Freelancer 1.0: Game Performance Is Slower Than Expected

When you try to play Microsoft Freelancer 1.0, the game performance may be unexpectedly slow.

To resolve this issue, use one or more of the following methods in the order that they appear.

Method 1: Verify the Minimum Video, Processor, and RAM System Requirements

Verify that your computer meets or exceeds the minimum video, processor, and random access memory (RAM) requirements to play Freelancer. For additional information about the Freelancer system requirements, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
Use the DirectX Diagnostic Tool to determine how much memory, processor speed, and video memory is available:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type dxdiag, and then click OK.
3. On the System tab, note the value next to Memory and Processor.
4. On the Display or Display 1 tab, note the value next to Approx. Total Memory.
5. Click Exit.
6. Compare the values on your computer to the system requirements. If your computer does not meet the minimum system requirements, contact your manufacturer for more information about how to obtain the necessary updates and upgrades.

If this does not resolve this issue, continue with the next method.

Method 2: Adjust Level of Graphics Detail

To adjust the level of graphical detail, follow these steps:

1. Start Freelancer.
2. On the Main Menu, click Options, and then click Performance.
3. Drag the main Detail (at the top of the list of detail slider bars) slider bar to the left half of the slider bar (do not drag the slider bar to the leftmost point of the slider bar), and then click Main Menu to save your changes and exit the dialog box.
4. When you are prompted to confirm the setting change, click Yes.

If this does not resolve this issue, continue with the next method.

Method 3: Adjust the Game Screen Resolution

To adjust the resolution in the game, follow these steps:

1. Start Freelancer.
2. On the Main Menu, click Options.
3. In the Resolution box, click the DOWN ARROW on the right side of the box to lower the resolution setting.
4. Click Main Menu to save your changes and exit the dialog box.
5. When you are prompted to confirm the setting change, click Yes.

If this does not resolve this issue, continue with the next method.

Method 4: Turn Off the Music

To turn off music in the game, follow these steps:

1. Start Freelancer.
2. On the Main Menu, click Options, and then click Audio.
3. Drag the Music Volume slider to the leftmost position.
4. Click Main Menu to save your changes and exit the dialog box.
5. When you are prompted to confirm the setting change, click Yes

If this does not resolve this issue, continue with the next method.

Method 5: How to Improve Game Performance

For general information about improving a game's performance, see the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article:

For information about how to contact your video or audio hardware manufacturer, visit the following Microsoft Web site: