The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →You can often improve game smoothness without replacing hardware by first identifying whether the problem is low frame rate, stutter, input delay, or slow loading. Then change one relevant setting at a time and compare the same scene. Results depend on your Windows version, GPU, game, and current bottleneck; no setting guarantees a particular FPS gain.
Identify what is actually slowing the game
Different symptoms point to different causes. Note the game, resolution, graphics settings, whether the PC is a laptop or desktop, and when the problem occurs before changing anything.
- Low FPS throughout play: The PC may be struggling to render the game at its current resolution or settings.
- Dips in busy scenes: A particular effect, crowded scene, or background task may be contributing.
- Stutter or hitching: Look for intermittent resource pressure or a setting that changes performance from moment to moment.
- Input delay: The delay may relate to local rendering or presentation, rather than the game’s average frame rate.
- Slow loading: Loading time is distinct from in-game FPS and may be affected by storage or other system constraints.
Online lag is different from local rendering performance: a network connection can make multiplayer actions feel delayed even when the PC renders frames smoothly. Microsoft lists limited storage, too many startup apps, outdated software, and hardware that no longer meets current requirements among possible reasons Windows runs slowly. See Microsoft’s Windows performance tips.
Reduce background work and keep software current
Close applications you do not need while gaming, especially if they are consuming system resources. Review startup apps and disable ones you do not need to launch with Windows. Check for Windows updates and graphics-driver updates through Windows Update or the PC or GPU manufacturer’s supported channel.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall#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.
These steps can remove avoidable competition or address outdated software, but they cannot overcome every hardware limit. You do not need a third-party “optimizer” utility to try the settings in this guide.
Make sure the game uses the intended GPU
This check applies to a Windows 11 PC with more than one graphics processor, such as integrated graphics alongside a discrete GPU. If a game is assigned to the less capable processor, set its Windows preference to High performance:
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.
- Open Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
- Select the game. If it is not listed, add it using the available browse option.
- Open Options, choose High performance if that corresponds to the GPU you want the game to use, and save the choice.
- Restart the game so it uses the changed preference.
The preference is relevant only when multiple GPUs are available; it is not a universal FPS setting. Microsoft documents the GPU preference and graphics controls in its Windows 11 windowed-game settings guidance.
Try Windows 11 windowed-game optimization when it fits
Microsoft says, “Optimizations for windowed games improves gaming performance for DirectX 10 and DirectX 11 games running in windowed and borderless windowed modes.” The feature is limited to compatible DirectX 10 and DirectX 11 games in those display modes; it is not a general-purpose setting for every game or a promise of higher FPS.
Rank #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.
For compatible games, the option transitions the presentation path from the legacy blt model to flip model. Microsoft describes this as reducing frame latency and enabling supported features such as Auto HDR and variable refresh rate (VRR). Find the per-app control under Settings > System > Display > Graphics. If a game behaves worse after enabling it, test turning it off for that game and compare the same scene.
Lower costly in-game settings in small steps
Use the game’s own graphics menu to test changes to resolution or render scale, ray tracing, shadows, anti-aliasing, and other demanding effects. The impact depends on the game and the component limiting performance, so there is no reliable universal order or FPS gain to promise.
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.
- Choose a repeatable scene or gameplay sequence and note your current settings and performance.
- Change one setting or make one small adjustment, such as lowering render scale or disabling ray tracing.
- Repeat the same scene and compare smoothness, frame rate, and image quality.
- Keep the change only if the improvement is useful and the visual tradeoff is acceptable.
AMD’s Radeon Boost is a vendor-specific option that changes resolution in supported games based on user input, which may improve performance at the cost of image detail while the resolution changes. Its availability and options vary by system. Do not assume it works with every game or GPU; check AMD’s Adrenalin graphics-settings documentation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check vendor-specific features only if your system qualifies
NVIDIA: test maximum-performance power management selectively
NVIDIA describes Prefer maximum performance as a possible remedy in certain applications when incorrect clock throttling is causing low FPS. Test it for the affected game rather than applying it everywhere. Higher power use or heat may not be worthwhile if performance does not visibly improve. NVIDIA’s steps and qualification are in its Power management mode guidance.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →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.
AMD: distinguish performance features from power-saving controls
AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition includes graphics options and per-game profiles, but available settings vary by configuration. Radeon Boost changes resolution in supported games; Radeon Chill regulates frame rate to conserve power and reduce heat, so it is not a general FPS-maximizing switch. Check AMD’s Adrenalin graphics-settings documentation for feature availability and controls.
Intel: verify Application Optimization eligibility
Intel Application Optimization changes thread scheduling for selected software titles and may improve performance, but it is not a universal game setting. It requires supported processors and platform conditions, and results vary with configuration and graphics capability. Check Intel’s current supported-title list and requirements before trying it in the Intel Application Optimization overview.
Know when settings have reached their limit
Settings changes can correct a misconfiguration or reduce avoidable overhead, but they cannot make every underpowered CPU or GPU meet a demanding game’s requirements. If the game remains limited with low settings and repeated tests show the same result, configuration changes may have reached their ceiling. The official feature descriptions above do not establish a fixed FPS gain across different PCs, games, and settings, so judge changes on your own system rather than expecting a universal number.
Quick Recap
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.
