Switching to Game Mode for Gaming Updated April 21, 2021 05:45 To optimize system performance for online gaming, ZoneAlarm gives the option to temporarily suspend security alerts, virus definition updates, and automatic scans. Note - Game Mode settings do not override Block or Allow settings in your Programs List. If you configured your ZoneAlarm software to always block a specific program, it continues to block that program even if you activate Game Mode with the Allow setting. To turn on the Game Mode: Open the Game Mode dialog window in one of these ways: From the Tools menu on the main menu toolbar, select Game Mode In the system tray, right-click on the ZoneAlarm icon and select Game Mode Select one of these automatic responses to program alerts: Automatic Deny - to automatically deny permissions to all programs that request them Automatic Allow - to automatically grant permissions to all programs that request them Click Start Game Mode. Note - Keep the Game Mode window open. If you close the window, the Game Mode turns off. To turn off the Game Mode: In the Game Mode window, click Stop Game Mode. Note - The Game Mode also stops if ZoneAlarm is turned off or if the computer is shut down.