Windows 11 comes with Game Mode, a feature designed to optimize your PC for gaming by prioritizing system resources for games. While it can boost performance in some cases, Game Mode can also cause issues like app crashes, high CPU usage, or stuttering in certain games.
If you’re experiencing problems or simply don’t want Game Mode running, this guide will show you how to disable Game Mode in Windows 11 easily.
What Is Game Mode in Windows 11?
Game Mode is a Windows feature that:
-
Allocates more CPU and GPU resources to the game you’re playing.
-
Minimizes background processes that may interfere with gaming.
-
Prioritizes system performance over background updates.
However, Game Mode doesn’t always improve gaming performance, and some users find it better to disable it.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings
-
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
-
Click Gaming in the left-hand menu.
Step 2: Access Game Mode Settings
-
In the Gaming menu, click Game Mode.
-
Here you’ll see a toggle labeled Game Mode.
Step 3: Turn Off Game Mode
-
Click the toggle switch to turn Game Mode Off.
-
Windows will immediately stop prioritizing resources for games.
💡 Tip: You don’t need to restart your PC for this change to take effect.
Step 4: Disable Game Bar (Optional)
Some users also want to disable the Xbox Game Bar, which often runs alongside Game Mode:
-
Go back to Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar.
-
Turn off Open Xbox Game Bar using this button on a controller.
This prevents the overlay from automatically opening during games.
Step 5: Disable Background Recording (Optional)
Windows 11 can record gameplay in the background, which may affect performance. To disable it:
-
Go to Settings > Gaming > Captures.
-
Turn off Record what happened.
This ensures no background processes interfere with your games.
Step 6: Restart Your PC
Although not strictly necessary, restarting your PC ensures all settings are fully applied and background processes related to Game Mode are disabled.
Step 7: Verify Game Mode Is Disabled
To confirm:
-
Open a game or app.
-
Press Windows + G to open the Xbox Game Bar.
-
The Game Mode overlay should indicate that it’s disabled.
Why Disable Game Mode?
You might want to disable Game Mode if you notice:
-
Increased input lag in competitive games.
-
Unexpected crashes or stuttering in certain apps.
-
High CPU or GPU usage even when idle.
-
Problems with software that manages performance, like OBS or video editors.
Disabling Game Mode allows your system to manage resources normally, which can sometimes improve stability and performance.
Conclusion
Game Mode in Windows 11 is designed to optimize your gaming experience, but it doesn’t always work perfectly. If you experience crashes, stuttering, or high CPU usage, disabling Game Mode, Xbox Game Bar, and background recording can solve the problem. By following the steps above, you can regain full control over your PC’s resources while gaming or performing other tasks.
FAQs
1. Will disabling Game Mode affect my system’s performance?
No, it mainly stops Windows from prioritizing resources for games. Your PC will function normally.
2. Can I disable Game Mode only for specific games?
Windows 11 doesn’t allow per-game Game Mode settings. It’s either on or off globally.
3. Does disabling Game Mode improve FPS in all games?
Not always. Some older games may perform slightly worse, but most modern systems won’t notice a difference.
4. Is it safe to turn off Game Mode?
Yes, it won’t harm your system or games. It just stops Windows from prioritizing resources for gaming.
5. Do I need to disable the Xbox Game Bar as well?
If you want to completely remove all game optimization features and overlays, yes. Otherwise, just turning off Game Mode is enough.