How to Optimize Graphics Performance for Apps and Programs in Windows 10

The process to improve Windows 10 performance can be reduced to something as simple as enabling hidden power plans or using a program to modify the behavior of its memory management while gaming. However, there is something else. The latest editions of Windows 10 allow us to specify graphics performance preferences for individual applications, whether they are Win32 or universal. The feature is a bit hidden, but today we will teach you to locate it.

One of the most promoted elements by Microsoft in recent versions of Windows 10 is the so-called Game Mode. The theory suggests that the operating system prioritizes the execution of the game by assigning a higher level of resources, while minimizing the impact of background processes. But that is not the only tool that could optimize a game in Windows 10. Many laptops have a dual graphics solution, one for general use, and another high-performance. In some cases, programs and games alike use the less powerful graphics chip, or adopt a power saving profile when it is not entirely necessary. Fortunately, we have the option to modify that.

How to Optimize Graphics Performance for Apps and Programs in Windows 10

These parameters are not available in the classic Control Panel, therefore, we go to Windows 10 Settings and click System. There we visit Display, and scroll down until we find the entry “Graphics settings”. Inside that menu, Windows 10 will ask you to specify if it is a universal application, or a classic Win32 program. Technically there are some restrictions (certain Windows Store apps do not fully support their “change” to dedicated graphics cards), but the idea is to search for the executable with the Browse button, and then select the value of High Performance.

It is assumed that restarting the computer is not necessary to apply these settings, but knowing Windows 10, we recommend it anyway. How effective is this option? The magic answer is “it depends”. Windows uses the phrase “can provide” as a broad-spectrum wildcard. Most likely there won't be major performance jumps in modern programs, and its benefits will be reflected in older applications.