How to Fix Lost Ark Low FPS on High-End PC Running Windows 11: Effective Solutions and Steps

Lost Ark is an exciting game that many players enjoy on high-end PCs. However, experiencing low FPS (frames per second) can be frustrating, especially when your system should handle the game smoothly. This guide will help you fix low FPS issues on Windows 11 step-by-step.

FPS problems can be caused by various factors, from software settings to hardware configurations. Understanding and adjusting these can significantly improve your gameplay experience.

We will start with simple checks and move towards more detailed solutions. This way, you can quickly identify and fix the issue without unnecessary complications.

Follow these instructions carefully, even if you are not very tech-savvy. Each step includes explanations to help you understand why it is important.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Check system requirements: Ensure your PC meets or exceeds Lost Ark’s recommended specifications.
Update Windows 11: Keeping your system updated can fix bugs and improve performance.
Verify graphics drivers: Outdated or corrupted GPU drivers often cause low FPS.
Close background applications: Running many programs simultaneously may slow your system and reduce FPS.

Step 1: Update Graphics Drivers

Graphics drivers are software that allow your operating system to communicate with your GPU. Outdated drivers can cause poor game performance.

How to update:

Press Windows + S and type Device Manager, then open it.
Expand the Display adapters section.
Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.
Alternatively, visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) for the latest drivers.

Why this matters: Updated drivers optimize game compatibility and performance, reducing FPS drops.

Step 2: Adjust In-Game Graphics Settings

Even high-end PCs can sometimes struggle with very high graphics settings. Lowering certain options can improve FPS without ruining visual quality.

Recommended settings to adjust:

Resolution: Use your monitor’s native resolution for best clarity, but lowering it can increase FPS.
Texture Quality: Set to Medium or High instead of Ultra.
Shadow Quality: Shadows can be demanding; try Medium or Low.
Anti-Aliasing: Turning this off or lowering it can boost FPS.
V-Sync: Disable this to reduce input lag and possibly improve FPS.

Why adjust settings: Balancing performance and visuals ensures smooth gameplay without unnecessary strain on your hardware.

Step 3: Change Windows Graphics Settings for Lost Ark

Windows 11 has a graphics settings panel where you can assign specific performance preferences to games.

How to configure:

Go to Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
Click Browse and find the Lost Ark executable file (usually in C:Program FilesLostArk).
Add the game to the list.
Click on the game entry, select Options, and choose High performance.
Save changes and restart the game.

Why do this: This forces Windows to use your dedicated GPU instead of integrated graphics, improving FPS.

Step 4: Disable Fullscreen Optimization and Run as Administrator

Windows’ fullscreen optimization system can sometimes cause performance issues in games.

Steps to disable:

Right-click the Lost Ark shortcut or executable file and select Properties.
Go to the Compatibility tab.
Check Disable fullscreen optimizations.
Check Run this program as an administrator.
Click Apply and then OK.

Why this helps: Disabling fullscreen optimization can reduce input lag and FPS drops. Running as admin ensures the game has proper permissions.

Step 5: Optimize Power Settings

Windows power plans can limit your CPU or GPU performance to save energy, affecting your FPS.

How to optimize:

Press Windows + S, type Control Panel, and open it.
Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
Select High performance or Ultimate performance if available.
If Ultimate performance is not visible, you can enable it with this command in PowerShell (run as administrator):

powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61

Why this matters: High-performance power plans allow your hardware to run at full capacity, improving FPS.

Step 6: Disable Background Apps and Startup Programs

Other running programs can consume CPU, memory, and disk usage, reducing game performance.

How to disable unnecessary apps:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Go to the Startup tab.
Right-click programs you do not need at startup and select Disable.
Also, close unnecessary apps running in the background before launching Lost Ark.

Why do this: Freeing system resources helps your PC dedicate more power to the game.

Step 7: Adjust NVIDIA/AMD Control Panel Settings (For Dedicated GPUs)

If you have an NVIDIA or AMD graphics card, customizing settings in their control panels can boost performance.

For NVIDIA users:

Right-click on the desktop and open NVIDIA Control Panel.
Go to Manage 3D settings and select the Program Settings tab.
Find Lost Ark in the list or add it manually.
Set Power management mode to Prefer maximum performance.
Set Threaded optimization to On.
Click Apply.

For AMD users:

Open AMD Radeon Software.
Go to Graphics settings and find Gaming.
Add Lost Ark if it’s not listed.
Set Power Efficiency to Off.
Enable Radeon Anti-Lag for better responsiveness.

Why customize GPU settings: These tweaks ensure your graphics card focuses on performance rather than saving power.

Step 8: Verify Game Files and Reinstall if Necessary

Corrupted or missing game files can cause performance issues.

How to verify files:

Open the game launcher (Steam or Lost Ark’s own launcher).
Find Lost Ark in your library.
Right-click and select Properties.
Go to Local Files and click Verify integrity of game files.
Wait for the process to complete, then restart the game.

If problems persist, consider uninstalling and reinstalling the game to ensure a clean installation.

FAQs

Why is my high-end PC struggling with Lost Ark FPS?

Even high-end PCs can face FPS drops due to outdated drivers, conflicting software, or incorrect game settings. Following optimization steps usually resolves these issues.

Does Windows 11 affect game performance?

Windows 11 generally improves gaming performance, but some default settings like fullscreen optimization or power plans may need adjustment for best results.

Should I use borderless or fullscreen mode?

Fullscreen mode often provides better FPS and lower input lag. However, borderless mode is more convenient for multitasking.

Is upgrading hardware necessary?

Before upgrading, try software solutions as many FPS issues stem from settings or drivers. Upgrade hardware only if your system does not meet game requirements.

Can antivirus software cause FPS drops?

Yes, some antivirus programs may interfere with game performance. Temporarily disabling them or adding Lost Ark as an exception may help.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still experience low FPS, it might be helpful to:

Visit the official Lost Ark support page for any known issues or patches: Lost Ark Support.
Check community forums and Reddit for similar problems and solutions shared by other players.
Contact your GPU manufacturer’s support for driver-related help.
Consider performing a clean installation of Windows 11 if system issues persist beyond game optimization.

Conclusion

Low FPS in Lost Ark on a high-end PC running Windows 11 can be frustrating, but most issues have straightforward fixes. Start by updating drivers and adjusting in-game settings, then move on to Windows and GPU optimizations.

Disabling unnecessary background programs, verifying game files, and properly configuring your GPU settings often lead to smoother gameplay. Always keep your system and game up to date to avoid performance pitfalls.

By following these detailed steps, you should be able to enjoy Lost Ark with optimal FPS and a better gaming experience.