If you just bought a new gamer laptop, now you need to install the appropriate applications for optimal performance. One of the biggest advantages of computer games is that you can install programs to make your life easier, from tools that automate mundane tasks to programs that free up system resources to focus on your favorite game.
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Ninite (Chrome, Steam, Discord)
You need Steam and Discord on your new gaming laptop (at least) as well as a browser if you don’t want to use Microsoft Edge. Ninite puts all the basics in one place. Check the boxes next to the programs you want and Ninite will create a custom installer with all your selections.
You probably already know what you need here. Grab your gaming software, maybe mix Spotify if you have a subscription, and voila. If you want to experiment with other software, here are some good options to add to your installer:
- WinDirStatYour hard drive may be clean now, but it will probably be full in a few months. WinDirStat offers a visual description of your hard drive. It makes it easy to spot space-hogging folders and lets you delve into areas where you can free up storage.
- Revo– Use Revo instead of Windows Control Panel. The application makes it easy to uninstall programs by giving you a single window with all your applications, and it allows you to uninstall a program simply by right-clicking on it. Revo also cleans up leftovers after uninstallation, which Windows doesn’t offer.
- Everything: Steam is the leading computer gaming platform, but you likely have games from various stores installed. EveryThing is basically a search engine. It lets you search for any file or folder, and it’s fast, unlike File Explorer.
GeForce Experience or Radeon software
Your new gaming laptop probably already has one of these utilities installed, but it never hurts to double-check. GeForce Experience Y Radeon Software they are essential tools for Nvidia and AMD graphics cards, respectively. Each has several unique features, but both offer the most important thing your gaming laptop needs: new graphics card drivers.
Outside of the new controllers, these apps will let you take advantage of features like displaying your frame rate, taking screenshots, and recording sections of the game. GeForce Experience and Radeon Software can replace various apps on your laptop, so make sure you have the correct one installed for your graphics card.
Game Launchers and Playnite
Gone are the days when you could get all your games through Steam. If you want to play the latest AAA games, you will need at least a few launchers. Assuming you already have Steam, here are the ones we’d recommend installing:
- Xbox App: essential if you have Game Pass. However, the Xbox app is terrible for buying games, so only install it if you have a Game Pass subscription.
- Epic Games Store– Essential for many new AAA games. Epic has exclusive rights to several major titles, such as Fortnite and Rocket League. Because of your achievements, Epic gives away free games every week, so this is a necessary installation.
- GOG Galaxy: GOG often has the best sales in RPGs and features retro titles that you can’t play anywhere else. Galaxy gives you a way to access your library, as well as gather other storefronts. A must-have facility for fans of retro computers.
- Battle.net: Battle.net isn’t great, but it’s the only way to access the annual releases and games of Call of duty What Overwatch Y World of warcraft. Install it if you play with one of these franchises; otherwise, ignore it.
Any seasoned computer gamer will notice that a few key pitchers are missing from the list. You don’t need them. Those in the following list are the ones that you should not install on your new gamer laptop:
- EA Origin– EA games are available on Steam and the Xbox app. There is no reason to install Origin unless you really like its library.
- Ubisoft Connect: Ubisoft has games scattered everywhere. The latest titles are available on the Epic Games Store, and that’s all you need to know. Download Connect only if you intend to use Ubisoft’s monthly subscription service.
- Bethesda Launcher– You can find all Bethesda games on most major platforms, so there is no reason to install it.
- Rockstar Launcher– Don’t worry about downloading it, it will take care of that for you. Rockstar will generously install this program no matter where you bought your games.
There are eight pitchers, and there are more depending on the games you want to play. Save yourself the headache and install a unified launcher like Playnite or Launchbox. We recommend Playnite for how well it handles a library, even a very large one, but both are solid options.
Razer Cortex
Most “game booster” apps are silly, but not Razer Cortex. This is a solid app, we recommend it for the Game Booster feature. It’s a one-click solution that handles all the best practices for your new gaming laptop.
It does too much to list – it allocates memory to your game instead of background apps, moves you to a higher power plan, and disables power-saving processor features, to name a few.
The best part is that Game Booster only starts when you start a game, so you can go back to your normal settings when finished. In our tests, we scored 10 percent higher on 3DMark Time Spy just by activating Game Booster.
GameSave Manager
Saved games aren’t a problem … until they are. Once you lose one with hundreds of hours, it is too late to get it back. Login to GameSave Manager, which allows you to backup, restore and move your saved games.
As well as giving you an extra layer of protection, GameSave Manager makes it easy to find your saved games. There is no standard location for saved games, which can make tracking them down a headache. GameSave Manager solves that problem by tracking everything you need automatically.
SuperF4
Computer games get damaged and sometimes you won’t be able to close them. SuperF4 supercharges the Alt + F4 command to close any misbehaving windows. Alt + F4 is supposed to close the active window, but Windows does not force the program to close. Instead, just submit the request and let the program decide. SuperF4 changes that.
With a shortcut, Ctrl + Alt + F4 in this case, you can force close any program. It may seem small, but after restarting your computer because your gaming session is interrupted several times, you will be looking for something like SuperF4.
AutoHotKey
AutoHotKey is a scripting language for Windows. Calling it a hotkey program is reductive. AutoHotKey It has enough bandwidth to compete with full scripting languages, allowing it to do everything from automating mundane tasks to batch opening programs and websites. It’s easy to use too, at least when it comes to scripting languages.
You don’t have to program anything on your own. AutoHotKey has a long list of scripts specifically for games. Do you want to experiment with recoil in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive? There’s a script for that. Are you sick of trying to pick a hero in League of Legends? There’s also a script for that.
AutoHotKey isn’t necessary for everyone, but it’s a great tool to have on hand. That’s especially true if you plan on boring, repetitive games like MMORPGs or shooter titles. However, be aware that some scripts can generate a ban in competitive environments. Don’t be a cheater.
HWiNFO
There are several utilities that allow you to check the specifications of your computer and monitor its temperatures. We are supporters of HWiNFO for the amount of information it provides. It’s the monitoring tool NASA uses, which says something considering that HWiNFO is pretty easy to use.
We use it primarily to monitor temperatures, fan and clock speeds, but HWiNFO can do much more. If there is a spec or sensor on your computer, HWiNFO will allow you to see it.
There are similar programs like CPU-Z Y HWMonitor, which we have used and enjoyed, but are not as comprehensive as HWiNFO. However, they are excellent alternatives if you don’t want all the information on HWiNFO.
CCleaner
CCleaner is not a gaming app, but it is essential for a new gaming laptop. Games create junk files and after uninstalling those files and registry keys usually remain. CCleaner scans your computer for old registry keys, dated caches, and junk files that take up space and system resources.
We used it before writing this article and found 361 unnecessary registry entries and 1.7 GB of junk files, deleting everything only took seconds. Wait a few months to run CCleaner and you will probably find a lot of files that are not working on your computer.
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