How to Enable Optimizations for Windowed Games in Windows 11
Optimizations for windowed games in Windows 11 enhances the performance of games running in windowed or borderless window mode.
This feature leverages modern display techniques to improve how your PC renders games not using exclusive full-screen mode, offering a smoother experience.
It specifically uses a flip-model presentation queue, a more efficient method than the older blt-model, which can significantly reduce input lag and frame latency.
Enabling this optimization unlocks benefits like Auto HDR and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for your windowed games, making them feel more responsive and look better.
Open Settings, go to System > Display > Graphics, click “Change default graphics settings”, and toggle “Optimizations for windowed games” to On. This setting improves performance for games running in windowed or borderless modes.
Technical Mechanism: How It Works
Optimizations for windowed games in Windows 11 uses a newer display technology called Flip-model, similar to what full-screen games use, to make games run smoother.
Compatibility and Requirements
To get the most out of windowed games optimization, your computer needs a graphics card that supports WDDM 2.7 or newer, which most modern cards do.
How to enable or disable optimizations
Turning on optimizations for windowed games in Windows 11 can improve performance by making games run more smoothly when they aren’t in full-screen mode.
- Open the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I.
- Click on the System tab, then click Display.
windows 11 start settings - Scroll down to Related settings and click Graphics.
Windows Display Settings tile - Click Change default graphics settings.
Graphics tile in Windows 11 settings for enabling windowed game optimizations - Use the toggle switch for Optimizations for windowed games to turn it On or Off.
Windowed games settings
How to disable for specific games
If a game acts strangely, you can turn this off for just that game. Go to Settings > System > Display > Graphics. Find your game in the list. Click Options. Select Don’t use optimizations and click Save.
Troubleshooting
If you do not see the option, ensure your Windows 11 is fully updated. Check your graphics drivers in C:\Windows\System32 or via your GPU control panel. If a game crashes, try disabling the feature for that specific app using the steps above.
Summary
Turning on optimizations for windowed games is a simple setting that can make your games run better by reducing lag and improving features like Auto HDR.
Does this feature work for DirectX 12 games?
Yes, this feature works for DirectX 10, 11, and 12 games. It is designed to improve the presentation model for all windowed applications, ensuring that even older titles benefit from the reduced latency and improved frame pacing provided by the modern flip-model display architecture in Windows 11.
Will this optimization affect my GPU power consumption?
Generally, no. While the feature improves efficiency by reducing the overhead of the legacy blt-model, it does not significantly increase GPU power draw. In some cases, it may even help your GPU run more efficiently by streamlining how frames are delivered to your display, potentially reducing unnecessary processing cycles.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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