How to Optimize BlueStacks for Better Performance: An In-Depth Guide

If you’ve recently set up BlueStacks, the renowned Android emulator, you’re probably considering how to optimize BlueStacks for better performance. This comprehensive guide is here to assist you, walking you through the optimization process and offering tips for enhancing graphics and the overall gaming experience.

Before we dive in, if you haven’t yet installed BlueStacks, you can download the software from the official site.

How To Optimize BlueStacks for Better Performance

You can find the actions that will boost your gaming performance on BlueStacks in our list below.

1. Leveraging Hardware-Assisted Virtualization

The crux of optimizing BlueStacks for better performance lies in utilizing hardware-assisted virtualization. This feature, when enabled, can significantly boost the emulator’s performance.

Before proceeding, ascertain that your processor supports this feature with these tools:

• Intel’s virtualization detection tool
• AMD’s virtualization detection tool

If your processor is compatible, you can supercharge your emulator’s performance. To harness this power, restart your computer and access your BIOS at startup. The keys to do this vary by computer brand and model, but common keys include F2, escape, or DEL.

Within the BIOS, you’ll need to activate hardware-assisted virtualization. While the BIOS interface differs by brand, the principle remains the same. After enabling virtualization, save your changes and restart your computer.

2. Antivirus Software and Virtualization: A Tricky Relationship

Certain antivirus software can hamper virtualization, thus diminishing your emulator’s performance. Notably, Avast Antivirus has a setting that can interfere with BlueStacks.

To rectify this, navigate to the Avast Menu (in the top right) and click on Avast Settings.

Then, in General > Troubleshooting, deselect the “Enable hardware support for virtualization” option.

With this setting disabled, you should no longer encounter issues between Avast and BlueStacks.

3. Disabling Other Virtualization Software

Other virtualization programs, such as VirtualBox, Hyper-V, or VMWare, can cause conflicts and result in performance drops.

To avoid this, deactivate other virtualization software in your Windows settings:

Then, simply uncheck the software you are using. For the Windows virtualization service, uncheck Hyper-V, Virtual Machine Platform, and Windows Hypervisor Platform (only 1 or 2 of these settings will be present depending on your Windows version).

4. Power Management for Enhanced BlueStacks Performance

Typically, computers are set to “Normal Use” or “Power Save” power modes. However, switching your power supply to “High Performance” can yield a remarkable boost in BlueStacks performance.

To make this change, access your power settings and select the “High Performance” option.

A quick tip to access these settings is to press the Windows key + R and then enter powercfg.cpl.

5. Upgrading Your PC for Better Performance

If your PC isn’t particularly powerful, it might struggle to run BlueStacks efficiently. Upgrading your PC—perhaps by upgrading the CPU or adding more RAM—can significantly enhance BlueStacks’ performance.

For optimal performance, it’s advised to meet at least the system requirements of BlueStacks. Ideally, your system should have at least 8 GB of RAM, with a minimum of 4 GB allocated to BlueStacks. Remember also to keep your system and drivers up to date!

If you’re still struggling with BlueStacks, consider trying a different emulator. Take a look at this list of the best Android emulators for PC.

FAQ: BlueStacks Optimization

This guide offers a comprehensive look at how to optimize BlueStacks for better performance. Armed with these tips, you’re now ready to elevate your BlueStacks gaming experience!