Windows 10 update is slowing down games — what to do

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Windows ten updates have really non had a good 2020. The latest issue with the major Windows 10 May 2020 update is hitting many PC users in the terminal place they want to be disrupted: their gaming sessions.

Windows Latest is reporting that the big update is tied to a rash of ESENT (ESE Runtime, a tool that helps with search and indexing media) errors appearing on systems and leading to stuttery gameplay. This reminds u.s.a. of how Microsoft is blocking some of its own devices from downloading the update.

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1 Rainbow 6 Siege actor quoted in the slice wrote "I was stuttering like crazy also when playing R6S, I went from 150fps to 40/50fps, it was causing the Bone to stutter also." Another references the ESENT bugs, proverb "I got this error playing and my game start to stutter for few seconds similar crazy."

ESENT errors accept been hitting gamers right in the FPS for years, as evidenced past this April 2018 Microsoft Forums post that blamed the Autumn Creators Pack update, where a user said "The screen will freeze and you will hear the buzz of the final second of sound repeat itself over and over equally if the computer is tied upwardly in a loop."

Before nosotros go to how to gear up information technology, I call back this is a very good reminder that force-installing the Windows x May 2020 update (also called Windows 10 version 2004) isn't a great thought. Sure, this big update has some great stuff, merely information technology's brought with it many unforeseen bugs such as this one.

Fortunately, there may be a way out:

How to remove the Windows 10 May 2020 update

I hope y'all've installed the May 2020 update recently, because in that location'due south a x day window to uninstall some Windows 10 updates. And removing the May 2020 update is your best shot for fixing this.

To do this, open the Settings app, either past opening the Offset menu and clicking the gear or typing the word 'settings' into search.

Then, there are two options. If you know the specific update that dropped Windows x May 2020 on your car (and they vary), look for "Uninstall updates" at the pinnacle of the screen.

Otherwise, in the Settings app select Update & Security, followed by clicking "Recovery" on the left side of the screen. Under "Go dorsum to the previous version of Windows 10," and follow the on-screen instructions.

Henry is a senior editor at Tom'south Guide roofing streaming media, laptops and all things Apple tree, reviewing devices and services for the past 6-plus years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's also covered the wild world of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.