Owning a Windows-based gaming laptop offers the freedom to indulge in captivating gaming experiences while on the go. To make the most of your gaming sessions, it’s essential to optimize your laptop for performance and efficiency. In this blog, we will tell you some useful tips for Windows 10 and Windows 11 features that can help you improve your gaming experience. Whether you’re about to purchase a gaming laptop or have already bought one, these recommendations will enhance your gaming experience.

Upgrade to the Latest Version

If you already own a laptop that currently runs on an older version of Windows, consider upgrading to Windows 10 or Windows 11 (if it’s supported by your laptop). It’s free and it offers considerable performance improvements and optimizations that can enhance gaming experiences.

Windows 10 Game Mode

Microsoft Windows 10 introduced the Game Mode feature that dedicates more system resources to gaming, providing a smoother and more responsive gaming experience. To enable Game Mode, press the Windows key + G while in-game, click on the settings icon, and toggle on Game Mode.

DirectX 12

Both Microsoft Windows 10 and Windows 11 support Microsoft DirectX 12, a graphics API that can significantly improve graphics performance and enable advanced visual effects in supported games. DirectX 12 allows games to better utilize your laptop’s GPU, resulting in higher frame rates and improved overall graphics quality.

Optimize In-Game Settings

Once you have your Windows OS set up, the next step is to optimize in-game settings for each game you play. Many modern games offer a range of graphics settings, from low to ultra-high. Adjust these settings based on your laptop’s capabilities to find the right balance between visuals and performance. Lower settings may provide smoother gameplay, while higher settings can deliver stunning visuals for more capable systems.

Use Windows Graphics Settings

Both Microsoft Windows 10 and Windows 11 provide additional graphics settings that can help improve gaming performance. Access these settings by right-clicking on the desktop, and selecting “Graphics settings” (Windows 10) or “Graphics Command Center” (Windows 11) to fine-tune graphics preferences for individual applications, including games. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for each game.

Monitor Refresh Rate

Many Windows gaming laptops feature displays with high-refresh-rate like 120Hz, 144Hz, 165Hz, 240Hz, etc. If your gaming laptop features a high-refresh-rate display ensure that your game is set to the maximum supported refresh rate. A higher refresh rate can make the gameplay smoother and reduce motion blur, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Use the Game Bar and Widgets

Both Microsoft Windows 11 and Windows 10 come with a Game Bar that provides quick access to screen recording, capture, and performance monitoring. Press Windows key + G to open the Game Bar and customize it to your preferences. Additionally, Microsoft Windows 11 introduces Gaming Widgets, which offer in-game stats, system performance monitoring, and Xbox social features directly on your screen.

Disable Background Apps

Microsoft Windows OS features way more customization options for performance optimization compare to others. Before launching your game, close unnecessary background applications that consume system resources.

Right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager. Under the Processes tab, end tasks that are not essential for gaming. Also under the Startup tab, disable all the unnecessary applications that are launched automatically on startup and keep running in the background. This will free up system resources and prevent any potential interference with your game.

Keep Your Laptop Cool

Gaming sessions can put a strain on your laptop’s cooling system. That is why opting for a gaming laptop that comes with a robust cooling system is crucial. For example, the HP Omen Gaming laptops come with “Tempest Cooling” which features a state-of-the-art cooling solution for subcontinental weather conditions.

Make sure the laptop is placed on a flat, hard surface that allows for proper airflow. Investing in a cooling pad can also help dissipate heat and prevent thermal throttling, ensuring your laptop performs optimally during extended gaming sessions.

Enable High-Performance Power Plan

For optimal gaming performance when the laptop is plugged in, switch to the High-Performance power plan in Windows. This plan ensures that your laptop’s hardware operates at maximum capacity, providing a performance boost during gaming. For easier access to all performance features, Omen gaming laptops come with the Omen Gaming Hub application.

Use Xbox Game Pass for PC

Consider subscribing to Xbox Game Pass for PC, a subscription service that provides access to a vast library of high-quality games. With a Game Pass subscription, you can try out a variety of games without purchasing them individually, allowing you to explore new titles and genres.

Customize Keyboard Shortcuts

Microsoft Windows OS supports third-party applications for macro keys, key-binding, and custom key features. Take advantage of customizing keyboard shortcuts for in-game actions or functions you frequently use. Many gaming laptops come with programmable keys, allowing you to assign specific functions or macros for quicker access during gameplay.

Overclocking

It’s one of the biggest factors why Windows OS is loved by gamers. Windows supports such OEM and third-party applications using which the CPU, RAM and GPU can be overclocked for some extra FPS. For advanced users, some gaming laptops offer inbuilt overclocking capabilities to increase CPU or GPU clock speeds.

Overclocking can potentially boost gaming performance, but it should be done with caution and proper knowledge, as it can lead to increased heat generation, more battery consumption, and instability if not done correctly.

Customize Windows Themes and Backgrounds

Another pro of Windows OS is you can customize it to suit your gaming style/theme. Personalize your Windows gaming laptop with themes and backgrounds that reflect your gaming style and preferences. A visually appealing desktop can add to the overall gaming atmosphere and make your gaming sessions more enjoyable.

Utilize Performance Monitoring Tools

Install third-party performance monitoring tools like MSI Afterburner, RivaTuner Statistics Server, or HWMonitor to keep track of your laptop’s temperature, CPU, and GPU usage during gaming. These tools can help you identify any performance bottlenecks and ensure your laptop is running optimally.

Disable Windows Visual Effects

In Windows 10 and Windows 11, you can disable visual effects like animations, shadows, and transparency to improve performance. Right-click on “This PC” (Windows 10) or “My PC” (Windows 11), select “Properties,” go to “Advanced system settings,” click on “Settings” under “Performance,” and choose the “Adjust for best performance” option.

Manage Startup Programs

Minimize the number of programs that launch at startup to reduce system resource usage. Open the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the “Startup” tab, and disable unnecessary programs from starting with Windows.

Adjust Audio Settings

Customize audio settings to your preference using the Windows Sound Control Panel or sound software provided by your laptop manufacturer. Adjusting audio levels, enhancing surround sound, and reducing background noise can contribute to a more immersive gaming experience.

Wrapping Up

With these tips and the optimized features in Windows 10 and Windows 11, you can elevate your gaming experience on a Windows-based gaming laptop. Remember to keep your drivers up to date, experiment with graphics settings, and maintain optimal temperatures during gaming sessions.

So, grab your controller, fire up your favourite game, and immerse yourself in the captivating world of gaming on your Windows gaming laptop! Happy gaming!

Some Great Windows-based Laptops for Gaming

Check out the OMEN Transcend 16-u0022TX which is powered by Windows 11 Home and the latest gen specs. With 13th Gen i7 CPU featuring 5.0 GHz, 30 MB L3 cache, 16 cores, 24 threads, and dedicated GPU with 6 GB VRAM (Microsoft DirectX 12, DXR, VRA, Ray-tracing, DLSS 2.0, NVENC powered), anti-ghosting KBD, 16-inch 165 Hz WUXGA (1920 x 1200) display, 16 GB DDR5 RAM, and 512 GB Gen4 M.2 SSD a smooth gaming experience is expected on any latest games. This device strikes a great balance between cost-effectivity and performance.

If you are looking for a portable gaming powerhouse check out the HP OMEN Transcend 16-u0023TX. It comes with superior specs, containing 13th Gen i9 CPU with 5.4 GHz, 36 MB L3 cache, 24 cores, 32 threads, and dedicated GPU with 8 GB GDDR6 VRAM (powered by Ray-tracing, DLSS, NVENC, Microsoft DX12 Ultimate, DXR, VRS), anti-ghosting KBD, 32 GB DDR5 (5600 MHz) RAM, and 1 TB Gen4 M.2 SSD. With the Tempest Cooling system and a 16-inch 240 Hz WUXGA (2560 x 1600) display, it is a portable gaming station on the go. If you are looking for performance without any compromise this one should be your choice.

Please visit the HP online store to know more about the HP Omen range of gaming laptops.