What is gaming software?
Gaming software is the set of apps and system features that help you buy, launch, run, and fine-tune games on a PC. It includes game launchers and stores, graphics drivers, gaming control centers from PC and accessory makers, and gaming features built into Windows.
The right software can make a big difference. Up-to-date graphics drivers can raise frame rates in new games, a control center can switch your PC into a high-performance mode, and Windows features can reduce background interruptions while you play.
This guide explains the main types of gaming software, what each one does, and how to keep everything updated and secure.
What is a game launcher?
A game launcher is an app you use to buy, download, install, update, and start PC games. Most launchers also include a store, a library of the games you own, friends lists, chat, achievements, and cloud saves that sync your progress across PCs.
Common PC game launchers
Launcher | Run by | Known for |
|---|---|---|
Steam | Valve | The largest PC game store, with community features, reviews, and frequent sales |
Epic Games Store | Epic Games | Exclusive releases and regular free games |
Xbox app | Microsoft | PC Game Pass subscriptions and Microsoft-published games |
EA app | Electronic Arts | EA games and the EA Play subscription |
Ubisoft Connect | Ubisoft | Ubisoft games, rewards, and subscriptions |
Battle.net | Blizzard | Blizzard and some Activision games |
GOG Galaxy | GOG | DRM-free games and the ability to link libraries from other launchers |
Why there are so many launchers
Many publishers sell games through their own launchers, and some games require a specific launcher even when you buy them elsewhere. It is common to have several launchers installed.
Tips for managing launchers
Turn off "launch at startup" for launchers you rarely use to speed up boot time and free memory.
Set download limits or schedule updates for off-hours so they do not slow your connection during play. See our gaming networking guide.
Choose an install location on a fast SSD for quicker load times.
Turn on cloud saves where available to protect your progress.
Graphics drivers and GPU software
A graphics driver is software that lets Windows and your games communicate with your graphics card. Keeping it updated is one of the easiest ways to improve gaming performance, because GPU makers regularly release drivers optimized for new games, along with bug fixes and new features.
GPU control apps
Each major GPU maker offers an app that installs drivers and adds gaming tools:
GPU brand | App | Common features |
|---|---|---|
NVIDIA | NVIDIA app | Driver updates, game setting optimization, DLSS settings, performance overlay, recording |
AMD | AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition | Driver updates, FSR and other graphics features, performance tuning, recording |
Intel | Intel graphics software | Driver updates, display and graphics settings, performance monitoring |
What GPU software can do
Update drivers automatically or with one click
Optimize game settings based on your hardware
Turn on upscaling and frame generation features such as DLSS or FSR, where supported
Show a performance overlay with FPS, temperatures, and usage
Record and share gameplay clips and screenshots
Set adaptive sync and display options for your monitor
Learn more about upscaling in our graphics cards guide.
Laptop graphics drivers
On gaming laptops, the PC maker may provide tested drivers through its own support site or software. You can usually install the GPU maker's latest drivers too, but if you run into problems, the PC maker's version is a reliable fallback.
What is a gaming control center?
A gaming control center is an app from your PC or accessory maker that lets you manage performance, cooling, lighting, and connected devices from one place. It is where you switch power modes, monitor temperatures, adjust fan speeds, customize RGB lighting, and set up your mouse, keyboard, and headset.
What gaming control centers typically do
Performance modes: Switch between quiet, balanced, and maximum performance profiles
System monitoring: Track CPU and GPU temperatures, usage, clock speeds, and fan speeds
Fan and cooling control: Adjust fan curves to balance noise and temperature
Network tools: Prioritize game traffic on your PC
Lighting: Customize and sync RGB lighting across the PC and accessories
Peripheral settings: Set DPI, polling rate, macros, and audio EQ for compatible devices
Game library and launching: Start games from one place across multiple launchers
Example: OMEN Gaming Hub and OMEN AI
On HP gaming PCs, OMEN Gaming Hub serves as the central app for performance tuning, personalization, and play. It includes OMEN AI, which provides one-click FPS optimization by tuning hardware, system, and game settings in supported games. At HP Imagine 2026 in March, HP expanded OMEN AI to more titles, including Minecraft, Roblox, and Marvel Rivals, and added new AI-powered creative tools to OMEN Gaming Hub (HP). OMEN AI and OMEN Gaming Hub come preinstalled on HyperX PCs and select HP consumer PCs, and are available from the Microsoft Store (FunkyKit).
Peripheral software
Gaming mice, keyboards, and headsets often have their own companion apps for settings such as DPI, polling rate, macros, lighting, and EQ. Many settings can be saved to the device's onboard memory so they work on any PC. Learn more in our gaming peripherals guide and gaming audio guide.
Windows gaming features
Windows 11 includes built-in features that help games run smoothly, look better, and load faster. Most are found under Settings > Gaming or Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
Game Mode | Prioritizes the game and limits background activity, such as Windows Update installs, while you play |
Xbox Game Bar | An overlay, opened with the Windows key + G, for performance stats, screenshots, recording, audio, and chat |
Xbox mode | A controller-friendly, full-screen interface for your game library that minimizes background distractions |
Auto HDR | Adds HDR visuals to many games built for standard dynamic range, on HDR displays |
DirectStorage | Lets supported games load data from a fast NVMe SSD to the GPU more efficiently, cutting load times |
Variable refresh rate | Supports adaptive sync for games that do not turn it on themselves |
Optimizations for windowed games | Reduces latency and enables features like Auto HDR and VRR in games running in a window or borderless window |
Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling | Lets the graphics card manage its own memory scheduling, which can reduce latency on supported hardware |
Graphics preference per app | Lets you choose whether each game uses your dedicated or integrated GPU |
Xbox mode on Windows 11
In April 2026, Microsoft began rolling out Xbox mode to Windows 11 PCs in select markets, including laptops, desktops, and tablets. It provides a streamlined, console-inspired interface that keeps your library and recently played games within easy reach (Windows Blog). You can switch back to the regular Windows desktop at any time.
AI upscaling in Windows
Windows also offers Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR), an AI upscaling feature that runs on the NPU. It launched on Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X processors and is expanding to more devices (Pureinfotech). Learn more about NPUs in our NPU guide.
Feature availability depends on your hardware, display, and Windows version. Our display features guide covers HDR and adaptive sync in more detail.
How to keep gaming software updated and secure
Keeping gaming software current improves performance, fixes bugs, and protects your PC and accounts. A few habits cover most of what you need.
Update checklist
Graphics drivers: Check for updates through your GPU maker's app, especially before playing a new game.
Windows: Install updates regularly through Settings > Windows Update.
Game launchers and games: Let launchers update games automatically, or schedule updates for times you are not playing.
Control centers and peripheral apps: Update your PC maker's gaming software and accessory apps for new features and fixes.
System firmware: Install BIOS and firmware updates from your PC maker when they are offered, following their instructions.
Gaming security tips
Download only from official sources. Get games, mods, and tools from official stores, launchers, and developer sites. Cracked games and unofficial cheat tools are common sources of malware.
Protect your accounts. Use a unique password and turn on two-factor authentication for every launcher and gaming account.
Watch for scams. Be wary of free item, skin, or currency offers that ask you to sign in through a link.
Understand anti-cheat software. Many online games install anti-cheat programs that run with high system access. Install them only from the official game or launcher.
Keep security software on. Leave Windows Security or your antivirus running while you game.
Our AI privacy and security guide covers broader tips for protecting your PC and data.
Gaming software frequently asked questions
What is the best game launcher?
There is no single best launcher. Steam has the largest library and community features, the Epic Games Store offers regular free games, and the Xbox app is the home of PC Game Pass. Most players use more than one, depending on where their games are sold.
How often should I update my graphics drivers?
Check for updates every few weeks and before playing a newly released game, since GPU makers often release drivers optimized for big launches. If a new driver causes problems, you can roll back to a previous version.
Does Windows Game Mode improve FPS?
Game Mode can help keep frame rates steady by limiting background activity, especially on PCs with fewer CPU cores. On powerful systems, the difference may be small, but there is little downside to leaving it on.
What is Xbox Game Bar used for?
Xbox Game Bar is a Windows overlay that lets you check performance, capture screenshots and video clips, adjust audio, and chat with friends without leaving your game. Press the Windows key + G to open it.
Do I need my PC maker's gaming software?
It is highly recommended on gaming PCs. Your PC maker's control center usually provides performance modes, fan control, and system monitoring designed for your specific hardware. On HP gaming PCs, that is OMEN Gaming Hub.
Is it safe to install game mods?
Mods can be safe when downloaded from trusted sources, such as official mod platforms or a game's built-in workshop. Avoid mods from unknown sites, and back up your save files before installing.
Can too many launchers slow down my PC?
Launchers that start automatically and run in the background use memory and can slow boot times. Turn off auto-start for launchers you rarely use, and open them only when you want to play.
Related gaming glossary guides
Gaming glossary: What makes a gaming PC, plus key gaming terms
Gaming performance: How to optimize FPS and prevent thermal throttling
Graphics cards: GPUs, VRAM, DLSS, and FSR
Gaming peripherals: Mice, keyboards, and their companion apps
Cloud gaming: Streaming games through apps and launchers
Game streaming: Software for broadcasting your gameplay
Editor notes (not for publication)
Field | Recommendation |
|---|---|
URL | https://www.hp.com/us-en/tech-takes/gaming/glossary/gaming-software.html |
Primary keyword | gaming software |
Secondary keywords | game launcher, PC game launchers, gaming control center, OMEN Gaming Hub, Windows Game Mode, Xbox Game Bar, Xbox mode Windows 11, graphics drivers |
Meta title (≤60 characters) | Gaming Software: Launchers, Control Centers, Windows Tools |
Meta description (≤155 characters) | Learn what game launchers, graphics drivers, gaming control centers, and Windows gaming features do, and how to keep your gaming software updated. |
Suggested schema | FAQPage for the FAQ section; HowTo for the update checklist |
Open items:
Reconcile with the historical Gaming document once shared.
Check voice, heading case, and link style against the Tech Takes standards once they are shared.
HP's March 2026 press release positions gaming PCs under the HyperX brand (for example, HyperX OMEN desktops). Confirm current branding and update earlier gaming pages that mention "OMEN and Victus" if needed.
Confirm current names of GPU apps (NVIDIA app, AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition, Intel graphics software) before publishing.
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