In our tests, we found that Game Mode didn't have a huge impact on higher-end systems, but if you're prone to multi-tasking or have lots of processes running in the background, Game Mode could be useful to you. Additionally, Microsoft has plans to improve the feature in subsequent updates, so it's at least worth knowing where it is.

Here's how to enable (and disable) Game Mode in Windows 10.

Enable (and disable) Game Mode

You can also force Game Mode on in specific games, whether they're tested by Microsoft or not. Previously, you could toggle Game Mode in the Windows 10 Game Bar, but the setting has since moved. To do this now (as of the October 2018 update), you need to use the Windows 10 Settings Menu.

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  1. Open the Settings menu by clicking the cogwheel icon in the start menu.

  2. Select the Gaming section of the settings menu.

  3. Navigate to the Game Mode section in the side bar.

  4. Click to toggle Game Mode on or off.

While Game Mode won't make a huge difference for most games, if you're prone to heavy background task usage, or you're using a lower-end system without much overhead for games, Game Mode could be useful.

More Windows 10 resources

For more help articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

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KLIM Aim RGB gaming mouse ($30 at Amazon)

Whether you're a gamer or not, this is an absurdly good mouse for the price. It's ambidextrous, has a responsive sensor, a braided cable, tank-like build quality, and, yes, it has RGB lighting, though you can turn it off if that's not your thing.

AmazonBasics USB speakers ($16 at Amazon)

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Razer mouse bungee ($20 at Amazon)

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