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This article was co-authored by Ken Colburn and by wikiHow staff writer, Sam Browning. Ken Colburn is a Consumer Electronics Expert and the Founder & CEO of Data Doctors Computer Services. With more than 34 years of experience, he specializes in computer checkups and repairs, data recovery, and teaching others about technology. Ken also provides one-minute tech tips through his broadcast, Data Doctors Tech Tips.
There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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When you are trying to play a game, nothing is more frustrating than lag and poor performance. Luckily, there is hardware you can upgrade, software you can update, and settings you can change for better gaming on your laptop. This wikiHow article will give you the best ways to maximize your laptop’s gaming performance.
Steps
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![Step 1 Update Windows or macOS to the latest versions.]()
Update Windows or macOS to the latest versions. Operating system updates not only bring you the latest features, they also resolve bugs and patch security issues that can leave you vulnerable while gaming.[4] If you're using Windows, installing updates also ensures you're using the latest version of DirectX, a set of libraries required by many games.[5] -
![Step 2 Install game updates when available.]()
Install game updates when available. Game developers also release updates that address bugs and performance issues in gameplay. Install any updates for your games as necessary, including updates to game launchers. -
![Step 3 Get the latest graphics card drivers.]()
Get the latest graphics card drivers. Out of date Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA drivers can lead to lag, choppy gameplay, and even crashes. Be sure your graphics card drivers stay up to date.
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![Step 1 Reducing the quality of your graphics or allocating more RAM can significantly improve your gaming experience.]()
Reducing the quality of your graphics or allocating more RAM can significantly improve your gaming experience. Play with both your in-game settings and your graphics card settings to find the best settings for you. A little bit of research will also help you achieve the right balance between performance and graphics. -
![Step 2 Set your power settings to Best performance on Windows.]()
Set your power settings to Best performance on Windows. To do this, click the battery icon at the bottom right of the screen, then move the slider accordingly.[6] -
![Step 3 Turn on Game Mode on Windows.]()
Turn on Game Mode on Windows. You can do this by searching for Game Mode in the taskbar, then select Game Mode Settings. Set the toggle to On.[7]
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-upgrade-your-laptop-a-part-by-part-guide
- ↑ https://www.techradar.com/news/ssd-vs-hdd-which-is-best-for-your-needs
- ↑ https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-upgrade-your-laptop-a-part-by-part-guide
- ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/update-windows-3c5ae7fc-9fb6-9af1-1984-b5e0412c556a
- ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/which-version-of-directx-is-on-your-pc-3c688307-6c44-2ff5-9df7-d90d92bf5239
- ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/tips-to-improve-pc-performance-in-windows-b3b3ef5b-5953-fb6a-2528-4bbed82fba96
- ↑ https://www.pcworld.com/article/2044215/game-mode-optimise-windows-10-11-correctly-for-games-on-the-pc.html
- ↑ https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-clean-your-laptop-the-right-way
- ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/defragment-your-windows-10-pc-048aefac-7f1f-4632-d48a-9700c4ec702a
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