You do not need special software to get more from a PC. These five settings are built into Windows and are safe to change.
1. Set the power mode to best performance
Open Settings, then System, then Power and battery, and choose the best performance mode. It stops Windows holding your hardware back to save energy.
2. Turn on Game Mode
Game Mode prioritises your game and reduces background activity while it runs. You will find it under Settings, then Gaming.
3. Trim your startup apps
Open Task Manager, go to the Startup tab and disable anything you do not need at boot. Fewer programs at startup means a faster start and more free memory.
4. Keep graphics drivers current
New drivers often fix bugs and improve performance in newer games and creative apps. Update them from your graphics card maker directly.
5. Check your refresh rate
Many monitors ship set to 60 Hz. In Settings, then System, then Display, then Advanced display, make sure the refresh rate is set to the highest your monitor supports.
