Intel Application Optimization (APO)

Why it matters

On Core Ultra processors, and the 14th-gen desktop K parts Intel added it to, Windows doesn't always put a game's threads on the best cores. Intel's Application Optimization watches the games Intel has profiled and steers their threads itself, and Intel's own figures and reviewers' tests show double-digit gains in those games. It does nothing for games that aren't on its list, and it is free.

How to install it

1. Install the Intel Dynamic Tuning Technology driver from your motherboard or laptop maker's support page, or Intel's. APO needs it.
2. Install Intel Application Optimization from the Microsoft Store.
3. Open it once and turn on the games it lists. New games are added with its updates.

Details

TrayTrigger looks for the installed Store app. A CPU that isn't one APO supports shows this check as not needed.

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Part of Performance Tweaks. This page is the same text as the app's Learn more button, generated from Help/tweaks/stutter_apo.md. To fix something, edit that file (or open an issue); wiki edits are overwritten on the next sync.