Reducing input lag and stutter: PC and console settings that matter

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Input lag is the delay between pressing a button and seeing the result on screen. Stutter is uneven frame delivery that makes motion feel jerky even when the average frame rate looks fine. Both can make games feel worse than their numbers suggest. Many fixes are free and take only a few minutes.

Start with the display

The screen is often the biggest source of delay, especially on televisions.

Turn on Game Mode on a television. It disables much of the image processing that adds delay.
Use Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) if both your TV and console support it, so the TV switches to its low-latency mode automatically.
Turn off motion smoothing, sharpening and noise reduction, which add processing time.
Enable variable refresh rate (VRR) if supported. It reduces tearing and stutter by matching the display to the frames the device delivers.

Console settings

Check the console's video output settings to make sure it detects your display's capabilities, such as 120Hz or VRR.
Many games offer a performance mode that targets a higher frame rate at lower resolution. Higher frame rates generally reduce input lag.
Use a high-quality HDMI cable rated for the features you are using. HDMI 2.1 features such as 4K at 120Hz need a compatible port and cable.
Connect the controller with a cable if you suspect wireless issues, and keep controller firmware updated.

PC settings

Update graphics drivers from your graphics card maker.
Cap your frame rate slightly below your monitor's maximum refresh rate when using VRR. This keeps frames within the VRR range and often makes motion smoother.
Use low-latency options where available, such as NVIDIA Reflex in supported games or AMD and Intel's own latency-reducing settings.
Be careful with traditional vertical sync, which prevents tearing but can add delay. With VRR, many players combine a frame cap and a low-latency setting instead.
Close background apps that use the processor or disk heavily, such as downloads or browser tabs with video.
Use the correct display output, plugging the monitor into the graphics card rather than the motherboard on a desktop with a separate card.
Check the refresh rate in your operating system's display settings; a high refresh monitor sometimes runs at a lower default.

Understanding stutter

Stutter often comes from causes other than raw performance:

Shader compilation, when a game prepares graphics data the first time it is needed. Some games do this before play begins; letting it finish helps.
Storage speed, especially on older hard drives. Installing games on a solid-state drive often helps.
Memory limits, when the system runs low and has to swap data.
Overheating, which causes the processor or graphics card to slow down. Clean dust from fans and filters and ensure good airflow.

Network lag is different

Input lag is about your device and screen; network lag is about your connection to the game server.

Use a wired Ethernet connection where possible.
Choose the closest server region if the game allows it.
Avoid heavy downloads or streams on the same network while playing.

Peripherals

Wired mice, keyboards and controllers are generally reliable. Many modern wireless gaming devices are also very responsive.
Keep wireless receivers close to the device and away from obstructions.

Test one change at a time

Change one setting, play for a while, and note the difference. Changing everything at once makes it hard to know what actually helped. Which setting made the biggest difference for you? Share your tips in the comments.