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Experiencing low FPS (frames per second) issues in Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially when gaming or using graphic-intensive applications. Low FPS often leads to choppy visuals and poor performance, making your experience less enjoyable. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to troubleshoot and fix these problems.

This guide will walk you through simple and effective steps to improve your FPS in Windows 11. No advanced knowledge is needed, and each step includes clear explanations. Whether you’re a beginner or just need a refresher, this guide covers everything.

By following these steps, you can often resolve FPS problems on your own without needing professional help. Let’s get started on making your Windows 11 experience smoother and faster.

Remember, fixing low FPS usually involves checking software settings, updating drivers, and optimizing system resources.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

• Check Your Hardware: Ensure your PC meets the minimum requirements for the game or application you’re running.
• Close Background Apps: Running many apps at once can use CPU and RAM, reducing FPS.
• Stable Power Source: If on a laptop, connect to power to avoid power-saving limits on performance.
• Update Windows: Having the latest Windows 11 updates can fix bugs affecting performance.

Step 1: Update Graphics Drivers

Graphics drivers help your operating system communicate with your graphics card. Outdated drivers can cause poor performance or glitches.

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display adapters section.
3. Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
5. If Windows finds a newer driver, it will install it. Otherwise, visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) to download the latest driver manually.

Why this matters: New drivers improve compatibility and can boost FPS by optimizing how games use your GPU.

Step 2: Adjust In-Game Graphics Settings

High graphics settings can strain your system and lower FPS. Lowering these settings often improves performance.

• Open your game’s settings menu.
• Reduce options like resolution, texture quality, shadows, and anti-aliasing.
• Try lowering settings one at a time and test FPS to find a good balance between visuals and performance.

Why this matters: Games with high settings need more power; reducing them frees resources and increases FPS.

Step 3: Enable Game Mode in Windows 11

Windows 11 includes a built-in Game Mode which prioritizes gaming performance by limiting background activities.

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Gaming > Game Mode.
3. Toggle Game Mode to On.

Why this matters: Game Mode helps Windows allocate more CPU and GPU resources to active games, improving FPS.

Step 4: Adjust Power Settings for Maximum Performance

Windows may limit performance to save energy, especially on laptops. Changing power settings can boost FPS.

1. Press Win + I and open Settings.
2. Go to System > Power & Battery.
3. Click Power mode and select Best performance.

Alternative method: You can also go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options and choose High performance.

Why this matters: Prioritizing performance prevents Windows from throttling your CPU or GPU, ensuring smoother gameplay.

Step 5: Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

Programs that launch automatically can consume resources and reduce game FPS.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Startup tab.
3. Right-click any non-essential programs and select Disable.
4. Restart your PC to apply changes.

Why this matters: Fewer background processes means more CPU and RAM available for gaming.

Step 6: Check for Malware and Unwanted Software

Malware or bloatware can slow down your system, reducing FPS.

1. Open Windows Security by searching it in the Start menu.
2. Go to Virus & threat protection and run a Quick scan.
3. Remove any threats found.
4. Consider using trusted third-party malware removal tools if needed.

Why this matters: Malware consumes system resources and can drastically impact performance.

Step 7: Optimize Graphics Settings via NVIDIA or AMD Control Panel

If you have a dedicated GPU, you can tweak settings for better performance.

For NVIDIA users:

1. Right-click on the desktop and open NVIDIA Control Panel.
2. Go to Manage 3D settings.
3. Under the Global Settings tab, set Power management mode to Prefer maximum performance.
4. You can also adjust Texture filtering – Quality to High performance to boost FPS.

For AMD users:

1. Right-click on the desktop and open AMD Radeon Software.
2. Navigate to Graphics settings.
3. Enable Radeon Chill or set performance modes that optimize FPS.
4. Lower texture quality or shadows if needed.

Why this matters: Customizing GPU settings can unlock better performance tailored to your hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is my FPS low even though my PC meets game requirements?

Meeting minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee smooth FPS. Background apps, outdated drivers, or thermal throttling can cause low FPS despite good hardware.

How do I check my FPS in Windows 11?

You can use the built-in Xbox Game Bar by pressing Win + G. The FPS counter appears if enabled in Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar.

Does upgrading RAM improve FPS?

More RAM can help if your system is currently low on memory. However, FPS gains are usually more noticeable from a better CPU or GPU.

Should I overclock my GPU or CPU to increase FPS?

Overclocking can boost FPS but carries risks like overheating or instability. Only attempt if you understand the process and have adequate cooling.

Can Windows updates cause FPS drops?

Sometimes updates introduce bugs affecting performance. If FPS drops after an update, check for subsequent patches or roll back the update temporarily.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the above steps and still face low FPS issues, consider these final options:

• Reinstall the game or app: Corrupted files can cause performance problems.
• Reset Windows 11: Use the built-in reset feature to restore your system. Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC.
• Consult Official Support: Visit Microsoft’s official support or your GPU manufacturer’s website for more help.
• Check Hardware: Sometimes hardware issues like overheating, dust buildup, or failing components cause FPS drops. Cleaning or professional diagnostics may be needed.

Conclusion

Low FPS in Windows 11 can significantly affect your gaming or app experience, but most causes are fixable with simple steps. Start by updating your graphics drivers and adjusting game settings. Enable Game Mode and set your PC to high-performance power settings to ensure maximum resource availability.

Disabling unnecessary startup programs and scanning for malware help free up system resources, while tweaking GPU-specific settings can further optimize your setup. Remember to always check that your hardware meets the requirements and keep Windows updated.

If problems persist, don’t hesitate to seek professional help or use official Microsoft and GPU manufacturer resources. With patience and the right approach, you can enjoy smoother and more responsive performance on your Windows 11 system.