Nagle’s Algorithm: The obscure router setting that can hurt PC gamers

Even if your network knowledge runs deep there’s a high chance you haven’t heard of Nagle’s Algorithm. Named after its creator, John Nagle, this algorithm plays a part in the efficient operation of your router’s TCP/IP traffic.

That being so, savvy gamers have added it to a list of things to disable to decrease their network latency. Admittedly, it’s so obscure that taking the time to disable this setting, which is quite involved, places you squarely in Saturday night Windows Club kind of territory (you’ve been warned!).

Then again, when microsecond reductions in latency could be the difference between winning or losing in your next game of Counter-Strike 2, who’s going to judge you?

What does Nagle’s Algorithm do?

I could pull out a complex flow diagram to show you exactly what Nagle’s Algorithm does, but for the purposes of this article it’s enough to know that it prevents traffic congestion on your network by reducing the number of data packages your router transmits.

To elaborate on that, instead of sending every single datagram out individually, the algorithm holds some back until it can accumulate enough to send a full packet.

While that’s mostly a good thing in that it stops your router having to work overtime, when it comes to multiplayer gaming online, even slight delays in transmission can increase latency. In first-person shooters these delays can even cause some stuttering.

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

That’s the main reason to switch it off. As with most Windows 11 features that you can disable in pursuit of better gaming performance, you aren’t guaranteed performance gains for every game.

Some Minecrafters have reported strange player movements when the algorithm is switched off, so keep that in mind if you do decide to go ahead.

How to disable Nagle’s Algorithm

You’ll need to change settings in the Windows 11 registry to disable it. I recommend this how-to guide from Make Use Of (entry 6), which is straightforward enough.

If you’re a little worried about fiddling with Windows 11’s registry, that’s understandable. Doing so can cause your PC problems. My advice, then, is to back up Windows before doing this, follow the steps very carefully, and remember that any typed changes you will have to make are case sensitive.

It may ease your mind a little to know that you can also reactivate Nagle’s Algorithm if you encounter any problems. Good luck and happy tweaking!