Fixing Game Performance Problems In Windows 7 And Windows Vista

Modern games can strain a computer's resources. A computer that runs some programs perfectly can become sluggish and potentially unresponsive when faced with the demands of complicated games. You might notice flickering graphics or lowered frame rates that make playing your game feel like you're watching a slide show.

The following sections list several factors that can contribute to the reduced performance of games and describe steps you can take to address the problems.

Check for software and driver issues

The first place to start when diagnosing software problems is to make sure that all of your software—including drivers—is up to date and properly adjusted.

• Check for known issues and updates for the game. Most software problems are not unique, and when you encounter one, it's likely that other people are having the same problem. Frequently, game publishers will issue updates that contain fixes to known problems. To learn more about known issues and get updates for games and devices, visit the game publisher's or device manufacturer's website.
• Update Microsoft DirectX. DirectX is a suite of multimedia technologies that helps create the special visual and audio effects that come with games. Many games rely on DirectX to help get more performance from your computer. Make sure that you have the latest version of DirectX so that you can take advantage of all of the latest features. For information about making sure that you have the latest version of DirectX, see Which version of DirectX is on your computer?.
• Get the newest device drivers. Because game performance can be affected by device drivers, it's a good idea to make sure that you have the latest drivers for all of your hardware. For more information about keeping your drivers up to date, see Update drivers: recommended links
• Adjust your game's settings. Most games have settings that allow you to control the resolution and level of detail that's displayed, as well as the quality of the audio. Check the information that came with the game to find out how to use those settings to optimize the game for your computer's hardware. 

Check for hardware issues

The first step in diagnosing potential game hardware problems is to make sure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements for the game. These requirements are usually printed on the game box. After you ensure that your computer meets the minimum requirements, check for hardware issues by performing the following tasks.

• Adjust your display settings. One of the most common causes of performance problems is video card settings. For more information, see Ways to improve display quality.
• Disable your joystick. If you are using a joystick, make sure it's not the source of the problem. To do so, shut down your computer, unplug the joystick, restart the computer, and then test the game using your keyboard. If the issue doesn't appear when you're using your keyboard, contact the joystick manufacturer to troubleshoot the problem.
• Temporarily disable the sound card. Disabling the sound card will help you determine if the sound card is the cause of the problem. To temporarily disable your sound card, follow these steps:
  You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps.

  1. Open Device Manager by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Security, and then, under System, clicking Device Manager.‌  If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
  2. Double-check Sound, video, and game controllers to expand the section.
  3. Right-click your sound card, and then click Disable.
  If disabling the sound card resolves this issue, contact your computer manufacturer for more troubleshooting steps.
• Check your computer's Windows Experience Index base score. New games are developed to take advantage of the latest technological advances in hardware. If you continue to have problems running games, make sure that your hardware is performing properly. Performance Information and Tools can help you learn about your computer's capabilities, identify any issues that need your attention, and take steps to address performance-related problems.
  • Open Performance Information and Tools by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type Performance Information and Tools, and then, in the list of results, click Performance Information and Tools.