When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Microsoft is adding a new 'Game Mode' to Windows 10 to boost gaming performance

Microsoft has put in a great deal of effort to improve the experience of PC gaming in Windows 10 since its launch last year, and it looks like things are going to get even better in the not-too-distant future.

The omniscient and enigmatic WalkingCat (@h0x0d) was first to spot the existence of a 'gamemode.dll' file in Windows 10 build 14997, which leaked earlier this week. According to the nomadic feline, Windows 10's Game Mode "will adjust its resource allocation logic (for CPU/Gfx etc.) to prioritize" the game being played.

To put this in simpler terms, it appears that Game Mode will optimize the entire OS around the game that you're playing. Operations that aren't essential to ensure the best gameplay performance and stability would be 'deprioritized', while more system resources are dedicated to boost the gaming experience.

There's still a great deal that we don't know about this new feature, including when it's expected to become a fully integrated part of the OS. While the Game Mode file is in the latest internal builds, the feature isn't actually working yet, and Microsoft has made no announcements about its plans to enable it.

It's also worth noting that Microsoft routinely includes features in Windows 10 preview builds long before they're due to be released, or even before they've been officially announced. For example, early signs of the return of OneDrive 'placeholder' files appeared in the OS in February, but the company didn't make a formal announcement about the new 'On-Demand Sync' feature until September, and it's still unclear when it will be made available.

Microsoft is due to release its next major Windows 10 update, known as the Creators Update, early next year - but it's possible that the new Game Mode may not arrive until the Redstone 3 update rolls out in late 2017.

Source: WalkingCat (@h0x0d) via MSPoweruser

Report a problem with article
Next Article

If you still want to buy Microsoft's Lumia 950 XL in the UK, you can get one now for £275

Previous Article

"Hold your breath": Samsung teaser hints at water resistance for new Galaxy A-series devices

Join the conversation!

Login or Sign Up to read and post a comment.

49 Comments - Add comment