Updated 2/17/26
| 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.
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 notifications off while gaming so you can play without distractions.
3) Expend Additional settings and uncheck
“Suggest way to get the most out of Windows and finish setting up this device”
“Get tips and suggestions while using Windows”
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. Most settings can be found in Settings.
1. Open Start Menu, type Settings in the search bar.
2. Select on the left pane and Toggle Off items listed below.
3) Start Menu Ads: Personalization > Start and toggle off “Show recommendations for tips, app promotions and more“.
4) Lock Screen Ads: Personalization > Lock screen and set Lock screen status to None.
5) Taskbar Tips: Personalization > Taskbar and toggle off “Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows“.
6) General Privacy Ads: Privacy & security > General. Toggle off all options, including “Show me suggested content in the Settings app” and those related to the advertising ID.
7) File Explorer Ads: Open File Explorer, click the three-dot menu, select Options, go to the View tab, and uncheck “Show sync provider notifications“.
Windows 11 Services to Disable Safely for Performance
In Windows 11, various services are running in the background. However, because Windows 11 is designed for most people, some of its services may be not useful to you, but they are still running.
Do you want to optimize your Windows 11 to improve performance? If so, you can find some unnecessary Windows 11 services to disable.
To disable Windows 11 services, the most commonly-used tool is the Services app. Here is the guide on how to disable a Windows 11 service:
1) Open Start Menu, type Services in the search bar, and open it.
2) Right-click on the service name you wish to disable and select Properties from the context menu.
3) On the pop-up window, change the Startup type to Disabled.
4) Click OK and Apply.
AssignedAccessManager – It is used to set up the kiosk mode that allows you to place restrictions on your computer. This mode is not needed if you don’t use a public-facing computer.
BitLocker Drive Encryption – You can disable this service if you don’t use BitLocker to encrypt your hard drive.
Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service – Bluetooth Support Service, and Bluetooth User Support Service. You can disable them if you don’t use any Bluetooth devices.
Connected User Experiences and Telemetry – is responsible for sending your usage and diagnostic data to Microsoft servers.
DevicePicker – You can disable it if you don’t use Miracast, DLNA, and DIAL UI.
Diagnostic Execution Service – Diagnostic Policy Service, Diagnostic Service Host, and Diagnostic System Host. You can disable them if you don’t use Windows troubleshooters.
Fax – You can disable it if you don’t use fax machines.
Geolocation Service and Downloaded Maps Manager – You can disable them if you don’t use the map on your PC
Netlogon – This service is only for domain networks. You can disable it if your computer isn’t part of such a network.
Optimize Drives – You can disable it if you like to defrag your hard drive manually.
Parental Controls – This service restricts your children’s computer use.
Phone Service – It handles connections between your computer and mobile devices.
Print Spooler – You can disable it if you don’t use printers.
Remote Desktop Configuration – Remote Desktop Services, and Remote Desktop Services UserMode Port Redirector. You can disable them if you don’t connect to remote desktop sessions.
Sensor Service – It manages integration with sensors like GPS and ambient light sensors.
Smart Card, Smart Card Device Enumeration Service, and Smart Card Removal Policy – These services are related to authentication on Windows devices. But you can disable them if you prefer using a keyboard for login.
Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service -You can disable it if you don’t use OSK.
Windows Biometric Service – It enables the fingerprint to unlock functionality on laptops.
Windows Error Reporting Service – It will capture the event whenever you face an error on Windows, generate information about the error, and send it to Microsoft for further diagnosis.
Work Folders – It syncs files between a centralized server and personal computers.
Xbox Accessory Management Service, Xbox Live Auth Manager, Xbox Live Game Save, and Xbox Live Networking Service – You can disable them if you don’t play Xbox games.
Window Insider Service – You can disable it if you are not registered with the Windows Insider program.
WalletService – You can disable it if you don’t use Wallet on Windows 11.
Windows Mobile Hotspot Service – You can disable it if you don’t use mobile hotspots.
Third-party services like AllJoyn Router Service and Adobe Acrobat Update Service.
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