On Windows 11, “optimizations for windowed games” is a feature available since version 22H2 that affects presentation modes for windowed and borderless DirectX 10 and 11 games. “Presentation” defines the process of rendering the game on frames in the most optimal way, allowing you to have a more consistent experience whether you play a game in full-screen or windowed mode.
In a nutshell, this gaming feature for Windows 11 upgrades the legacy presentation model in games to a modern one to improve latency and unlock other features, such as “Auto HDR” and “Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).”
The feature only works for DirectX 10 and 11 games running in windowed and borderless windows, and the Auto HDR and VRR are only available on capable devices.
This guide will teach you the steps to enable the “optimizations for windowed games” feature on Windows 11.
- Enable optimizations for windowed games on Windows 11
- Disable optimizations for windowed games on Windows 11
Enable optimizations for windowed games on Windows 11
To enable optimizations for windowed games on Windows 11, use these steps:
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Open Settings on Windows 11.
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Click on System.
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Click the Display tab.
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Under the “Related settings” section, click the Graphics setting.
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Under the “Default settings” section, click the “Change default graphics settings” option.
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Turn on the “Optimizations for windowed games” toggle switch.
Once you complete the steps, the feature will enable the device to improve latency and unlock other features like Auto HDR and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).
Disable optimizations for windowed games on Windows 11
To disable game optimization features per application on Windows 11, use these steps:
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Open Settings.
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Click on System.
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Click the Display tab.
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Under the “Related settings” section, click the Graphics setting.
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Select the application and click the Options button.
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Check the “Don’t use optimizations for windowed games” option.
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Click the Save button.
After you complete the steps, the special settings to optimize games will be disabled for that specific application without the need to disable the feature entirely.
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].