Low-Latency Windows Setup
Guide updated 12 April 2025
Optimize Windows 10/11 for the best gaming latency without breaking core features. Safe, reversible steps with links to the official tools.
Before you start: Create a System Restore Point (type "restore point" in Start and click Create).
Recommended Windows build
For fresh installs, Windows 11 LTSC has almost no bloat by default. This guide still helps on Home/Pro SKUs.
Tools you’ll need
- Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) — cleanly remove GPU drivers.
- NVCleanstall — install NVIDIA drivers without telemetry/bloat.
- Optional: Chris Titus Utility for safe debloat & tweaks (PowerShell Admin):
iwr -useb https://christitus.com/win | iexYou can revert changes in each tool or by using your restore point.
Step 1 — Uninstall GPU drivers (DDU)
- Download DDU from Wagnardsoft and run the self-extracting archive. Choose a folder like
C:\\Users\\You\\Desktopthen click Extract. - Open the extracted folder and launch Display Driver Uninstaller.exe.
- Set Device type to GPU and Vendor to NVIDIA (or AMD/Intel as appropriate).
- Click Clean and restart (Highly recommended). Wait for Windows to reboot.
DDU in Safe Mode is ideal, but normal mode also works in most cases.
Step 2 — Install clean NVIDIA drivers (NVCleanstall)
- Open NVCleanstall. Select Install best driver for my hardware, then Next.
- Let it download/prepare sources.
- On Installation Tweaks, enable:
- Disable Installer Telemetry & Advertising
- Perform a Clean Installation
- Install NVIDIA Control Panel App from Microsoft Store (no Microsoft account required)
- Click Next and complete the installation. Reboot when prompted.
If you need GeForce Experience for recording, enable ShadowPlay; otherwise keep it off to minimize background processes.
AMD/Intel notes
For AMD/Intel GPUs, use DDU as above, then install the latest official drivers from the vendor website. Skip NVCleanstall.
Optional — Debloat safely (Chris Titus Utility)
Open PowerShell as Administrator, run the one‑liner above, then:
- Go to Tweaks → choose Essential Tweaks (Desktop or Laptop) after reading descriptions.
- Be cautious with Advanced Tweaks: don’t block Adobe if you need it; avoid “Set display to performance”; don’t remove all Store apps.
- Click Run Tweaks and wait for completion.
Done — Verify
- NVIDIA Control Panel opens and shows your GPU/driver version.
- No GeForce Experience/telemetry services if you didn’t select them.
- Games launch without stutters from background driver tasks.