WindowOptimizer
by sasiaanders
WindowOptimizer lowers Minecraft's framerate and frees memory while the game window is minimized or loses focus, then restores full performance once the window returns.
What it does
When the Minecraft window is minimized or loses focus, the client cuts its framerate to 1 FPS. Render work is reduced and periodic garbage collection runs during long minimized stretches, so less CPU and GPU time and memory go to a game nobody is looking at. As soon as the window regains focus, the original framerate comes back with no noticeable delay.
Nothing needs to be configured. Players who switch between Minecraft and other programs, or who game on a laptop where battery life and heat matter, can leave the mod on and let other applications use the freed system resources. The mod only affects the client, so multiplayer servers keep running normally, and single-player worlds stay paused as usual while minimized.
The mod is published for Forge on 1.16.5 only, with 1.0.1 as the latest file, released 2025-09-16. It is installed on the player's side alone, so servers need nothing. The code is released under the MIT License, and the project is not open source.
Key features
Automatic focus detection
The mod detects when the window is minimized or loses focus and switches the framerate limit without any player action.
Reduced framerate while inactive
While the window is inactive, the game drops to 1 FPS, which lowers CPU and GPU usage and reduces heat generation.
Periodic garbage collection
During extended minimized periods the mod runs garbage collection, which reduces memory usage and frees it for other programs.
Instant restoration
When the window regains focus, the original performance settings return immediately, so gameplay picks up where it left off.
Gallery
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Use cases
Who it’s for: Players on Minecraft 1.16.5 with Forge who run other applications alongside the game, or who want less heat and power draw when Minecraft is not in focus.
How it compares
Dynamic FPS is also client-side only and open source under the MIT License, but it covers Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt across 1.14.3 – 26.3. Forge profiler is a Forge diagnostic tool for 1.20.1 that runs on client and server and is not open source, so it does not reduce framerate when the window is minimized.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WindowOptimizer | Forge | 1.16.5 | Client-side only | 2025-09-16 |
| Dynamic FPS | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt | 1.14.3 – 26.3 | Client-side only | 2026-09-16 |
| Forge profiler | Forge | 1.20.1 | Client and server | 2025-07-05 |
Questions
Does WindowOptimizer need to be installed on the server?
Which loader and version does WindowOptimizer support?
Does WindowOptimizer change multiplayer gameplay?
In the catalog
WindowOptimizer is one of 3,545 Optimization mods on ModsFinder, and one of 1,441 Optimization mods for Forge. 5,992 mods support Minecraft 1.16.5.
More from sasiaanders
Similar mods
What the author says
Smart Performance Scaling: Automatically detects when Minecraft window is minimized or loses focus FPS Limiting: Reduces framerate to 1 FPS when window is inactive, saving CPU and GPU resources Memory Optimization: Performs periodic garbage collection during extended minimization periods Seamless Restoration…
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/windowoptimizer
- Owner
- sasiaanders
- Published
- 2025-09-12
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2025-09-16
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15