Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsSome links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The best gaming software setup is the smallest one that solves your actual problems. Keep what you need to launch games, update graphics drivers, communicate, or use a supported performance feature; avoid adding “booster” utilities without first identifying what is making the PC slow. Start with Windows’ built-in tools, then add vendor software only when its feature fits your Windows version, GPU, game and display mode.
There is no universal essential-software checklist: a chat app or monitoring tool may matter to one player and be unnecessary background load for another. Microsoft lists several possible causes of a slow PC—including limited storage, excessive startup activity, outdated software, malware and hardware limitations—so software cleanup is only one part of diagnosis.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Recommended Free Tools
What gaming software is actually essential?
“Essential” means useful for a specific task on your PC, not software every gamer must install. A launcher may be necessary to access a particular game; a communication app may be part of how you play with others; and a driver utility may provide a feature your GPU supports. A program that duplicates a Windows feature or runs in the background without serving a current need is a candidate to remove from startup or uninstall.
Separate software by purpose before deciding what to keep:
#1 Best Overall
- BLUE LIGHT BLOCKING GLASSES: Our blue light glasses for women boast UV400 protection, blocking harmful blue rays from computer screens. With these bluelight glasses women, you can enjoy gaming, reading, or watching TV with no worries of eye strain.
- EYE RELIEF: Our blue light glasses are engineered to reduce blurry vision or strain caused by prolonged screen time. These womens blue light glasses aid in better sleep by preventing blue light from disrupting your natural sleep cycle, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep, making them the perfect christmas present.
- COMFORTABLE: Crafted from durable material, our trendy blue light glasses for woman or blue light glasses men ensure long-lasting comfort. The high-transmittance lenses accessories, gamer gifts for men, help keep your eyes relaxed. Perfect stocking stuffers, gifts for gamers men, christmas gifts for men, halloween costumes.
- LIGHTWEIGHT: These clear blue light glasses feature a lightweight frame, meaning they’ll stay comfy for long-term wear. Perfect as blue blockers glasses for women or mens blue light glasses, these non-prescription fake glasses for men can be worn throughout the day. The blue light blocking glasses women feature polycarbonate HD lenses, which are anti-reflective and restore true color.
- WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: If you experience any issues, our support team is ready to assist you quickly. These are the perfect costume glasses for cosplay dressing up.
- Access: launchers or game clients you need to install, update or start the games you play.
- Hardware support: graphics drivers and vendor software used for driver updates or a specific, supported GPU feature.
- Communication: voice or text applications you actually use while playing.
- Optional utilities: overlays, recording, RGB control, monitoring and cleanup applications. Keep these only when they solve a concrete need, and decide whether they must run during every gaming session.
This is a purpose test, not a blanket instruction to remove background programs. Some software is useful even when it runs; the practical question is whether its benefit is worth its startup and background activity on your system.
How should I find out what is slowing down my PC?
Check the symptoms and Windows’ resource information before installing anything. A slow startup, a game with poor performance, and a drive with little free space point to different possible causes; a “gaming optimizer” cannot be assumed to address all of them.
Microsoft’s Tips to improve PC performance in Windows identifies limited storage, too many startup apps, outdated software, malware and hardware that no longer meets current needs among possible causes. Its guidance covers Windows 10 and Windows 11 and recommends checking resource use, closing apps not in use, managing startup activity, checking for updates and malware, and freeing storage. If an older PC is limited by its hardware, software housekeeping alone may yield little improvement.
Use Task Manager to inspect startup and activity
- Open Task Manager and review its running processes and resource information. Check CPU, memory and disk use while the PC is behaving slowly, rather than guessing which program is responsible.
- Open the startup-apps view and review the apps Windows lists. Disable startup only for apps you recognize and do not need to start automatically.
- Close applications you are not using and see whether the symptom changes. If it does not, continue checking storage, updates, malware and hardware rather than installing a second utility on assumption.
Task Manager can help you see which processes are active and which apps have startup impact; it does not by itself prove that a particular process is the cause of a game problem. Avoid disabling an unfamiliar process simply because it is present.
Rank #2
- WINDEX GAMING WIPES: effortlessly clean all your gaming gear and gaming electronics in one easy step with our new Windex Gaming Wipes
- AMMONIA FREE: our ammonia-free formula is safe to use on all of your favorite gaming equipment like consoles, headsets, controllers, screens, keyboards, and more
- PRE-MOISTENED WIPES: each wipe instantly removes dust, dirt, and stubborn smudges and fingerprints leaving a streak-free shine
- ANTI-STATIC: great for cleaning and wiping down your gaming gear and electronics leaving behind no visible residue
- COMPACT RESEALABLE PACKAGE: store your pack of Windex Gaming Wipes anywhere in your home for whenever a quick and easy wipedown is needed
Check the other common causes
- Storage: review available space and use Windows storage controls to clean up files where appropriate. Microsoft also recommends uninstalling apps you no longer use.
- Updates: check Windows and relevant software for updates. Outdated software is one possible contributor to poor performance.
- Security: use a malware scan if appropriate. Microsoft includes malware among possible causes of slowness; its performance advice does not recommend casually turning off security protection to improve gaming.
- Hardware: if the machine is older or does not meet a game’s needs, removing software may not resolve the limitation. Do not assume the background-app count explains every performance issue.
Which software should I keep, remove or stop from starting?
Compare each candidate on whether it solves a stated problem, whether it supports your configuration, what it duplicates and whether it needs to run in the background. Microsoft warns that startup and background activity can affect performance, but the reviewed official guidance establishes no universal FPS gain from removing a particular category of app.
| Software or feature | Keep it when… | Check before relying on it |
|---|---|---|
| Game launcher | You need it to access or update games you play. | Whether it needs to start with Windows or remain running when you are not using it. |
| Communication app | You use it to coordinate or talk while playing. | Whether you need its startup behavior or optional overlay during every session. |
| Graphics-driver or GPU-vendor software | You need driver management or a documented feature supported by your hardware and game. | Windows version, GPU generation, game API and display-mode requirements for the specific feature. |
| Recording, RGB, monitoring or overlay utility | You actively use its function and it works with the game and hardware. | Whether it overlaps with another utility or needs to run while you play. |
| Third-party “booster” or cleanup app | You can identify a specific task it performs that Windows does not already cover. | Its provenance, compatibility, background behavior and whether its claims are supported. The reviewed official sources establish no general performance gain for this category. |
For each installed utility, ask: “What do I use this for, and does it need to run now?” If you cannot name the task, first stop it from launching automatically only if you recognize the app and do not need it at startup. If you are unsure what it does, identify it before changing its settings. Avoid stacking multiple tools that claim to monitor, optimize or overlay the same game; the evidence here does not support universal promises that adding or removing a particular utility raises frame rates.
When should I use Windows’ gaming features?
Use a built-in gaming feature when your Windows version, game and display setup match its supported scope. A feature can be useful without being relevant to every title: Windows 11’s windowed-game optimization, for example, applies to compatible DirectX 10 and 11 games running windowed or borderless.
How do I enable optimizations for windowed games?
Microsoft says this Windows 11 feature transitions compatible games from the legacy blt presentation model to the flip model. The intended results are reduced frame latency and the ability to use supported features such as Auto HDR and variable refresh rate on supported displays. Microsoft describes reduced latency qualitatively; it does not provide a percentage FPS improvement that applies to all systems.
Rank #3
- Ergonomic & Adjustable Design: Fight "text neck" and improve your posture. Designed for comfort, it offers an adjustable height (7.1in-8.5in) (1.4in adjustable range) and angle (5°-85°) Please note: cell phone stand is only 9 inches tall—the length of a standard pencil
- Without blocking subtitles Perfect for office desk Tiktok Face Time Zoom video—this is the ultimate kitchen desk essential for phones! Perfect viewing experience while reducing neck back strain, A must-have for gamers streamers desk, and anyone who values both style and support!
- Sleek & Stable Design fits Otterbox Case: Say goodbye to bent cables, tangles, and tip-overs! LISEN’s stylish adjustable desk phone holder features a built-in charging hole and smart cable management, keeping your phone secure and your workspace clutter-free cool gadgets for men
- ANTI-SLIP DESIGN free hands: The under 10.00 items easy gadgets back and the bottom of this kitchen essentials for women are fully covered by anti-skid silicone, which LISEN stand up desk decor can provide maximum protection device from any scratches and slides
- Your Perfect Viewing Companion:If your product arrives damaged or breaks within 365 days, reach out to LISEN for a quick and hassle-free solution. Struggling with assembly, like tightening the screw? We’ve got your back! Your experience matters to us. (Product including: phone Holder stand*1, screw*1, hexagon screwdriver*1, specification*1)
- Open Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
- Find the setting for Optimizations for windowed games and enable it if you want the feature.
- Restart the game for the change to take effect.
Do not expect the setting to apply to every game. The documented scope is compatible DirectX 10 and 11 titles in windowed or borderless mode; a different API or display mode falls outside that stated scope.
What does Xbox mode do?
Microsoft’s documentation describes an Xbox full-screen experience for Windows 11 version 24H2 or later in supported markets. It is designed as a controller-oriented full-screen interface. If you enable Enter Xbox mode on startup, Windows limits background processes to improve performance while gaming. This is an optional Windows behavior, not a reason to install a separate “booster,” and availability depends on the documented version and market requirements.
Is AMD Radeon Game Advisor right for my setup?
Consider Game Advisor only if you use a supported Radeon configuration and want its specific function: real-time game-performance analysis with suggestions for in-game graphics settings intended to balance image quality and performance. AMD’s cited FAQ gives compatibility boundaries; the feature is not a universal Windows gaming utility.
AMD’s documentation for How to Use Game Advisor Within Radeon Overlay states support with Radeon Software 18.12.2 on Windows 7 or Windows 10 64-bit, for Radeon RX 400-series and newer graphics, and for most DirectX 9, 11 and 12 and Vulkan titles. It also states that the game must provide exclusive full-screen access and that APU graphics are not supported. These are the FAQ’s stated compatibility details, not a guarantee that the same support applies to every later software version or current configuration.
Rank #4
- Easy Installation: Our gaming lights have been designed to enhance your entertainment experience. Simply position the led light bar next to your TV or game console to create a game room environment with ease. They come with USB power and a 60 inch cord for direct mounting and mobility
- Audio Syncing & Extensive Mode: The built-in high-sensitivity music sensor allows you to sync the TV led lights to your favorite music. Lights react and move to the beat of music, film and game audio, creating an incredible immersive sound and light experience – and all without the need for an additional hub. You can choose from 64+ patterns, including strobe, illusion, jump, energy, gradient, running, chasing, fluttering mode etc. Each mode can be applied to different scenes
- 64+ Chasing IC+RGB & W Effect: The independent control design of IC+RGB and white all-in-one multifunctional rgbw led bar lights monitor backlight allows you to easily switch the led lights for desk between IC+RGB and white to enjoy a variety of lighting effects, you can choose white lighting mode with high brightness for better illumination when working, etc. Choose IC+RGB lighting mode when you need to create an entertaining atmosphere for the light show, 16 million colours of Color changing rgb light bar let you dance to the beat and create a dynamic party atmosphere
- Dynamic and Dimmable Lights: 1%-full brightness free brightness adjustment gives you the flexibility to adjust dimmable led light bar for room decorations or a variety of occasions
- USB Powered: USB light bars for room can be powered by powernank, usb charger, TV, Monitor, laptop PC mainframe, making behind TV led lighting bar easy to install in any location.TV led lights are powered by the TV usb interface / PC mainframe, can be turned on/off synchronously with TV / PC
Before relying on it, check AMD’s current documentation for your installed software and hardware. In particular, do not assume that a game running borderless or windowed meets an exclusive-full-screen requirement, or that integrated APU graphics qualify. Its role is to analyze performance and suggest in-game settings; the cited material does not promise a fixed frame-rate gain.
How can I reduce background load without breaking useful features?
Make changes one at a time and preserve software you know you need. An app can be useful on demand without needing to launch at Windows startup or remain open throughout a game session.
- List the apps that start with Windows and identify which ones you use for the current gaming setup.
- For an app you recognize and do not need immediately, disable its startup entry in Task Manager rather than deleting an unfamiliar program or process.
- Close optional applications you are not using, such as an unneeded recording or monitoring tool, and observe whether the original problem changes.
- Retest the game under comparable conditions. If performance does not improve, restore any setting you changed if needed and investigate another likely cause.
- Keep security protection in place. Use malware scanning as part of troubleshooting instead of treating protective software as an automatic performance culprit.
This approach also helps reveal overlap. For example, if more than one installed tool offers monitoring or an overlay, decide which one you actually use rather than running every option by default. No source reviewed establishes that every overlay, RGB utility or chat program causes a measurable slowdown; their effect depends on the PC and what is running.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should I check before installing another gaming utility?
Use a short compatibility and value check before downloading. The point is to avoid adding software that cannot work with the game or hardware, or that duplicates a control already available in Windows or the GPU software.
Best Value
- Compatible with Wide Screens - To ensure compatibility with the dual monitor mount, your each monitor must meet three conditions at the same time: First, computer screens size range: 13 to 32 inches. Second, screen weight range: 4.4 to 19.8 lbs. Third, the back of the monitor screen must have VESA mounting holes with a pitch of 75x75mm or 100x100mm.
- Regarding the compatibility with desks - Your desk must meet three conditions at the same time: First, desk material: Only wooden desks are recommended, plastic or glass desks cannot be used. Second, desk thickness range: 0.59" - 3.54". Third, the bottom of the desk should not have any cross beams or panels, as this will interfere with installation. We recommend carefully checking that your desk and monitors meets all above conditions before purchasing.
- Dual C-Clamp Hold - Worried your dual monitors might wobble or slip? Our upgraded base uses a larger platform plus a dual C-clamp structure to lock the dual monitor arm firmly to your desk. Each arm safely keeps your screens steady while you type, click and game—no shaking, no sliding, just a clean and secure setup you can trust every day. It also provides Grommet Mounting installation choice, both options ensure stable and secure fixation for your 0.59" - 3.54" desk.
- Full-Motion Adjustment For Comfortable View - Pull the screen closer when you’re deep in a spreadsheet, push it back to watch videos, or rotate to portrait for coding — moving everything smoothly with just one hand. The monitor stand offers +85°/-50° tilt, ±90° swivel and 360° rotation. Raise your monitor up to 15.75″ to support a healthy sitting posture. Whether you’re working from home, gaming through the night, or switching between video calls and documents, getting the screens to your natural line of sight helps relieve neck, shoulder and back strain so you can stay focused longer with less fatigue.
- Keep Your Desk Organized: By lifting both screens off the desktop, this dual monitor stand opens up valuable space for your keyboard, notebook, docking station or a simple, clutter-free work area. Built-in cable management guides wires along the arms, keeping cords out of sight and out of the way. Enjoy a tidy, modern workstation that looks as good as it feels to use.
- Problem fit: State the issue in concrete terms: startup delay, low storage, performance analysis, or a need to change game settings. If the utility does not address that issue, skip it.
- Windows support: Confirm the required Windows version. A feature documented for Windows 11 should not be assumed available on another edition or version.
- Hardware and game support: Check GPU generation, graphics API and display mode where those matter. Vendor features can have specific boundaries, as AMD’s Game Advisor documentation illustrates.
- Background behavior: Find out whether it starts with Windows or must remain open, then decide whether the function warrants that activity.
- Overlap: Compare the utility’s function with Windows settings and software you already have. Avoid adding a second tool for an already-covered task unless it provides a needed capability.
- Provenance and security: Use software from a source you can verify and keep security protections enabled. Do not install a tool solely because its description promises an unspecified speed boost.
The official sources covered here describe specific Windows and AMD functions, not a broad performance benchmark comparing third-party cleanup or monitoring programs. No general FPS promise should be inferred from their feature descriptions.
Does Windows version change what I should install?
Yes. Compatibility and ongoing support matter when choosing software. Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025; after that date, free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance and security fixes ceased. That date does not mean every app instantly stopped working, but it does mean Windows 10 users should not assume they continue receiving those Microsoft support services.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Windows 11 features have their own requirements. The windowed-game optimization applies to compatible DirectX 10 and 11 titles in windowed or borderless mode, while Microsoft documents Xbox mode for Windows 11 version 24H2 or later in supported markets. Check the specific feature’s requirements instead of treating “Windows 11” as a single compatibility guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will uninstalling a launcher delete the games I installed through it?
That depends on the launcher and how it manages each game’s files; the Windows performance guidance cited here does not establish a universal uninstall behavior. Before removing a client, check its own uninstall information and make sure you know whether the games or saved data are stored separately.
Can I use Windows windowed-game optimizations with every game?
No. The documented feature scope is compatible DirectX 10 and 11 games in windowed or borderless mode, so games outside those API or display-mode conditions are not covered by that description.
Does Game Advisor work with integrated Radeon graphics?
AMD’s cited Game Advisor FAQ says APU graphics are not supported. It also lists Radeon RX 400-series and newer and exclusive full-screen access among its stated requirements; check current AMD documentation for later software and hardware configurations.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Should I disable antivirus while gaming to improve performance?
The Microsoft performance guidance does not recommend removing security protections as a gaming optimization. It lists malware as one possible cause of slowness and recommends scanning for it, so disabling protection is not a supported general fix.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
