How to run Minecraft smoothly on a laptop (Windows 10 and 11)

Laptops lose frame rate for reasons desktops do not: battery saving, switching graphics chips and heat. These steps fix the most common ones for Minecraft Java Edition on Windows 10 and 11.

1. Plug in#

Many laptops slow down on battery. Plug in the charger before you play.

2. Use a high-performance power mode#

Open Windows Settings, System, Power (or Power and battery) and choose the best performance mode while plugged in.

3. Make sure the right graphics chip is used#

Laptops with two graphics chips can run Minecraft on the weaker one by mistake. Open Windows Settings, System, Display, Graphics, add the Java program your launcher uses (often javaw.exe), choose Options and set it to High performance. Then restart the game.

4. Use Java 21 and sensible memory#

Minecraft 1.21.1 needs Java 21, see the Java 21 guide. Many laptops have 8 GB of RAM, so around 3 to 4 GB for the game is usually enough. Use the RAM calculator.

5. Lower the heavy settings#

Reduce render distance and simulation distance, use Fast graphics and minimal particles. The video settings generator gives starting values for a low-end or mid-range PC.

6. Add performance mods#

Fabric optimisation mods from Modrinth can raise frame rates a lot on laptops. Follow the mods guide and the FPS guide.

7. Keep it cool#

A hot laptop slows itself down. Use it on a hard surface, clean the vents and avoid blocking airflow.

8. Close other programs#

Browsers with many tabs, recorders and overlays compete for memory and the graphics chip.

Measure the change#

Turn on an FPS counter in the FireClient HUD, write down the number before you change anything and check it after each step.