How to optimize gaming performance on Windows 11

To optimize Windows 11 for gaming, disable “Memory integrity” and “Virtual Machine Platform.”
Also, enabling the Xbox Full Screen Experience and choosing the correct GPU can boost gaming performance.
In addition, you can ensure game specs, install updates, use the best network connection, fix overheating issues, and more.

UPDATED 1/5/2026: If you play games on Windows 11, you probably notice that gaming performance is not at the same level as on Windows 10. According to Microsoft, after user testing and feedback, the performance impact is due to two security features (Memory Integrity and Virtual Machine Platform) that are enabled by default on Windows 11.

On Windows 11, “Memory Integrity” is a feature that prevents malicious code from executing and verifies that drivers on the computer are trustworthy. The “Virtual Machine Platform” provides the components for virtualization, such as the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and Hyper-V.

If you want to optimize gaming performance over security, Microsoft recommends disabling these two features to improve the experience. Once you are done playing games, the company says you should turn the features back on.

Also, consider enabling the Xbox Full Screen Experience to improve gaming performance. This feature replaces the traditional desktop interface with a controller-friendly, full-screen dashboard, similar to the Xbox dashboard, but built on the Xbox app already available on Windows 11. When you enable this feature, which replaces the standard desktop experience, the system frees up memory (around 2GB of RAM) and other resources typically used by background processes, improving gaming performance and battery life.

Furthermore, you can apply various tweaks, including configuring the game to use the high-performance graphics card and changing the power mode to best performance, as well as performing other tasks such as updating Windows 11, drivers, and BIOS, uninstalling unnecessary apps, checking the network connection, and more.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to configure Windows 11 features to optimize gaming performance on your computer.

Optimize Windows 11 for gaming performance

On Windows 11, you can disable Memory Integrity in the Windows Security app and disable virtualization in the Settings app.

1. Disable Memory Integrity

To disable Memory Integrity to optimize Windows 11 gaming performance, follow these steps:

Open Start on Windows 11.
Search for Windows Security and click the top result to open the app.
Click on Device Security.
Click the “Core isolation details” option under the “Core isolation” section.
Turn off the “Memory integrity” toggle switch to optimize gaming.
Restart the computer.

Once you complete the steps, the security feature will be disabled, thus improving gaming performance on Windows 11.

2. Disable virtualization

To disable virtualization on Windows 11 to optimize gaming, follow these steps:

Open Settings.
Click on Apps.
Click the Optional features tab.
Click the “More Windows features” setting under the “Related settings” section.
Clear the “Virtual Machine Platform” option to disable the feature and optimize gaming.
Click the OK button.
Click the Restart now button.

After you complete the steps, the virtualization components will be disabled on your computer to boost gaming performance on Windows 11.

Once you are done playing, use the instructions to re-enable the features. In step 5 (first set of steps), turn on the toggle switch to re-enable Memory Integrity, and do not restart yet. Then, in step 4 (second set of steps), check the option to re-enable virtualization and restart the computer.

Although Microsoft acknowledges that these features can impact gaming performance, the overall improvements will vary per device. Also, consider that many other factors can affect performance. For example, the graphics card may not be powerful enough. The hard drive may be running out of space, or it’s not fast enough. You may be encountering driver issues with a specific game. You are not using a high-refresh-rate monitor. The device may be experiencing thermal problems. You may be using an older processor, insufficient memory, or other issues.

3. Enable Xbox Full Screen Experience

The Xbox Full Screen Experience is still under development, and depending on when you’re reading this guide, you may need to use ViveTool to enable it in the current version of Windows 11 or in preview builds through the Windows Insider Program.

To enable the Xbox Full Screen Experience on Windows 11, follow these steps:

Open the GitHub website.
Download the ViveTool-vx.x.x.zip file to enable Xbox FSE.
Double-click the zip folder to open it with File Explorer.
Click the Extract all button.
Click the Extract button.
Copy the path to the folder.
Open Start.
Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
Type the following command to navigate to the ViveTool folder and press Enter:
```
cd c:\folder\path\ViveTool-v0.x.x
```
In the command, remember to change the path to the folder with your path.
Type the following command to enable the gaming full-screen experience and press Enter:
```
vivetool /enable /id:59765208
```
Restart the computer.
Open Settings.
Click on Gaming.
Click the “Full screen experience” page.
Select the Xbox app in the “Choose home app” setting.
Turn on the “Enter full screen experience on start-up” toggle switch to allow the system to start directly in this new console-like experience.
(Optional) Turn on the “Show accessibility control hits in Task View” toggle switch to display a one-button alternative to a combo button press.

Once you complete the steps, you’ll be able to access the Xbox Full Screen Experience from the “Gaming” settings section.

If you want to undo the changes, you can follow the same instructions outlined above, but in step 10, run the vivetool /disable /id:59765208 command.

4. Change GPU for the game

If you have a system with multiple graphics cards, you want to make sure that the game is using the high-performance card.

To assign the best GPU for a specific game on Windows 11, follow these steps:

Open Settings.
Click on System.
Click the Display page on the right side.
Click the Graphics setting under the “Related settings” section.
(Optional) Turn on the “Optimization for windowed games” toggle switch to reduce latency and enable advanced gaming features.
Click the “Add desktop app” or “Add Microsoft Store app” button.

Quick note: If you have to add a desktop app, you will need to select the “.exe” file. On the other hand, if you need to add a Microsoft Store game, select it from the list.
Click on the app to expand its settings.
Choose the graphics card the app should use in the “GPU preference” setting:
- Let Windows decide (default): the system automatically determines which GPU to use.
- Power Saving: runs the app on the GPU that uses the least power, usually the integrated graphics processor.
- High Performance: runs the app on the most capable GPU, usually an external or discrete graphics processor.
(Optional) Turn on the “Optimizations for windowed games” toggle switch if you’re customizing a game.
Restart the game (if applicable).

Once you complete the steps, the graphics settings will apply to the game you have selected on Windows 11.

5. Other optimization steps

In addition to disabling the memory and virtualization features and switching to the Xbox Full Screen Experience, you can also perform other system tweaks to improve your gaming experience on Windows 11.

Check recommended specifications

When playing a specific game, check the recommended system requirements on the game developer’s support site to ensure your device meets them.

Install system and driver updates

System and driver updates can improve stability and performance. You should always check and install the latest system updates from Windows Update. You can also use these instructions to install driver updates, including for your graphics card.

Furthermore, if you plan to upgrade your gaming PC’s graphics card, follow these instructions to install the graphics drivers correctly.

Update BIOS

Updating your device’s motherboard BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) can also improve gaming performance if the hardware manufacturer has an update that resolves a gaming-related bug or introduces a tweak or feature that boosts your gaming experience.

Since updating your device’s BIOS is not part of the operating system, the steps will vary by manufacturer and by computer or motherboard model. As a result, consult with your hardware company’s support website for specific details.

Network connection

If you’re playing an online game, the network connection can significantly affect the experience. As a result, ensure the internet connection is adequate, and whenever possible, use a wired connection instead of wireless.

If you’re using a Wi-Fi connection, but you’re experiencing a slow connection or no internet access, you can use these instructions to resolve most issues.

Uninstall bloatware

One of the best pieces of advice you’ll ever receive to boost performance on gaming is to make sure that the computer doesn’t include unnecessary applications that can use additional system resources.

If you want to improve system performance, uninstall any unnecessary applications from your computer. You can also debloat Windows 11 with these instructions.

Overheating issue

An overheating system can reduce the overall experience, especially during gaming.

Computers rely on their fans to circulate air and keep internal temperatures stable and safe. Fan speed automatically adjusts to CPU and GPU temperatures. When the system handles demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, file conversion, or intensive data processing, heat rises, causing the fan to spin faster and push more air through the heat sink. As a result, increased fan noise is normal under heavy workloads.

If airflow is restricted by dust, hair, or debris blocking the vents or fan, cooling efficiency drops, and performance issues can occur. If the fan does not spin, runs at high speed constantly, or produces unusual noise, ensure proper ventilation and select the appropriate fan mode.

Change power mode

When playing games on Windows 11, it’s recommended to connect the AC adapter to ensure sufficient power and maintain the CPU and GPU at high frequencies. Also, change the power mode to “Best performance” in the operating system.

Also, depending on your hardware configuration, you may need to consider upgrading to a Solid-State Drive (SSD) to improve read and write speeds, which can help optimize your gaming experience. In addition, your computer may be due for a graphics card upgrade.

Update January 5, 2026: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.