Razer Cortex is a free Windows application from Razer that combines a game launcher, performance tools, gameplay capture and a price tracker for PC games. It runs on 64-bit Windows 10 and Windows 11, and signing in with a Razer ID ties the program to Razer’s rewards system.
Game Booster during play
Razer Cortex activates automatically when a game starts from the desktop or through a client such as Steam. It stops or suspends non-essential programs and background helpers so the game has more free memory and processor time.
Two processor-related options sit alongside this process management. One disables CPU sleep mode during play; the other dedicates a CPU core to prioritizing the game. Neither option overclocks the hardware or changes hardware settings; the booster only redistributes processing power and memory. When the session ends, Razer Cortex restores the PC to the state it was in before the game started.
The user can display a small FPS counter in game to compare frame rates before and after changing settings.
Booster Prime for game settings
Booster Prime adjusts the graphics settings inside supported games such as Fortnite, Valorant, Apex Legends and Cyberpunk 2077. The user picks a game and an optimization mode, then clicks Optimize. Razer Cortex evaluates the PC and writes new values into the game’s configuration, highlighting the changed settings in green. Revert puts the original configuration back.
- Competitive Priority strips out unnecessary effects for the most responsive play.
- High Performance raises frame rates while keeping graphics where possible.
- High Quality raises visual quality while keeping performance where possible.
- Balance splits the difference between the two.
A slider sets a target FPS before optimization, and Razer Cortex chooses settings to reach that rate. A predictive FPS check estimates the frame rate for the current setup before launch. The user can then tweak settings toward a target first.
A separate Make Adjustment window changes hue, brightness, contrast and digital vibrance, with a live preview as each slider moves. Options that the graphics card or monitor cannot handle appear grayed out. Optimization fails if the game is still open or if its settings file is set to read-only. The user therefore has to close the game first.
Cleaning junk files with System Booster
System Booster is the disk-cleaning part of Razer Cortex. It scans game platforms, Windows and web browsers for temporary and leftover files. The scan results open as a detailed list in which the user selects what to delete. The tool does not remove everything at once. The scan includes browser files only when the browsers are closed. An Expert Control area adds recommendations and more granular advanced settings.
One library for several stores
The launcher brings games from different storefronts into one library. Razer Cortex detects supported installed games automatically. In the Platforms tab, the user connects accounts on Steam, GOG Galaxy, Ubisoft Connect and others by entering a username or profile link. The linked profile has to be public. Synced achievements appear in the library, and store wishlists carry over to the Deals section.
The library has an All Games view for every synced or added title and an Installed view for games present on the PC. The user can filter, sort and tag titles, and a summary panel shows time played and achievements. The user can start games in a boosted state that applies Game Booster automatically.
Handheld Mode gives Razer Cortex a console-style interface for controller navigation on Windows handhelds. Remote Play streams PC games to a phone or another device paired through Razer’s Nexus client, with Windows 11 required on the host PC.
Game Clips and highlight detection
Game Clips is an instant replay recorder that runs in the background once enabled from the Cortex dashboard. Pressing the hotkey saves the last 30 seconds of play in HD to the clips library. The user can sync clips to Razer’s cloud storage to view them on another PC or share them to social platforms.
For a set of supported titles, including VALORANT, League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2, automatic highlight detection saves moments such as multi-kills, eliminations and wins without a key press. In other games, the user captures clips manually.
Price tracking in Deals
The Deals section of Razer Cortex is a price comparison tool that checks major digital PC game stores every hour. The user can add games to a wishlist or import a wishlist from Steam, GOG or Humble Bundle. Razer Cortex sends a notification when a listed game drops in price. The user completes purchases on the store itself. The section also runs giveaways of games and Razer hardware.
Razer Silver rewards
Razer Cortex is also the entry point to Razer Silver, Razer’s loyalty currency. After signing up in the Rewards section, playing featured games launched through Cortex earns Silver per minute of play up to a daily cap. The user must claim the amount within 24 hours. The user can redeem Silver for Razer products, vouchers, games and subscriptions but not for cash. The Playtest Program also pays Silver for feedback on unreleased games.
