Micro stuttering in games can disrupt your gameplay at critical moments. If you’re facing such issues, there are several solutions to try that can help smooth out your gaming experience, especially on Windows 10.

Solutions for Windows 10

Disable Game DVR

Windows 10 includes gaming features that might degrade performance, such as Game DVR. This feature, intended for recording gameplay, can cause significant micro stuttering. Here’s how to disable it:

Open Settings > Gaming.
Turn off Record game clips, screenshots, and broadcast using the Game bar.

For a complete shutdown of this feature, you can also disable it through the Registry Editor:

Open Registry Editor.
Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\System\GameConfigStore and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PolicyManager\default\ApplicationManagement\AllowGameDVR.
Set the Value data to 0 for GameDVR Enabled and value.

Manage Dynamic Ticks and HPET

Dynamic ticks and the High Precision Event Timer (HPET) can interfere with game performance by increasing latency. Disable these by:

Opening Command Prompt as Administrator.
Typing bcdedit /set disabledynamictick yes and bcdedit /deletevalue useplatformclock.
Restart your computer.

Close Background Programs

Excess background programs can drain CPU and RAM resources:

Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to disable unnecessary startup programs from the Startup tab.

General Fixes for All Windows Versions

Update Graphics Drivers

Ensure your graphics card drivers are up-to-date to avoid compatibility issues that can cause stuttering.

Disable Fullscreen Optimizations

If fullscreen optimizations are causing issues, disable them:

Right-click the game’s executable file and go to Properties > Compatibility.
Check Disable fullscreen optimizations.

Optimize Virtual Memory

Increase your system’s virtual memory, especially if you have limited RAM:

Go to Control Panel > System > Advanced system settings > Settings under Performance.
Click on the Advanced tab and then on Change under Virtual memory.
Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
Set a custom size: use 1.5 times your actual RAM as both initial and maximum size.

Reduce Overhead by Disabling Unnecessary Programs

Uninstall programs that you don’t use to free up system resources, which can help reduce micro stuttering.

Check for Overheating

Ensure your computer’s cooling system is adequate. Overheating can cause performance drops and stuttering. Use software like HWMonitor to check temperatures and manage them accordingly.

Adjust BIOS Settings

Resetting your BIOS to optimized defaults can eliminate improper settings that may cause stuttering. Remember to note down necessary custom settings before resetting.

Additional Tips

Consider hardware upgrades if your system is frequently overwhelmed.
Regularly clean your computer physically and digitally to maintain optimal performance.

By following these tips, you should see a reduction in micro stuttering and enjoy a smoother gaming experience on Windows 10.