Background processes

Create a Restore Point before tweaking to restore settings if conflicts arise.
1) Open Start Menu, type restore in the search bar.
2) Open Create restore point, select the Create button.
3) Name the restore point and click Ok

(Note; These tweaks apply mainly to Windows 11, with some relevant for Windows 10.)

Background processes

Background processes are basically tasks that run autonomously and behind the scenes on your PC. Many background processes are associated with system utilities, while others are generated by the installation of security software and third-party applications/services. While the operating system essentially relies on many of these processes to function correctly, some may be unnecessary and even hinder the performance of your games.

At this point it’s clear that there are background processes whose execution impairs the performance of your favorite games. Therefore, follow the indications given in this post and disable background processes associated with non-essential third-party applications, Windows functions and services, update services and visual effects. By doing this you’ll notice how your gaming experience improves without compromising system security. But remember that there are also background processes associated with the system, graphics card software, system security software and audio drivers that should remain active at all times.

Disable Startup Applications

Some programs will automatically start when your boot your devices. They may take up memory space on your Windows computer, affecting its performance. You may shut down some startup apps using the steps below:

1. Open Start Menu, type Settings in the search bar.

2. Click Apps on the left pane, then select Startup on the right.

3. Go through the list of apps and toggle off the ones you need to remove from startup.

Disable Background Applications

Just like startup apps, background applications increase the workload on your computer and would lead to increased memory usage. This will reduce the efficiency of your computer and will be more noticeable on older devices. A vital performance setting in Windows 11 will be turning them off.

1. Open Start Menu, type Settings in the search bar.

2. On the left pane, click Apps, and on the right, select Startup.

3. Click the 3 buttons for the app you must remove from the background and select Advanced options.

4. Set the option for Let this app run in background to Never.

Schedule or Disable Windows 11 Automatic Update

Windows Update can interrupt games, and anything else you are doing, without warning.

Disabling updates exposes your system to potential security vulnerabilities, making it an easy target for malware, ransomware, and other malicious attacks due to missing out on crucial security patches and bug fixes.

If you want to disable it be sure to check often for updates manually.

* Schedule Automatic Updates:
1) Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click System.

2) On the Automatic Updates tab, click Automatically download the updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify.

3) Click to select the day and time that you want to download and install updates.

* Disable Windows Updates
Keep in mind you will have to update your system manually and should do so every week.

1) Open Start Menu, type Services in the search bar, and open it.

2) Locate and pick the Windows Update option from the “Services” list, then click the Stop button.

3) Change the Startup Type to Disabled by clicking on the General tab.

Turn off Ads in Windows 11

Some promotional information may be displayed in the Settings app. These can be helpful Microsoft services and products or other third-party products. Settings ads started with the Windows 11 Insider Preview builds in 2022 and are lightweight but may be disabled for optimal performance.

1. Open Start Menu, type Settings in the search bar.

2. On the left pane, click Privacy & security, and on the right, select General.

3. Toggle off Show me suggested content in the Settings app.

Silencing your notifications

If your computer has other purposes besides gaming, you’re likely going to have a few notifications pop up on your screen mid-play.

1) Open Start Menu, type Settings in the search bar.

2) Select Notifications to turn yournotifications off while gaming so you can play without distractions.

End