Windows 11 is packed with features designed to improve your PC’s performance, especially when it comes to gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. One of these features is HAGS, short for Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling.
On paper, HAGS promises smoother gameplay, lower latency, and better system performance. But here’s the twist—not everyone benefits from it. For some users, enabling HAGS actually causes stuttering, lag, or even crashes. That’s why many people want to know how to turn off HAGS in Windows 11.
If you’re one of them, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down what HAGS is, why you might want to disable it, and how to do it step by step.
What is HAGS (Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling)?
1. The Basic Definition
HAGS allows your graphics card (GPU) to directly manage its own memory, instead of relying heavily on the CPU.
2. Why Microsoft Introduced It
The goal was to reduce system latency and improve gaming performance.
3. Supported Hardware
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Works only with NVIDIA GTX 1000 series or newer.
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AMD’s supported cards start from the Radeon RX 5600 series.
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Requires Windows 10 (2004 or later) or Windows 11.
Why You Might Want to Turn Off HAGS
1. Performance Issues
Some games may actually perform worse with HAGS enabled.
2. Crashes and Instability
Reports show that certain PCs experience random freezes or driver crashes.
3. Compatibility Problems
Older games or apps sometimes don’t play well with HAGS.
4. Minimal Gains
For many users, the performance boost is either negligible or nonexistent.
How to Check If HAGS Is Enabled in Windows 11
Before disabling it, let’s first see if it’s even turned on.
Step 1: Open Settings
Press Windows + I to launch Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Graphics Settings
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Go to System > Display > Graphics.
Step 3: Find Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling
Scroll down—you’ll see the toggle switch under Default Settings.
If it’s switched On, HAGS is active.
How to Turn Off HAGS in Windows 11 (Step-by-Step)
Turning it off is straightforward. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open Settings
Press Windows + I.
Step 2: Go to System Settings
Navigate to System > Display > Graphics.
Step 3: Find the HAGS Option
Scroll until you see Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling.
Step 4: Turn It Off
Toggle the switch to Off.
Step 5: Restart Your PC
Changes won’t take effect until you restart.
Method 2: Disable HAGS Using Registry Editor
For users who prefer a more advanced approach.
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
Press Windows + R, type regedit, hit Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to Key
Go to:
Step 3: Create or Modify DWORD
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Look for a key called
HwSchMode. -
If it doesn’t exist, right-click → New → DWORD (32-bit).
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Set value to 2 (which means disabled).
Step 4: Restart Your PC
The change only applies after a reboot.
Method 3: Use Group Policy Editor (For Pro Versions)
Step 1: Open Group Policy Editor
Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to Graphics Settings
Go to:
Step 3: Configure HAGS
Find Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling → Set it to Disabled.
Step 4: Apply and Restart
Save changes and reboot.
Signs That Disabling HAGS Helped
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Games run smoother with fewer stutters.
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No more random crashes when using GPU-heavy apps.
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Stable frame rates without drops.
When Should You Keep HAGS Turned On?
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If you have a high-end GPU and CPU combo.
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If you mostly play modern, optimized games.
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If your benchmarks show performance gains with it enabled.
Tips to Optimize Gaming Performance Without HAGS
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Update your GPU drivers regularly.
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Enable Game Mode in Windows 11.
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Use high-performance power settings.
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Keep background apps closed while gaming.
The Risks of Constantly Switching HAGS On and Off
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Frequent registry edits can risk corruption.
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Toggling may cause inconsistent performance tracking.
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Best to test once and leave it on or off based on results.
Should You Turn Off HAGS Permanently?
If your system feels unstable or you don’t see performance improvements, yes.
But if your rig is smooth with it on, there’s no harm in keeping it enabled.
Conclusion
HAGS is one of those “it depends” features in Windows 11. While it was designed to improve performance, it doesn’t always work as intended for everyone. If you’re experiencing crashes, stutters, or poor performance, knowing how to turn off HAGS in Windows 11 can make a big difference.
Try it both ways—benchmark your games, see what works best for your setup, and stick with the setting that gives you the smoothest experience.
FAQs
1. Does disabling HAGS affect gaming performance?
It depends. Some users see better stability, while others may notice no difference.
2. Can I turn HAGS back on after disabling it?
Yes, you can toggle it anytime in Windows Settings.
3. Is HAGS safe to leave off?
Absolutely. It’s an optional feature and won’t harm your system.
4. Why don’t I see the HAGS option in my settings?
Your GPU may not support it, or your drivers need updating.
5. Does HAGS improve FPS in Windows 11?
Sometimes, but the impact is usually minor and varies between games and hardware.