Do you have a pretty good gaming rig but you still stumble upon some issues while playing? The problem may not have anything to do with your hardware. Perhaps your operating system is to blame. Windows 10 is the go-to OS for most gamers because it supports a wide variety of titles. Also, Windows-based systems are way easier to customize, allowing you to build the perfect gaming PC depending on your budget. But regardless of the system you have, it’s important to optimize your OS to bring the most immersive gaming experience. Follow these 4 tips to make Windows 10 more suited for gaming.

1) Prevent automatic Steam updates

If you’ve been using Windows for a long time now, then there’s a good chance you have a Steam account as well. This platform serves as your one-stop-shop for all your PC game needs. But despite its amazing features, Steam isn’t flawless. By default, it updates games automatically. If you have a ton of games installed, then Steam might be too busy trying to update all of them without you realizing it. This can cause latency issues while playing, so be sure to prevent automatic updates by going to Steam>Settings>Downloads and then unchecking Allow downloads during gameplay.

2) Disable Windows 10 automatic updates and restart

Steam isn’t the only one who likes updating things all the time. Windows 10 does it, too – and for good reason. The automatic updates are meant to keep your system secure. You also get the latest features, so you can use the OS to its fullest potential. But sometimes, these updates can prove annoying. This applies in particular if you have yet to validate your Windows 10 license. The first step is to get yourself a CD key for Windows 10 and then disable automatic updates on the settings.

3) Adjust visual effects for best performance

Almost everyone agrees that Windows 10 looks much better than the disaster that is Windows 8. But while the graphical user interface might give your eyes a pleasant viewing experience, it also eats away at your system’s processing power. When you’re running games, you don’t have to see that shiny GUI in the background. So, the visual effects should be adjusted for best performance to conserve resources. Under Adjust appearance and performance of Windows, be sure to select Adjust for best performance. You sacrifice some eye-candy in exchange for a smoother gaming experience.

4) Keep drivers updated

As mentioned earlier, updates can have a negative impact while playing. But you still need to regularly update your system, particularly your drivers. The graphics processing unit of your rig forms the foundation of your gaming experience, and if you don’t have the latest driver, expect to face some problems. Go to Advanced display settings>Display adapter properties>Update Driver. You can also visit the manufacturer’s website to get the latest driver version. While you’re at it, make sure you have DirectX 12 as it helps you get better frame rates while reducing power consumption at the same time.