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"Game Mode" implemented in latest Windows Insider Build

The new streaming and optimization features have their own tile under Windows Settings. (Source: Windows Blog)
The new streaming and optimization features have their own tile under Windows Settings. (Source: Windows Blog)
Windows 10's "Game Mode" feature has gone live in the latest Windows Insider Preview Build. The mode should increase smoothness of gameplay by stopping background tasks or programs from stealing CPU/GPU cycles.

It was exactly one month ago when a "gamemode.dll" was spotted in Windows Insider Preview Build 14997, suggesting the addition of a gaming-optimized mode in Windows 10. The fully implemented Game Mode, along with Microsoft's Beam game streaming platform, is now live in the latest Insider Build (15019).

Game Mode is a toggled mode designed to boost the performance of the CPU and GPU while gaming. It works by preventing background apps from taking too many CPU/GPU cycles from the game, hopefully eliminating occasional stutters and hitches. The activation of the mode itself is based on per-app settings rather than a universal switch. The user must opt-in each app they want to trigger the usage of the mode. Microsoft says the feature works on both Win32 and Universal Windows Platform apps, but that it will be a bit more effective in UWP-native apps.

Build 15019 also includes Beam, a Twitch competitor acquired by Microsoft. Streaming with Beam is built into the OS now, and is accessible along with Game Mode in the Game Bar.

The Game Mode settings window. (Source: Windows Blog)
The Game Mode settings window. (Source: Windows Blog)

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2017 01 > "Game Mode" implemented in latest Windows Insider Build
Douglas Black, 2017-01-28 (Update: 2017-01-28)