Most low frame rates on a Windows 11 PC come from a handful of fixable causes: outdated graphics drivers, the wrong power mode, the game running on the wrong graphics chip, background apps and in-game settings that ask too much of the hardware. This guide shows how to increase FPS on a Windows 11 PC in order, starting with the free fixes that make the biggest difference.
How do you measure your FPS before changing anything?
Measure first so you know what actually helps. Many games have a built-in FPS counter in their settings, and the Xbox Game Bar (press Windows + G) includes a performance widget that shows FPS. Note the frame rate in the same scene before and after each change.
1. Update your graphics driver
New drivers often include fixes and performance improvements for recent games. Download the latest driver from your graphics card maker’s official app or website: NVIDIA, AMD or Intel. Avoid third-party “driver updater” tools, which can install the wrong software.
2. Turn on Game Mode
Open Settings > Gaming > Game Mode and make sure it is on. Game Mode tells Windows to prioritize the game you are playing and to limit background activity, such as Windows Update installing drivers or showing restart notifications during play.
3. Make sure the game uses your dedicated graphics card
Laptops with two graphics chips sometimes run games on the weaker integrated one. In Windows 11, open Settings > System > Display > Graphics. Under custom settings for applications, add the game if it is not listed, open its options and choose the high-performance graphics card. A per-app choice overrides the system-wide default.
4. Check hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling
On the same Graphics page, open the advanced graphics settings. If your graphics card and driver support it, you will find a switch for hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling, which lets the graphics card manage more of its own memory. Results vary by game and hardware, so test your FPS with it on and off and keep whichever works better.
5. Use the best performance power mode
Open Settings > System > Power & battery (or Power on desktops) and set the power mode to Best performance while gaming. On a laptop, plug in the charger, because many laptops limit performance on battery.
6. Close background apps and overlays
Browsers with many tabs, cloud sync, video recording, RGB lighting apps and chat overlays all take processor time and memory. Close what you do not need, and turn off overlays you do not use in Discord, Steam or your graphics card’s app.
7. Lower the right in-game settings
Some settings cost far more FPS than others. Start with these:
- Resolution and render scale: the single biggest factor. Lowering render scale slightly can add many frames.
- Upscaling: turn on DLSS (NVIDIA), FSR (AMD) or XeSS (Intel) in quality mode when the game offers it.
- Shadows, volumetric fog and ray tracing: very demanding and often hard to notice in fast games.
- Anti-aliasing: high settings can be expensive; upscalers often include their own.
- Texture quality: usually safe to keep high if your graphics card has enough video memory.
8. Check temperatures and dust
When a processor or graphics card gets too hot, it slows itself down to stay safe, and FPS drops after a few minutes of play. Clean dust from fans and filters, make sure air can flow around the case or laptop, and avoid gaming on soft surfaces that block laptop vents.
9. Keep Windows and storage healthy
Install Windows updates, keep at least some free space on the drive where games are installed and, if you can, install games on an SSD. An SSD mainly speeds up loading and reduces stutter when new areas load, rather than raising average FPS.
Gaming on a laptop puts extra strain on the battery, especially when it runs hot, so learn how to check laptop battery health. If online games lag, read how to test your internet speed accurately.
Smooth FPS but still lagging online? That is a network problem. See how to reduce lag in online games.
If the whole laptop feels slow, not just games, start with how to speed up a slow laptop.
High FPS deserves a fast screen. See how to choose a gaming monitor.
Frequently asked questions
Does Game Mode really increase FPS?
It mainly reduces interruptions from background activity, which helps keep frame rates steady. The gain depends on your PC and what runs in the background.
Should I turn off VSync for more FPS?
Turning VSync off can raise FPS and lower input delay, but it may cause screen tearing. If your monitor supports G-SYNC or FreeSync, use that instead for smooth, tear-free play.
Will more RAM increase FPS?
Only if you are running out of memory. If the game and background apps already fit comfortably in your RAM, adding more will not raise FPS.
Which fixes should you try first?
Update the graphics driver, turn on Game Mode, set the game to your dedicated graphics card and lower render scale or turn on upscaling. Those four steps fix most low-FPS problems on Windows 11. If online games also feel laggy, test your connection with our free internet speed test, since high ping feels like low FPS.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Use Game Mode while gaming on Windows
- Microsoft DirectX Developer Blog: Navigating the redesigned graphics settings page
This article is based on the official documentation and reporting listed in the sources above, checked on October 17, 2026. Features and prices change, so confirm details on the official pages before you buy. ShokokoTech does not accept payment for coverage. Read our editorial policy.
