Windows 10 ‘Game Mode’ is about boosting PC gaming performance

Microsoft shares details on Windows 10 Game Mode, Beam integration, and Xbox One dashboard update.

Windows 10 Game Mode option

Microsoft officially announces ‘Game Mode’ for Windows 10. The new feature was previously spotted on a leaked version of the operating system, but now the company is making it official and reveals that Insiders will start to see elements of the Windows 10 Game Mode in the latest test preview of the Creators Update.

The software giant notes that the feature won’t be fully operational until future releases, but Microsoft explains that Game Mode is meant to optimize Windows 10 on your computer to increase gaming performance.

The new mode should help to improve performance on both modern Windows Store games and traditional desktop games. The company didn’t share many details, but said that soon we will hear more details on how the feature works.

If you’re running the latest test version of the Windows 10 Creators Update, you can press Windows + G to pull up the Game bar, and click the settings button to see the option to anable “Game Mode”.

Alongside Windows 10 Game Mode, Microsoft also talked a little more about some of the other gaming related features coming with Windows 10 Creators Update.

Bream integration

Similar to Twitch and YouTube Gaming, the company says that it’s working to integrate Beam into Windows 10 and Xbox One. This new integration will let gamers broadcast gameplay without the need of extra software or setup.

If you’re running the latest test version of the Windows 10 Creators Update, you can press Windows + G to pull up the Game bar, and click the broadcast button to start streaming.

Xbox One dashboard improvements

In addition, with the Windows 10 Creators Update, Microsoft is updating the Xbox One dashboard to make it easier and faster to access features using the controller.

The company explains that “every Xbox One will see an update coming to the Guide that will make it faster to complete common tasks. Through one press of the Xbox button on your controller, you’ll be able to pull up the newly enhanced Guide as an overlay on the left side of your screen no matter what you’re doing.”

Furthermore, Microsoft is also rebuilding the “most popular multitasking experiences for speed and ease of access.” In its announcement, the company notes task like recording GameDVR clips, adjust your recording length, and access your captures.

The new update will also add a new Achievement tracking overlay, Gamerscore Leaderboard, a new Cortana design, and controls for background music.

Microsoft will be adding updates to the Activity Feed, Clubs, and Looking For Group (LFG) to make easier to connect with other people.

What do you think about the changes coming for Windows 10 gaming with the Creators Update? Tell us in the comments below.

About the author

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].