Start by identifying what is failing: a game that closes while Windows stays stable, a game that stutters, or a PC that freezes or restarts. Those symptoms point to different troubleshooting paths. Make one change at a time, then retry the same game and scenario so you can tell whether it helped.
First, identify the problem: crash, stutter, or system restart
Note the game and launcher, when the problem occurs, any error message or stop code, and what changed shortly beforehand—such as a game or Windows update, graphics driver, overlay, peripheral, or graphics setting. Check whether the issue affects one game or several.
- One game closes, but Windows remains stable: Prioritize updates and repair options for that game. If it uses a third-party launcher, follow the game publisher’s instructions for verifying or repairing its files; the exact steps vary by launcher.
- The game stutters or runs slowly, but Windows remains stable: Check background activity, power mode, and graphics settings before making disruptive changes.
- The whole PC freezes, restarts, or shows a stop code: Treat this as a system-level failure, not just a game crash. Microsoft lists hardware, drivers, and software among possible causes of unexpected restarts (Microsoft’s guidance for unexpected restarts and stop codes).
Try the reversible fixes first
- Restart the PC. This clears some temporary problems and gives you a clean test.
- Install available updates. Check Windows Update and update the game through its usual source. If the game is from Microsoft Store, open Store, go to Library > Get updates, and install updates for the game. Microsoft also recommends closing and reopening the app and checking Windows Update when troubleshooting Store apps (Microsoft’s Microsoft Store app troubleshooting steps).
- Close apps you are not using. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager. Review Processes and Performance for unusually heavy activity, and check Startup apps for software that does not need to run when Windows starts. Background processes, startup apps, storage limits, outdated software, and hardware limitations can all affect overall PC performance, according to Microsoft’s Windows performance guidance.
Retest the same game scene after each change. If several adjustments are made at once, it becomes harder to identify the cause or undo an unhelpful change.
Repair the game installation if Windows offers the option
For a game installed as a Windows app, open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select the game’s More menu, then choose Advanced options if it appears. Select Repair first. Windows does not provide repair or reset options for every app (Microsoft’s app repair guidance).
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
If Repair is unavailable or does not help, Reset may be offered. Reset can remove app data or settings, depending on the app. Before using it, check that saves are backed up or synced. Reinstall only if the game’s own repair options do not resolve the issue and you have protected any local saves you need.
Check which graphics processor Windows uses
This is most relevant to laptops and other PCs with more than one GPU. Open Settings > System > Display > Graphics, select or add the game, choose Options, and test High performance if it is available. Save the setting and restart the game. This asks Windows to use the high-performance GPU option; it does not guarantee a higher frame rate. Microsoft documents the per-app graphics preference in its Windows 11 graphics settings guidance.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Use windowed-game optimizations only for compatible games
Windows 11’s Optimizations for windowed games setting is intended for compatible DirectX 10 and DirectX 11 games running windowed or borderless. It is not a general performance switch for every game, graphics API, or fullscreen mode. If a compatible game has trouble with the setting, turn it off for that game and retest. The control is in Settings > System > Display > Graphics; Microsoft describes its supported scope in the official windowed-game optimizations guide.
Consider power mode, especially on a laptop
When plugged in and prioritizing performance over power use, you can choose Best performance in Windows’ power-mode settings. It uses more power and can shorten battery runtime or make a laptop warmer; it does not promise a particular FPS increase. Microsoft notes that older PCs with outdated hardware may not see significant improvements from general performance steps (Microsoft’s performance guidance).
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
Check DirectX and graphics details without assuming the cause
To see installed DirectX and driver information, search Start for dxdiag and open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool. Check DirectX Version on the System tab and review the display and driver details. This is a diagnostic check, not proof that DirectX caused the crash. Microsoft’s Windows 10 and 11 guidance focuses on checking the installed version; avoid downloading supposed DirectX updates from unofficial driver sites. Older games may have separate legacy-component requirements (Microsoft’s DirectX guidance).
If the symptom is screen flickering, compare Task Manager with the rest of the display: if Task Manager flickers too, Microsoft says a display driver is probably involved; if it does not, an incompatible app is more likely. Depending on what you find, update, roll back, or uninstall the implicated driver or app. Windows+Ctrl+Shift+B can reset the graphics driver in some cases, but it is a display-recovery shortcut—not a general fix for game crashes (Microsoft’s screen-flicker troubleshooting steps).
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
If Windows freezes or restarts while gaming
Write down any stop code and note recent hardware or software changes. For repeated restarts with the same stop code, Microsoft’s basic troubleshooting includes removing newly added hardware and starting Windows in Safe Mode (Microsoft’s unexpected-restart and stop-code guidance). A full-system failure may involve hardware, a driver, or other software, so a game reinstall alone may not address it.
Leave Windows recovery options for later, less disruptive checks. Some recovery choices can cause data loss; back up important files before taking a major recovery action. Microsoft describes the available choices and their consequences in its Windows recovery options guide. A Windows reset is not a sensible first step for an unspecified game crash.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
