Optimisation · PC / Steam Deck
Windows 11: how to enable Game Mode
Game Mode is a Windows 11 setting available in the Gaming section. Follow the documented procedure to enable its toggle, without expecting a universal FPS or latency improvement.
At a glance
TimeA few minutes for setup, excluding troubleshooting
DifficultyEasy (LODEX estimate)
ConsolePCs and handhelds running Windows 11
SystemWindows 11
Compatible devices
Compatible consoles
- Windows PC
- ASUS ROG Ally
- Lenovo Legion Go
- MSI Claw
- GPD Win
- AYANEO Windows
- OneXPlayer
- Zotac Zone
- Acer Nitro Blaze
This guide covers the nine listed devices when running Windows 11 with the Gaming section available. The sources do not verify each model or possible OEM customisations separately. The sources consulted do not document a different procedure for Windows 11 24H2 and Windows 11 25H2.
What you need
Required items are listed below; optional diagnostic or backup equipment is marked as recommended.
- No external hardware is required: the action takes place in Windows 11 settings.
Enable Game Mode in Windows 11
The documented procedure is to open Windows settings, then enable the setting labelled Game Mode.
- Open Settings.
- Select Gaming.
- Open Game Mode.
- Turn on Game Mode.
Confirm success on the same page: the Game Mode toggle should be on. Game Mode is a separate setting from Game Bar, captures and streaming in Windows 11’s Gaming section.
Open the Game Mode page directly
Microsoft also documents the URI ms-settings:gaming-gamemode for opening the Game Mode settings page directly. This shortcut is an alternative to navigating through Settings > Gaming > Game Mode, which remains the main procedure described here.
What to expect after enabling it
Microsoft describes Game Mode as a feature intended to optimise system performance during gaming sessions. The sources consulted do not support promising the same measurable FPS or latency improvement for every game, device or configuration.
If the Game Mode page is missing
This procedure assumes that the Windows 11 device provides the Gaming section and the Game Mode page. If this page is unavailable, enabling the setting cannot be confirmed using the procedure documented in this article.
The cited sources do not separately verify manufacturer-added interfaces on every gaming PC or Windows handheld. Do not infer an identical OEM interface on every model from this procedure.
Windows 11 versions covered
This procedure applies to Windows 11, including versions 24H2 and 25H2 cited in the sources. The sources consulted do not document different Game Mode procedures for these versions. They do not, however, prove that every interface or manufacturer customisation is identical.
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