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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →You can improve Windows’ readiness for gaming with built-in settings: install appropriate updates, limit unnecessary background activity, check Game Mode, choose a suitable power mode, and—on Windows 11—try the windowed-game optimization for compatible titles. These steps address common sources of system slowdown, but they are not guaranteed FPS fixes; the result depends on what is limiting your PC.
1. Install Windows updates and review driver updates
Open Settings > Windows Update, check for updates, and install applicable updates. Review optional driver updates separately: install only updates appropriate for your device, then restart if Windows asks you to. Microsoft says updates can include fixes and performance improvements, but an update is not a promise of higher frame rates. See Microsoft’s Tips to improve PC performance in Windows.
If you use Windows 10, note that Microsoft support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. Check Microsoft’s current guidance for your edition and support needs rather than treating Windows 10 and Windows 11 as equally supported systems.
2. Find and reduce unnecessary background activity
Background apps can compete with a game for system resources. Use Task Manager to identify activity before closing anything; avoid ending unfamiliar Windows processes.
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- 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.
- Right-click Start and open Task Manager.
- Check Processes for apps using CPU, memory, or disk while you play. Close apps you recognize and do not need during the session.
- Check Performance to see whether CPU, memory, or disk activity is high. This can help you identify a constraint, though it does not by itself diagnose a game’s frame-rate problem.
- Open Startup apps and disable apps you do not need to launch when you sign in. Keep apps enabled when you rely on them for notifications, syncing, or other functions.
For supported apps, review background permissions in Windows app settings and restrict activity selectively. The exact controls can vary by app and Windows version. Microsoft’s performance guide covers startup apps and background activity in its Windows performance recommendations.
3. Check Game Mode
In Windows, open Settings > Gaming > Game Mode and check whether it is enabled. Microsoft describes Game Mode as intended to optimize system performance during gaming sessions. Its cited documentation does not quantify an FPS improvement, so treat it as a setting worth checking—not a guaranteed boost. Microsoft outlines the Gaming settings area in Understand and explore Windows Settings.
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.
4. Choose a power mode that fits your session
On Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Power & battery > Power mode. The available choices include Best power efficiency, Balanced, and Best performance, although a device may not offer every option. Microsoft’s guidance also covers Windows 10, where the controls and labels can differ: Change the power mode for your Windows PC.
| Choice | When it may fit | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Best power efficiency | When conserving power matters more than prioritizing performance | Prioritizes efficiency over performance. |
| Balanced | For everyday use when you do not want to choose either extreme | Balances power use and performance. |
| Best performance | For gaming while plugged in, if higher power use and warmth are acceptable | Uses more power; on laptops, battery life can fall and the device can become warmer. |
Power mode availability and behavior depend on the device. Best performance is not automatically the best choice on battery or when heat and power consumption are concerns.
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5. Try Windows 11’s windowed-game optimization when it applies
This setting is specifically for compatible DirectX 10 and DirectX 11 games running in windowed or borderless windowed mode on Windows 11. Microsoft says it can reduce frame latency and enable Auto HDR and variable refresh rate on supported displays. It does not apply to every game, graphics API, Windows version, or display mode.
- Open Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
- Under Default settings, select Optimizations for windowed games and turn it on.
- Restart the game for the change to take effect.
If a particular game behaves worse with the optimization, Windows provides per-app controls to turn it off for that game. Microsoft explains the supported games and modes in Optimizations for windowed games in Windows 11.
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- 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.
6. Make room on the drive and use built-in maintenance tools
Low storage can contribute to general performance problems, but deleting files does not necessarily raise gaming frame rates if storage pressure is not the cause. Check Settings > System > Storage to review space use and remove files you no longer need. Windows also includes Disk Cleanup and Optimize Drives; Microsoft lists these tools in its PC performance guidance.
7. Know when settings are unlikely to be enough
These steps can address update, background-activity, storage, and power-management issues. They cannot ensure better performance when older hardware is the main constraint. Microsoft notes that older PCs that do not benefit significantly from performance changes may need an upgrade for a longer-term improvement. First use Task Manager and your game’s behavior to look for a likely constraint; this checklist alone cannot determine which component, if any, needs replacing.
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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.
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