Everyone loves to game on a PC, but there is nothing less amazing than a PC that slows or malfunctions in the middle of a match. Game Mode in Windows 10 is where. This is a built-in feature that improves performance when playing a game. But many users still ask: game mode, Windows 10 on or off? Is this helpful, or is it better to let it go?
This article will answer that question. Additionally, we will explain what it does, how to enable Game Mode in Windows 10, and whether you should keep Game Mode on or off in Windows 10.
What Is Game Mode in Windows 10?
Windows 10 has a special Game Mode setting that asks your computer to concentrate on playing your game. It works by:
- Providing your game with more CPU and GPU power
- Reducing background tasks
- Pausing Windows updates and disabling pop-up notifications
- Turning it on puts the game first and attempts to restrict anything that may impair or delay the game. This is especially handy if you are using a mid or low-range PC.
However, is it even better to have it on? Or should it be turned off sometimes?
How did Game Mode, Windows 10, turn on or off?
To me, this depends on your PC and the games you play. For that reason, let’s take a look at both sides.
When to Turn Game Mode On:
- You are using a relatively low-end PC, which is resource-scarce.
- Background apps should be running less during gameplay.
- Windows should not check for updates while you play.
- You would want the best focus while playing games in full-screen mode.
When to Turn Game Mode Off:
- You already have a high-end gaming PC.
- FlameGraph is a third-party performance tool (i.e., NVIDIA or AMD software).
- It has started stuttering or performing strangely.
- Gaming is where you multitask (such as streaming, recording, and surfing the web etc.).
In short, there’s no better advice to give than to try each: game mode on, Windows 10 off, game mode off, Windows 10 on. Try it on, and then off, and run your game with it, and then compare which gives better results on your setup.
How to Enable Game Mode in Windows 10?
Let’s now talk about how to turn on Game Mode in Windows 10. It only takes a few clicks.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Press the Windows key on your computer or click the Start Menu (Windows icon in the corner).
- Open Settings (the gear icon).
- Go to Gaming.
- Click on Game Mode on the left sidebar.
- To turn it on, click the toggle.
That’s it. You now know how to enable Windows 10 Game Mode with a couple of easy steps. When activated, Game Mode will automatically turn on for most games you play on Windows.
How to turn on Game Mode in Windows 10 using Xbox Game Bar?
The Game Bar can also be used to make sure a game is recognised.
Below are the steps to enable Game Mode in Windows 10 with the Xbox Game Bar.
- Open your game.
- To open the Xbox Gamebar, press Windows Key + G.
- The top right corner brings you to the settings.
In the “General” tab, check the box marked “Remember this is a game” under the “Snapchat” tab. When you open this application, Windows will treat it like a game and apply Game Mode automatically.
If You Need To, here is how to turn Game Mode Off.
So, when you know how to turn on Game Mode in Windows 10, you should wonder how to disable it.
Just follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Gaming and click on Game Mode.
- Toggle the switch to Off.
If you change your mind, you can turn it back on anytime. Thus, the jail about the game mode on or off Windows 10 does not have to be final—turn it on or off depending on your needs.
Game Mode, Windows 10 On or Off?
So, should you keep Game Mode on or off in Windows 10?
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Situation | Recommendation |
| You have an older or budget PC | Turn Game Mode ON |
| You play on a powerful gaming PC | Try it OFF first |
| You notice issues (lag, freezing) | Turn Game Mode OFF |
| You want fewer background distractions | Turn it ON |
What Does It Improve in Game Mode?
Game Mode helps when turned on.
- Stable frame rate: The frame rate does not drop apart from very busy scenes.
- Also, has reduced input lag: better response time.
- Fewer interruptions: no annoying update pop-ups.
Of course, though, studies and benchmarks show that these improvements are typically all so small, about 5–7 percent on average of mid-range PC software. Normally, the difference is not noticeable for newer systems.
Conclusion
Windows 10’s Game Mode is just a simple tool, but it can make a lot of difference for most gamers, particularly gamers with underpowered PCs or those who tend to slow down while playing. It isn’t a huge performance boom for everybody (and maybe nobody is getting that stated huge increase in performance from games in this generation yet, ha), but it does do a lot to keep your game the top priority and keep the background activity tamped down.
Since you have also learned how to turn on Game Mode in Windows 10 through both Settings and the Game Bar, now you have complete control of your gaming experience.
So, if you are getting confused about whether you should play a game in Game mode or not, then in the end, it is a personal choice to have Game mode on or off for Windows 10. However, with this guide, you should now know what the best decision is personally for you, your PC, and your playstyle. Happy gaming! https://www.online-tech-tips.com/windows-10-game-mode-is-it-good-or-bad/
