Alex Ruben
How to Fix Stuttering and Lag Issues in Your Game on PC
Experiencing stuttering and lag while playing video games can be incredibly frustrating, especially during critical moments in your gameplay. This guide is designed to help you address these performance issues effectively. By following the steps outlined below, you’ll be able to optimize your gaming experience and reduce or completely eliminate stuttering and lag.
Before you begin, ensure your system meets the game’s minimum requirements and that you have administrative access to make changes. You may also need to check for updates for your operating system and drivers. Here are some essential tools and settings to prepare:
- Administrative access to your PC.
- Updated graphics drivers for NVIDIA or AMD, which can be found on their respective websites:
- NVIDIA Driver Download
- AMD Driver Download
- Access to Windows settings for various configurations.
- Backup of your game save files.
Step 1: Start a New Game
If you’re able to launch the game, start a new game and check the box for “Skip the Prologue.” This step can sometimes help in bypassing performance issues related to the prologue sequence.
Step 2: Add Friends on Steam
Make sure to add the friend who is hosting the game to your Steam friends list. Additionally, ensure that all players in the lobby are your friends on Steam; this can enhance connectivity and performance during multiplayer sessions.
Step 3: Update Your BIOS
Updating your BIOS can improve system stability and performance. Visit your system manufacturer’s website to find the latest BIOS update for your model. Ensure your laptop has more than 10% battery and is connected to a power source during this process.
Step 4: Turn Off Proxy Settings
If you’re using a proxy, disable it. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy, and ensure the proxy settings are turned off.
Step 5: Rename Save Game Files
Before renaming your save game files, create a backup to avoid losing any progress. Open File Explorer, navigate to C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\LocalLow\TV GS, and copy the folder to your desktop. After creating the backup, rename the original folder and then proceed to launch the game.
Step 6: Update Windows
Keeping Windows updated is crucial for optimal performance. Go to Settings > Update & Security and click on Check for updates. Make sure to restart your system after any updates are installed.
Step 7: Disable V-Sync (If Applicable)
If you can launch the game, navigate to the settings and disable V-Sync. This can reduce input lag and improve frame rates.
Step 8: Run Command Prompt Commands
Open the Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following commands one by one:
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
After running these commands, restart your computer.
Step 9: Adjust Launch Options for DirectX
In Steam, right-click on the game, select Properties, and in the Launch Options field, try entering -dx11 or -dx12 to see which version yields better performance.
Step 10: Run the Game as an Administrator
Navigate to the game installation folder and run the game executable file as an administrator. You can also try running the game in compatibility mode for an older version of Windows.
Step 11: Verify Game Files
In Steam, go to the game properties, select the Local Files tab, and click on Verify Integrity of Game Files. This process ensures that all game files are intact and not corrupted.
Step 12: Allow Game Through Antivirus and Firewall
Ensure that your antivirus and Windows Firewall allow the game executable. Open your antivirus settings and add the game to the exceptions list. For Windows, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection and allow the game through the firewall.
Step 13: Clean Installation of Graphics Drivers
For NVIDIA users, visit NVIDIA Driver Download. For AMD users, visit AMD Driver Download. Perform a clean installation by selecting the custom option during installation.
Step 14: Use a Dedicated Graphics Card
Make sure the game is utilizing your dedicated graphics card instead of integrated graphics. Navigate to Graphics Settings in Windows and set the game to use high-performance graphics.
Step 15: Install Visual C++ Redistributables
Download and install the Visual C++ Redistributables from the official Microsoft website: Visual C++ Redistributables. Ensure to install both x86 and x64 versions.
Step 16: Unplug External Devices
Disconnect any non-essential external devices such as game controllers, USB adapters, and multiple monitors. This can reduce conflicts and improve performance.
Step 17: Increase Virtual Memory
To enhance performance, increase your virtual memory. Go to Control Panel > System > Advanced system settings > Performance > Settings > Advanced > Change. Set the initial size to 1.5 times your total RAM and the maximum size to 3 times.
Step 18: Reinstall the Game
If all else fails, uninstall the game, delete the game folder, restart your PC, and reinstall the game on your C Drive or another SSD. This ensures a clean installation that may resolve lingering issues.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Always ensure your drivers and operating system are up to date. If you encounter issues after following these steps, consult your game’s support forum or community for additional troubleshooting.
By following this guide, you should be able to significantly reduce or eliminate lag and stuttering issues in your game. Enjoy your improved gaming experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this work on laptops as well?
Yes, the steps outlined in this guide apply to laptops as well. Ensure your laptop meets the minimum specifications required by the game for optimal performance.
What should I do if my game still lags after these steps?
If you continue experiencing issues, consider checking for overheating issues or hardware limitations, as these can impact performance.
How can I check my graphics card settings?
You can check your graphics card settings in the NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Settings, depending on your graphics card. Make sure the game is set to use the high-performance option.