For dedicated gamers, loading times can make or break the gaming experience. If you’re experiencing irritating delays, especially with slow SSDs or traditional HDDs, don’t rush to buy a new drive just yet. Before making any storage investment, consider implementing these practical optimizations to enhance game data loading times on Windows.
1. Turn Off NTFS Last Access Time
The NTFS file system, which is standard in Windows, keeps track of the last time files were accessed. While this can be useful for backup solutions, it consumes additional disk resources that could be better utilized for gaming applications. If you’re not employing backup methods that require this information, you can disable it to streamline game data loading.
To disable this feature, follow these steps:
- In the Windows Search bar, type cmd, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
- Enter the following command:
fsutil behavior set disablelastaccess 1
If you wish to revert this change, simply use:
fsutil behavior set disablelastaccess 0
2. Activate Large System Cache
Windows does an admirable job managing system memory, but for heavy gaming assets, enabling the large system cache can be a game-changer. This setting allows the operating system to accommodate more memory for caching, directly contributing to improved loading times for large games.
Warning: Modifying the Windows Registry is required to enable this feature. Always back up your Registry beforehand, as incorrect modifications can lead to severe system issues.
Ensure your system has sufficient RAM (16 GB is recommended) before proceeding:
- Open the Windows Search and type regedit.
- Navigate to:
- Double-click on LargeSystemCache, and set its value to 1.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management
3. Disable Antivirus Scanning on Game Folders
Real-time antivirus protection is crucial, but it can inadvertently hamper your gaming experience by slowing file access times. When loading a game, your antivirus may scan its files, causing delays. If you’re confident in your game’s integrity, consider exempting the game folder from antivirus scanning.
Here’s how to exempt a folder in Microsoft Defender Antivirus:
- Search for Windows Security, and launch the app.
- Go to Virus & threat protection and then click on Manage settings under the relevant section.
- Scroll down and select Add or remove exclusions and then Add an exclusion → Folder to specify your game’s directory.
If you find that you want to enable scanning again, simply select the folder and click Remove.
4. Use an exFAT Drive
While NTFS is typically more advanced, exFAT shines when it comes to handling large files quickly, minimizing background overhead. For games that feature substantial data files, considering an exFAT formatted drive could yield noticeable improvement in loading times.
To create an exFAT drive:
- Open the Disk Management tool by searching for it in Windows.
- Shrink a volume on any of your existing drives to create unallocated space. Right-click the drive and select Shrink Volume. Input the amount of space you need, adding at least 20% more than your game requirements.
- Right-click the unallocated space and choose New Simple Volume. Follow the wizard, making sure to select exFAT as the chosen format.
Once the drive is set up, you can install or move your games to see if the loading times decrease.
5. Turn Off Full-Screen Optimizations
Windows’ full-screen optimization can enhance multitasking, but it might hinder performance by causing latency in processing game commands. Disabling this feature could lead to smoother gameplay and faster loading times.
To disable this setting:
- Right-click on the game executable (.exe) file.
- Select Properties, and then navigate to the Compatibility tab.
- Check Disable fullscreen optimizations.
Be aware that this may limit the ease of switching between applications (like using Alt + Tab) and prevent certain overlays from functioning.
6. Expand Shader Cache Size
Shader caching allows graphics processing units (GPUs) to store frequently used shaders instead of regenerating them, resulting in faster load times. Increasing the shader cache size can directly enhance your gaming experience.
For Nvidia users:
- Open the Nvidia Control Panel, and navigate to Manage 3D Settings → Global Settings.
- Locate the Shader Cache Size option and adjust it from the default of 4 GB to a recommended size of 10 GB or even set it to Unlimited if you have ample space.
For AMD users, while you can’t manually set the shader cache size, you can enable the option within the Radeon Adrenalin Edition software to optimize shader storage.
7. Leverage Third-Party Cache Management Software
Windows does a commendable job at cache management; however, tools like PrimoCache can take this to the next level. This application allows you to allocate a portion of your RAM specifically for caching frequently accessed programs, effectively boosting your game loading times.
To utilize PrimoCache:
- Download and install the application, then open it.
- Select Create a new cache task, designate a cache drive, and choose Level-1 Cache to specify the RAM allocation (start with around 2 GB).
- Click OK to activate caching.
PrimoCache can track frequently accessed files and typically starts caching after a couple of game launches. Its effects persist even after a system reboot, enhancing overall performance.
While it offers a 30-day free trial, a paid license must be purchased post-trial.
Implementing these strategies can lead to substantial improvements in game data loading times. Additionally, optimizing your overall Windows settings for gaming could further boost performance and resource allocation.
Image credit: Vecteezy. All screenshots by Karrar Haider.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will upgrading to an SSD alone improve loading times?
While upgrading to an SSD provides a significant boost in game loading times over traditional HDDs, implementing the optimizations mentioned in this guide can help you maximize performance even further.
2. Are there risks involved in modifying the Windows Registry?
Yes, editing the Windows Registry comes with risks such as potential data loss or corruption. Always back up the Registry before making any changes to safeguard your system’s stability.
3. Can I revert the changes made with third-party cache management software?
Yes, you can uninstall third-party cache management software like PrimoCache at any time. Most applications will also provide an option to clear cache settings, which will revert the system to its default behavior.
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