Windows Is Stealing Your FPS. Here’s How to Steal It Back.
Windows Is Stealing Your FPS. Here’s How to Steal It Back.Free tools that tell Windows to shut up while you game — then undo everything when you’re done.
The “Why Is My PC Finally Fast” Starter Pack
You’re about to download one free thing, click one button, and wonder why your games feel like a different machine.
Why This Is Actually Crazy
Right now, Windows is running 40+ invisible programs behind your game.
Every frame you’re losing? That’s Windows checking emails, indexing files, phoning home to Microsoft.
These tools press pause on all that garbage. One click on. One click off. Nothing permanent. Nothing scary.
What Changes When You Use This
Your FPS stops randomly dropping — background nonsense goes to sleep
Games feel snappier — less delay between click and action
Your RAM stops choking — clears the invisible junk Windows hoards
Unlocks power modes Windows hid from you — yes, really
100% reversible — one button brings everything back
Not sketchy — open source, community-tested, no weird .exe files
THE ANSWER (Start Here)
FreezeToStock — The One You Actually Want
What happens when you click it:
- Every useless background program freezes
- Every pointless Windows service pauses
- Your game gets ALL the resources
What happens when you’re done gaming:
- Click “Thaw”
- Everything comes back exactly how it was
That’s it. That’s the whole thing.
Why this one specifically?
- JayzTwoCents (big tech YouTuber) showed it on camera
- Remembers exactly what was running so nothing breaks
- Won’t touch anything important
- User tested it with 40+ Chrome tabs — all suspended, PC still worked
- Written in readable code, not mystery .exe nonsense
Get it: github.com/rcmaehl/FreezeToStock
Instructions:
- Click “Releases” on that page
- Download the .exe
- Right-click → Run as Administrator
- Hit “Freeze” before gaming
- Hit “Thaw” after
Done. Go play something.
Want More Control? Here’s the Full Menu
Everything below is organized by “what problem do you have?”
Pick your problem. Get your fix.
“I Want Even MORE Control Than FreezeToStock”
GameMode.ps1 — The Script Version (PowerShell)
Same idea as FreezeToStock but you can customize exactly what gets paused.
What it pauses:
- Programs you pick
- Services you pick
- Windows Defender (temporarily)
- Even the desktop shell itself
One command turns it on. One command turns it off.
Comes from a research project with 1,000+ stars. Real benchmarks. Real results.
github.com/djdallmann/GamingPCSetup
You’ll configure three files:
- Which programs to pause
- Which services to stop
- Which services to pause
Sounds complicated but the files are just lists. Add names, save, done.
Windows 10-11 Gaming Optimization Script — Batch File With Game Launcher
Guy got sick of “game boosters” that do nothing. Built his own.
What it does:
- Disables scheduled tasks while gaming
- Stops services while gaming
- Changes game priority
- Everything reverts automatically
- Has a built-in game launcher
Direct quote from the creator: “Got annoyed of these ‘Game Boosters’ that do less and give you some shitty bloatware.”
github.com/JonathanVdp/Windows-10-11-Gaming-Optimization-Script
“My Games Randomly Stutter For No Reason”
That’s probably your RAM getting clogged.
Windows keeps data from apps you closed “just in case.” When that pile gets big, your game hitches trying to grab memory.
WinMemoryCleaner — Clears The Invisible Junk
Uses actual Windows functions to clear memory. Not some fake “RAM booster.”
What it clears:
- Cached data from closed apps
- Memory held by sleeping programs
- System file cache
Set it to auto-clean when your RAM hits a threshold or on a timer.
You can literally watch it work in Task Manager.
ISLC (Intelligent Standby List Cleaner) — The One Everyone Uses
This is the standard. Tons of gamers use it. Works great for:
- Escape from Tarkov stutters
- Star Citizen stutters
- Any game that randomly hitches
Pre-configured versions ready to go:
- github.com/voxeez/auto-ram-cleaner — EFT/Star Citizen settings
- github.com/emilwojcik93/sc-cmd — Star Citizen optimized
Or install via command: scoop install islc
Official site: wagnardsoft.com/ISLCw
timertool-rs — Memory Cleaner + Timer Fix In One
Written in Rust (fast). Does two things:
- Clears memory junk like ISLC
- Fixes Windows timing (explained below)
Command:
timerset.exe --islc --csfm 1024 --cscm 1024
“My Inputs Feel Slightly Delayed”
Windows has an internal clock that decides how often it checks what you’re doing.
Default: Checks every 15.6 milliseconds (lazy)
Fixed: Checks every 0.5 milliseconds (responsive)
That tiny difference = noticeably snappier mouse, smoother frames.
AntiLag — One Click Latency Fix
Click it. It fixes the timer. Also creates a better power plan for you.
Shows you before/after numbers so you can see it actually worked.
Needs .NET Framework 4.7.2 (you probably have it).
TimerResBenchmark — Find YOUR PC's Sweet Spot
Every PC is slightly different. This finds the exact best timer setting for YOUR system.
Written in Rust. Runs the math fast. Tells you what number to use.
BetterTimerResolution — PowerShell Version
Same idea. Finds your optimal setting. Includes test tools.
github.com/plankeeee/BetterTimerResolution
Want to enable this permanently? Add this to your registry:
Location: HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\kernel
Name: GlobalTimerResolutionRequests
Type: DWORD
Value: 1
“Windows Is Hiding Better Power Modes From Me”
Yes. Actually yes.
Windows 11 and most laptops hide “High Performance” and “Ultimate Performance” power plans. These keep your CPU running fast instead of constantly slowing down to save power.
ppControl — Power Plan Switcher In Your System Tray
Puts a tiny icon near your clock. Click it. Pick your power plan. Done.
First time setup:
-RestorePlan OneTime
This unhides the plans Windows hid from you.
CoreParkingToggle — Stop Windows From Sleeping Your CPU Cores
Windows “parks” CPU cores to save power. Even while gaming. Even when you need them.
This tool:
- Option 1: Force all cores awake (max performance)
- Option 2: Put it back to normal
Amassjoi-GamingPowerPlan — Ultimate Performance + No Sleep Mode
Activates the hidden “Ultimate Performance” plan AND stops Windows from sleeping/dimming.
Includes a restore script to undo everything.
Custom Power Plans Collection
Pre-made power plans you can import:
- Balanced but better
- Simple Ultimate Performance
- Maximum power (highest performance possible)
DIY: Unlock Ultimate Performance Yourself
Open PowerShell as Admin. Paste this:
$scheme = powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61
$guid = [regex]::Match($scheme, '[0-9a-fA-F]{8}-[0-9a-fA-F]{4}-[0-9a-fA-F]{4}-[0-9a-fA-F]{4}-[0-9a-fA-F]{12}').Value
powercfg -setactive $guid
Done. You now have Ultimate Performance.
“I Want To Debloat Windows Permanently (Not Just While Gaming)”
These make Windows lighter forever. Not temporary. Think before using.
WinUtil — Chris Titus Tech's Everything Tool
42,800+ stars. Massive community. Does everything:
- Installs programs
- Removes bloat
- Gaming presets
- Update management
- Custom power plans
One command to launch it:
irm "https://christitus.com/win" | iex
(Paste in PowerShell as Admin)
Sophia Script — 150+ Tweaks, Extremely Detailed
Most granular tweaker on GitHub. 8,400+ stars. If a setting exists, this script can change it.
Kills telemetry, removes Windows Store apps, optimizes services, fixes registry.
Install:
winget install --id TeamSophia.SophiaScript
Winhance — Pretty GUI, Actively Updated
Modern app with checkboxes. No command line needed.
Does most of what Sophia Script does but with a visual interface. Great if commands scare you.
Updated regularly (last: late 2025).
Windows-On-Reins — Gaming-Focused Hardening
Disables:
- Virtualization security (VBS) that tanks gaming performance
- Mouse acceleration
- Xbox background stuff
- Bandwidth-eating services
Barely Windows — Web-Based Tweaker
Opens in your browser. Click what you want removed. Generates a script. Run it.
Good for: removing apps, killing telemetry, removing Bing from search.
Ghost Toolbox — From Custom Windows Builds
Originally for Ghost Spectre (custom Windows). Works on any Windows.
Toggle features on/off, manage services, apply themes, add/remove Windows Store.
github.com/Reginald-Blechman/Ghost-Toolbox-1.9.0.15
Alternatives:
Windows10GamingFocus — Comprehensive Preset
Based on Chris Titus script + other sources. One-shot optimization.
Toggles for: Defender, telemetry, Cortana, Game DVR, fullscreen optimization, SmartScreen, and 30+ other things.
“I Want To Pause Specific Programs Myself”
Sometimes you just want to freeze Chrome or Discord while gaming. These let you do that.
craftwar/suspend — Better Than Microsoft's Tool
Pause any program. Resume it later. Faster than closing and reopening.
Better than Sysinternals’ PsSuspend because:
- Handles weird characters in names
- Can pause multiple programs at once
“Suspend a game to play another game smoothly”
NtSuspendProcess — Simple Command Line Tool
NtSuspendProcess.exe -name discord.exe # Pause Discord
NtSuspendProcess.exe -rname discord.exe # Unpause Discord
NtSuspendProcess.exe -pid 1234 # Pause by process ID
“I Want Cleaner NVIDIA Drivers”
NVIDIA’s installer dumps telemetry, GeForce Experience, and other junk you didn’t ask for.
NVIDIA-Drivers-Debloated — Pre-Cleaned Drivers
Someone already removed the garbage. Download. Install. Done.
Important: Use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) in Safe Mode first to fully remove your old driver.
NVidia-Driver-Downloader — Auto-Grabs Latest Driver
PowerShell script that downloads the newest NVIDIA driver without GeForce Experience attached.
From the same person who made Sophia Script.
NVCleanstall — Customize During Install
From TechPowerUp (trusted site). Lets you pick exactly what gets installed.
Remove telemetry, remove features you don’t use, keep only what you need.
Download from: TechPowerUp website (not on GitHub)
“Show Me The Deep Nerd Stuff”
For people who want to understand WHY these tweaks work.
PC-Tuning — Evidence-Based Configuration Guide
Not a tool. A research document. Explains:
- Why certain registry edits help
- What actually affects latency
- Which tweaks are snake oil
- Real benchmarks proving claims
If you want to understand instead of just copy-paste, start here.
GamingPCSetup Research — Deep Technical Documentation
The source for GameMode.ps1. Includes research on:
- How Windows prioritizes audio/video
- How to trace what’s causing lag
- Interrupt handling
- Context switching
For the truly curious.
gaming_os_tweaker — Extreme Results, Extreme Tradeoffs
Someone stripped Windows down to 32 running processes. Got 0.7 microsecond response times.
Benchmark shown: Overwatch 2 went from 420fps to 500-600fps.
The catch: Your PC becomes games-only. Not for daily use.
RepairBadTweaks — Kills Common Myths
Some “optimization guides” are wrong. This explains which ones.
Myths it debunks:
“Disable HPET” — actually breaks timing on modern systems- “Change DataQueueSize for mouse” — does literally nothing
- “Set csrss.exe to high priority” — breaks Windows
- “Edit memory management registry” — only works on 32-bit (lol)
Read before you follow random YouTube guides.
windows10-latency-optimization — Timer & HPET Guide (Russian origin)
Commands for disabling dynamic tick:
bcdedit /set disabledynamictick yes
bcdedit /set useplatformtick yes
Plus Device Manager instructions for HPET.
win-processmon — Find What's Causing Stutters
Your game hitches. Something launched in the background. But what?
This watches for programs starting/stopping and logs CPU/memory/disk usage. Correlate your stutters with what Windows was doing.
Answers: “What fired up right when my frame dropped?”
stop-disable-windows-services — 150+ Services Managed
PowerShell script that handles services from:
- Windows (gaming, telemetry, diagnostics)
- ASUS, Dell, Intel, NVIDIA, Razer, HP
- Adobe, Google, VMware
- Background apps
Quick Explainers (If You’re Curious)
What's 'timer resolution' and why does it matter?
Windows has an internal clock. Default: it ticks every 15.6 milliseconds.
Your game says “I need to do something!” Windows says “Hold on, I’ll check in 15ms.”
Fixed timer (0.5ms): Windows checks 30x more often. Game feels smoother.
That’s it. That’s the whole concept.
What's the 'standby list' and why clear it?
When you close Chrome, Windows doesn’t fully release that memory. It keeps it “just in case” you reopen Chrome.
This pile grows. Eventually your game tries to grab RAM and has to wait while Windows figures out what to release.
Clearing it: Frees that memory immediately. No more random stutters.
What's 'core parking' and why disable it?
Windows puts CPU cores to sleep to save power. Even while gaming. Even when you’re in a firefight.
Disabling it: All cores stay awake and ready. Faster response.
Downside: Uses more power. Don’t care if you’re on desktop. Might care on laptop.
What's the deal with HPET?
HPET = a timer inside your PC.
Old advice: “Disable it for better performance!”
Current reality: Modern CPUs use better timers automatically. Disabling HPET can actually break things now.
Rule: If your PC was made after 2018, probably leave it alone.
What's VBS and why does it hurt gaming?
VBS = Virtualization-Based Security. Windows 11 enables it by default.
It runs security stuff in a virtual container. Sounds cool. Costs 5-15% performance. Especially on AMD.
Gaming-focused Windows builds disable it. You can too via Winhance or Windows-On-Reins.
Build Your Own Game Mode (DIY Recipe)
Want exactly what paid “game boosters” do? Combine:
1. Freeze background stuff
→ FreezeToStock or GameMode.ps1
2. Switch to high performance power
→ ppControl with -RestorePlan OneTime
3. Refresh Windows shell (optional, clears UI lag)
taskkill /f /im explorer.exe; Start-Sleep -Seconds 2; explorer.exe
4. Fix timer resolution
→ AntiLag or timertool-rs
5. Clear memory junk
→ WinMemoryCleaner or ISLC
Run those before gaming. Reverse after. You just built a game booster.
Stuff That’s Dead or Sketchy (Avoid)
| Don’t Download This | Why | Use This Instead |
|---|---|---|
| xillyservices-code/Game-Mode-Releases | Repo deleted | FreezeToStock |
| LeDragoX/Win-Debloat-Tools | Archived, abandoned | WinUtil |
| Sycnex/Windows10Debloater | Dead since 2021 | WinUtil or Sophia Script |
| Any “FPS Booster.exe” from random sites | Probably malware | Anything from this list |
| “Download more RAM” | …come on | WinMemoryCleaner |
“Just Tell Me What To Use”
| Your Situation | Download This | Why |
|---|---|---|
| “Make it easy” | FreezeToStock | One button. Works. |
| “I want a pretty app” | Winhance | Checkboxes, no commands |
| “I know what I’m doing” | Sophia Script | Maximum control |
| “Random stutters” | WinMemoryCleaner | Clears memory junk |
| “Input feels laggy” | AntiLag | Fixes Windows timer |
| “Everything at once” | WinUtil | Does literally everything |
| “Clean NVIDIA install” | NVCleanstall | No telemetry, no bloat |
Your Move
Step 1: Download FreezeToStock
Step 2: Run it as Admin
Step 3: Click Freeze
Step 4: Play your game
Step 5: Click Thaw when done
That’s the whole trick. Windows was hogging your PC. Now it’s not.
Go see what your hardware actually feels like.
!