Before you upgrade, lets look at the strengths and weaknesses of Windows 11 and potential issues.

How Is Windows 10 vs. 11 When It Comes to Gaming Performance?

At a baseline level,Windows 10and Windows 11 offer a similar level of gaming performance.

A gamer playing a PC game.

Michael Kraus / EyeEm / Getty Images

Benchmark testing shows that identical hardware turns in almost identical results when running Windows 11 versus Windows 10.

In other games, FPS performance is slightly better on Windows 11.

What Are the New Windows 11 Gaming Features?

Gaming highlighted in Windows 11 Settings.

DirectStorageand Auto HDR are the two most important gaming features built into Windows 11.

DirectStorage is a feature that allows Xbox Series X to take advantage of its high-speed storage.

The feature kicks in automatically if you have compatible hardware, though, and youll notice the difference.

Game Mode highlighted in Windows 11 Gaming Settings.

Auto High Dynamic Range (HDR) is a feature you’re free to turn on and off.

Should You Update if Youre an Avid Gamer?

Gamers should consider updating to Windows 11 but with a few caveats.

The Game Mode toggle highlighted in Windows 11 Game Mode settings.

Only upgrade if your rig meets therecommended specifications,especiallyif it has the TPM 2.0 security chip.

DirectStorage will reduce your load times, and Auto HDR will enhance the look of your older games.

The last consideration when upgrading a gaming rig to Windows 11 is the issue of drivers.

Graphics highlighted in Windows 11 Game Mode settings.

If you turn up a lot of complaints, consider waiting to upgrade until support for your hardware improves.

confirm to put in a decent amount of time playing a variety of games after you update.

IfWindows 11 is slowin general, then Game Mode is unlikely to fix the problem.

A game highlighted in Windows 11 graphics settings.

Heres how to enable and use Windows 11 Gaming Mode:

Open tweaks (Win+i) and selectGaming.

you’re able to also get here by navigating toSettings>System>Display>Graphics.

Choose thegameyou want to adjust.

Options highlighted in Windows 11 game graphics settings.

Choose yourHigh performancegraphics card, then selectSave.

Those are usually just for fun (and they are fun!

), but for sure the lights aren’t necessary.

High Performance highlighted in Windows 11 graphics preferences.

We dive in much further in ourWhat to Look For in a Gaming PCarticle.

Technically, no, any keyboard will work just fine.

They are also a lot of fun to use.

But they can be very expensive.