We’ll show you how to optimise Windows 10 for gaming to get better FPS acceleration in popular big-name new releases such as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, GTA V, Ark: Survival Evolved, Rust, Call of Duty, Fortnite and Destiny 2, to name a few. We also offer great tips, downloads and our special PC optimisation software, AVG TuneUp, which helps to improve performance and increase FPS.

However, optimising your computer is only part of the equation: In most games, there are tons of hidden settings that can drastically improve their look. That’s why we’ve also taken a look at some of the most successful games and analysed how to maximise their gameplay potential. Be sure to read our detailed guides to the following games:

Now let’s take a look at the best performance optimisations to get your Windows desktop PC or laptop in top shape for the latest blockbusters.

What is a low FPS and what is it due to?
A low FPS (Frames per Second) or frame rate is when your game slows down because your computer’s processing power or memory is insufficient for proper playback. Common causes include a weak graphics card, old graphics drivers, an outdated processor (CPU) or insufficient RAM (memory).

Just like films, games are displayed on the monitor as a rapid succession of frames (images). The number of images displayed on the monitor per second is called the frame rate and is measured in FPS (frames per second).

In most games, the frame rate is 30 to 60 FPS. At such a frame rate, everything runs quite smoothly (although many gamers swear stone and stone that only a frame rate of 60 FPS throughout is acceptable). For competitive gameplay and a smooth experience, most gaming monitors and new gaming laptops offer speeds of 144 to 360 Hz. This allows for extremely smooth gameplay and lower latency.

If your computer’s power is not sufficient to generate all these frames continuously, the frame rate will drop. The game then appears to run in slow motion, both visually and gameplay-wise.

If you compare console gaming and PC gaming, the FPS increase is an advantage for PC gamers – because a console cannot be modified. The FPS acceleration tips in this article focus on how to increase frame rate and speed up your computer for gaming.

How to increase FPS: simple techniques
Some of the most effective methods for FPS acceleration are also the simplest. Below, we list the best tricks you can use to increase the FPS on your Windows 10 gaming computer:

Enable Game Mode in Windows 10
Gaming mode is a built-in tool for optimising Windows 10 for gaming – whether your machine has long been a museum piece or a custom-built, state-of-the-art powerhouse. Gaming mode disables background activities such as Windows updates and app notifications, so your computer can boost FPS while gaming.

As of mid-2019, Game Mode is enabled by default in Windows 10. Your computer should be able to detect if you are gaming and prioritise its resources accordingly.

To enable Game Mode in Windows 10 on your PC to increase FPS:

From the Start menu, click the gear icon to open Settings.

Select the Gaming category.

In the menu displayed on the left, select Game Mode and make sure that the switch for “Game Mode” is set to On.

Game Mode will now help increase FPS and improve performance whenever you play a game in Windows 10.

Reducing the resolution
Unless you have a top-of-the-line gaming PC, you’ll have to make a few compromises when it comes to graphics to get a higher FPS. With an average computer, it is simply not possible to run modern games at ultra-high resolution and a frame rate of 60 FPS continuously.

The higher the resolution, the higher the number of pixels on your screen – and the higher the load on your GPU. A lower game resolution can help improve FPS because it reduces the load on the GPU, which has to support fewer pixels in each frame. The graphics will look less clear, but the game should run smoother thanks to the optimised display settings.

The FPS can be increased by changing the resolution of your game.

Reducing the resolution from 1080p (1080 x 1920) to 900p (900 x 1600) will reduce the total number of pixels by almost 30%. Reducing it further to 720p reduces the number of pixels to just under half the original 1080p resolution. Thus, this tip is an effective but not very elegant method of FPS acceleration.

Find the resolution settings in your game’s options menu. Try out what is feasible on your computer. Find the optimal balance between clear graphics and better FPS for your gaming in Windows 10.

Changing the display settings can increase the FPS.

Changing the game’s video settings
While you’re on the subject of your game’s resolution, you can also adjust the other video settings to increase the FPS even more. In some games, there are simple settings that can be changed incrementally: ultra, high, medium, low, etc. In other games there are sliders, numerical settings or more sophisticated controls.

Try some of the following settings to increase the FPS in your game.

Graphic details: Reduce the quality of things like shadows, lighting, textures and reflections. Your game will look less lifelike, but should run smoother.

Edge smoothing: Anti-aliasing smooths the edges of various objects in a game. Turn it off and then slowly increase it to the point where it has a positive effect on the graphics but not a negative effect on the FPS. If there are different types of anti-aliasing to choose from in your game, try each one and see the result.

Visibility: If possible, reduce the visibility to prevent the game from rendering objects far away. If fewer objects need to be rendered at the same time, the GPU can use its resources for your immediate surroundings.

Graphical effects: Reduce motion blur, glare spots and other types of lighting effects. One less thing for your GPU to worry about.

VSync: VSync prevents screen tearing, which is the simultaneous display of parts of multiple frames on the monitor. It does this by synchronising the game’s frame rate with the monitor’s refresh rate. This sounds useful and often is, but it can reduce the FPS. Turn it off and see the result. If you notice screen tearing, turn it back on.

Here is an overview of some of your options in Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition. By reducing some or all of these options, you will benefit from a much better FPS in your next Windows 10 gaming session.