How To Make Overwatch Run Better On Laptop

Since 2016, Overwatch has been a popular online video game. However, because it is a multiplayer game, it often puts pressure on a laptop’s hardware.

Blizzard Entertainment, the game’s developer, has optimized it, allowing people to play it anywhere. However, there are still standard hardware and software requirements that need to be met. Also, you can make specific changes to your laptop that will allow it to run the game better. Let’s take a look at these changes.

Table of Contents

Processes to Make Overwatch Run Better

To run the game smoothly, all you need to do is follow a few simple steps. We have divided them into two categories: in-game settings and additional settings.

Standard and recommended requirement

	Standard	Recommended
RAM	6 GB	16 GB
CPU	AMD Phenom II X3/ Intel Core i5	Intel Core i7 @4.00 GHz
Graphics	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660/ AMD Radeon HD 7950	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070
Storage	HDD (30 GB space)	SSD
Display	1024 x 768	–
Operating system	Windows 7/8/10 (64 bit)	Windows 10 (64 bit) Creator’s Update 2018
Internet connection	Broadband	Broadband

In-game settings

Launch the game and click on Settings, then perform the following action.

(Note: If your settings reflect those given below, you will not need to make any changes.)

	Advanced
Display mode – Fullscreen Target display – Monitor 1 Resolution – 1920 x 1080 (144) (*) Field of view – 103 (Full) Limit FPS – Display based Display performance stats– On Aspect ratio – 16:9 VSYNC – Off Triple buffering – Off Display system clock – On Reduce buffering – On Graphics quality – Epic Advance performance stats – On	Render scale – 75% Texture quality – High Texture filtering quality – 16x Dynamic reflection – Off Shadow detail – Medium Model detail – Low Effect detail – Low Local fog detail – Low Lighting quality – Low Refraction quality – Low Screenshot quality – 1x Resolution Antialias quality – Off Local reflection – Off Ambient conclusion – Off

Gamma correction – Slightly below the default
Contrast – Moderate
Brightness – Default

Now go to the Hero section and check that it has been set to All Heroes. Now make the following changes.

Allied health bars – Always
Show friendly outlines – Always

(Note: There will be a warning message that reads, Warning! This may impact your system performance. Ignore the message. Modifying these settings will reduce Input lag and increase FPS, which will allow the game to run smoothly.

Additional settings

1. Configure SIM rate

Open the game, choose a hero, and click on Training Range. Press Ctrl+Shift+N, and it will open a network graph. You will see a group of lines moving from left to right. The game will play faster if the rate is low. You will need to check it between games.

2. Close background applications

Background applications often cause disruption, including lag. Press Windows+I and go to the Privacy setting. Please scroll down to Background Apps and click it. Toggle off Let apps run in the background. It will clear RAM usage, which will allow Overwatch to run faster.

3. Update graphics drivers

It is important to update graphics drivers to the latest version. It does not matter if you are using NVIDIA or AMD Radeon; you can download drivers manually from their official websites. Also, both graphics control panels provide the option to update directly. Make sure your laptop has a strong network connection so that the downloads run smoothly.

4. Storage type

Overwatch will run significantly better if it is installed on the same drive as the OS. (This can be said for most games: they will run better on an SSD than an HDD.)

5. Optimise Internet connection

Because Overwatch is an online game, you need to decrease latency and improve the stability of the network connection. Close all heavy downloads and HD video streaming to make room for the game.

6. Disable start-up programs

Press Shift+CTRL+Esc to open the Task Manager. Go to the Startup tab and disable the apps you do not need to start when Windows boots. (Note: You must not disable all of the apps or else your device may not work properly.)

7. Clean temporary files

There are several ways to remove junk and temporary files, including Run commands. However, we recommend that you download CCleaner. Then, all you need to do is launch the program and click Run CCleaner – it will do the rest.

8. Disable antivirus (If required)

Having a malware-free laptop is always important, but if you experience problems with Overwatch, you should try switching off the antivirus software while playing the game.

9. Use AC power

When connected to AC power, your laptop will run in the Best performance mode. Likewise, when running on battery, it will run in Better performance mode. Therefore, it is important to plug the AC adapter to play at optimum performance and ensure that you do not run out of power.

10. Avoid installing FPS measuring software

Many people install FPS measuring software to check statistical performance. Unfortunately, the truth is, it does not help much. If anything, it can cause your device to lag, which is somewhat counterintuitive.

11. Use a laptop cooler

Laptops tend to heat fast while plugged into an AC adapter and experiencing heavy usage. Therefore, you must place your laptop on a hard surface. Also, using a laptop cooler will reduce heat if your laptop still grapples with excessive heat.

12. Install additional hardware

If the methods provided above do not work, then, perhaps, you need an upgrade. Try installing more RAM and an SSD if you use an HDD. This should definitely improve gaming performance.

Conclusion

We hope that this article has helped clear any confusion you might have regarding the various settings. Hopefully, it has helped to make your gameplay better. If you are looking for a gaming laptop to play Overwatch smoothly, check out our best Overwatch laptops here. Thanks for reading!

How To Make Overwatch Run Better On Laptop