings app. Then opening the Game bar and clicking the Streaming (satellite) button to start broadcasting.
The company will start letting users to test the new gaming features running the latest Windows 10 Creators Update preview, and everyone will get these new features when the next major update releases in the coming months.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].