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Running RuneScape on Windows 11 but experiencing low FPS can be frustrating. It interrupts gameplay and reduces overall enjoyment. Fortunately, there are straightforward steps you can take to improve your game’s performance. This guide will help you fix low FPS issues in RuneScape, step by step.

Improving FPS means your game runs smoother and looks better. Low FPS often happens because of software or hardware settings that can be adjusted. By following this guide, even beginners can optimize RuneScape without any complicated technical knowledge.

Each step explained here focuses on simple changes you can make. You don’t need to be a computer expert to try them. Just follow along carefully, and your RuneScape experience will significantly improve.

Let’s start with a few quick checks before diving into fixes. These help ensure the problem isn’t something basic.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

• Check your system specs: Make sure your PC meets RuneScape’s minimum requirements. Insufficient RAM, CPU, or graphics power can cause low FPS.
• Update Windows 11: Having the latest updates ensures compatibility and fixes bugs that might slow down your system.
• Close unnecessary applications: Running many programs in the background uses resources that RuneScape needs.
• Stable internet connection: Although FPS is mostly about hardware, a poor connection can sometimes cause lag that feels like low FPS.

Step 1: Lower In-Game Graphics Settings

RuneScape comes with adjustable graphics settings. Lowering these reduces the strain on your system and improves FPS.

• Open RuneScape and go to the Settings menu.
• Select Graphics or Display Settings.
• Set the resolution to a lower value (for example, 1280×720 instead of 1920×1080).
• Turn off or reduce settings like Shadows, Anti-Aliasing, and Particles.
• Change the graphics mode to Low Detail or Basic.

Reducing these settings eases the load on your GPU and CPU, helping RuneScape run faster and smoother.

Step 2: Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or missing graphics drivers often cause performance issues. Keeping them updated helps your system communicate properly with RuneScape.

• Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
• Expand the Display adapters section.
• Right-click your graphics card and choose Update driver.
• Select Search automatically for drivers and follow prompts if updates are found.
• Alternatively, visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) to download the latest drivers.

After updating, restart your PC to apply changes.

Step 3: Enable High-Performance Power Mode

Windows 11 often uses a balanced power plan by default, which limits performance to save energy. Switching to high-performance mode allows your PC to use its full power.

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to System > Power & battery.
• Under Power mode, select Best performance.
• If you don’t see this option, click Additional power settings on the right.
• Choose the High performance plan from the list.

This setting ensures your CPU and GPU operate at maximum capacity while playing.

Step 4: Disable Fullscreen Optimizations for RuneScape

Windows 11’s fullscreen optimizations can sometimes cause FPS drops in games. Disabling this feature for RuneScape can help.

• Locate the RuneScape shortcut or executable file (RuneScape.exe).
• Right-click it and select Properties.
• Go to the Compatibility tab.
• Check the box for Disable fullscreen optimizations.
• Click Apply and then OK.

This prevents Windows from interfering with the game’s display performance.

Step 5: Clear RuneScape Cache

Old cache files can sometimes cause lag or FPS issues. Clearing them ensures the game loads fresh data.

• Close RuneScape completely.
• Press Windows + R, type %appdata%, and press Enter.
• Navigate to the RuneScape folder.
• Delete the cache folder inside.
• Restart RuneScape. The game will rebuild the cache automatically.

Step 6: Adjust Windows Graphics Settings for RuneScape

You can force Windows 11 to prioritize RuneScape on your GPU, especially if you have a laptop with integrated and dedicated graphics.

• Open Settings with Windows + I.
• Go to System > Display > Graphics (scroll down to find it).
• Click Browse and select the RuneScape executable (RuneScape.exe).
• Once added, click on the RuneScape entry and select Options.
• Choose High performance to force the use of your dedicated GPU.
• Save changes and restart your computer.

Step 7: Close Background Apps and Disable Startup Programs

Too many programs running in the background consume CPU and RAM, affecting FPS. Reducing these helps RuneScape get more resources.

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Go to the Startup tab.
• Right-click unnecessary programs and select Disable.
• Switch to the Processes tab and close apps consuming high resources (right-click > End task).

Only close apps you recognize and know are safe to stop.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

If the above steps do not improve FPS enough, you can try these advanced tips:

• Adjust RuneScape’s JVM arguments: If you use the Java version of RuneScape, allocating more RAM via JVM arguments can improve performance. However, this requires some technical knowledge.
• Use a game booster software: Programs like Razer Cortex can optimize your PC by temporarily shutting down background processes and freeing up resources.
• Upgrade hardware: If your PC is below RuneScape’s recommended specs, upgrading your RAM, CPU, or GPU will provide the best FPS improvement.
• Switch to RuneScape NXT client: The official NXT client offers better graphics and performance over the older Java client.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is my RuneScape FPS so low on Windows 11?

Low FPS can be due to outdated drivers, insufficient system specs, high graphics settings, or background apps consuming resources.

How do I check if my PC meets RuneScape’s requirements?

You can find your system specs by pressing Windows + R, typing dxdiag, and pressing Enter. Compare your CPU, RAM, and GPU with RuneScape’s minimum or recommended specs on the official website.

Does running RuneScape in windowed mode help improve FPS?

Sometimes running in windowed mode reduces strain on your GPU and can improve FPS, but results vary based on system.

Should I disable Windows Game Bar and Xbox Game DVR?

Yes, these features can consume system resources. Disabling them may improve performance.

Can antivirus software affect RuneScape FPS?

Some antivirus programs scan game files in real-time, causing lag. You can add RuneScape to the antivirus exception list.

When Nothing Works

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

• Reinstall RuneScape: Corrupted game files may cause performance problems. A fresh installation can fix this.
• Contact RuneScape Support: Visit the official RuneScape help center at support.runescape.com for personalized assistance.
• Check community forums: Other players may have experienced similar issues and found solutions on forums like Reddit or the official RuneScape forums.

Conclusion

Low FPS in RuneScape on Windows 11 can be fixed by following simple steps like lowering graphics settings, updating drivers, and optimizing Windows power and graphics options. Starting with basic fixes and progressing to advanced methods ensures you cover all potential causes. Remember to keep your system updated and close unnecessary programs to free resources.

By systematically applying the tips in this guide, you should see a noticeable improvement in your RuneScape gameplay experience. If problems persist, don’t hesitate to reach out to official support or the gaming community for additional help.