How to Disable Overlays in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 21, 2025

Overlays in Windows 11 can be both helpful and annoying. You might have seen them when a game runs and suddenly the Xbox Game Bar, Discord overlay, or NVIDIA/AMD performance overlay pops up on your screen. While these tools offer quick access to features like chat, performance monitoring, or screen recording, they can also cause lag, crashes, or unwanted interruptions.

If you’re looking for ways to turn them off, you’re in the right place. In this detailed guide, we’ll cover all major overlays in Windows 11 and show you step-by-step how to disable them.

Quick Summary (Key Takeaways)

  • Windows 11 overlays come from Xbox Game Bar, Discord, NVIDIA GeForce Experience, AMD Radeon Software, Steam, and third-party apps.

  • You can disable them from Windows Settings, in-app menus, or hotkeys.

  • Turning off overlays can improve performance and reduce distractions while gaming.

  • You can always re-enable them later if needed.

1. What Are Overlays in Windows 11?

Overlays are on-screen elements that appear above your running applications, usually triggered by shortcuts or background processes. They provide quick tools such as chat, recording, performance stats, or notifications.

2. Why You Might Want to Disable Overlays

  • Reduce game lag and stuttering.

  • Prevent accidental pop-ups during work or play.

  • Minimize resource usage (CPU/GPU).

  • Avoid privacy concerns (recording prompts).

3. Common Types of Overlays in Windows 11

  • Xbox Game Bar (Windows built-in)

  • Discord Overlay

  • NVIDIA GeForce Experience Overlay

  • AMD Radeon Overlay

  • Steam Overlay

  • Microsoft Teams notifications overlay

  • Third-party tools (Overwolf, MSI Afterburner, etc.)

4. Method 1: Disable Xbox Game Bar Overlay

Xbox Game Bar is enabled by default in Windows 11.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Navigate to Gaming > Xbox Game Bar.

  3. Toggle Open Xbox Game Bar using this button on a controller → Off.

  4. Optionally, go to Captures and disable Background recording to save performance.

👉 Shortcut: Press Windows + G anytime to check if it’s still active.

5. Method 2: Disable Discord Overlay

Discord’s in-game overlay lets you chat and see who’s talking but can hurt FPS.

Steps:

  1. Open Discord.

  2. Click the gear icon (User Settings).

  3. Under Activity Settings, click Game Overlay.

  4. Toggle Enable in-game overlay → Off.

6. Method 3: Disable NVIDIA GeForce Experience Overlay

NVIDIA provides performance metrics, instant replays, and streaming via overlay.

Steps:

  1. Open GeForce Experience.

  2. Click the gear icon (Settings).

  3. Under General, toggle In-Game Overlay → Off.

7. Method 4: Disable AMD Radeon Overlay

For AMD GPU users:

Steps:

  1. Right-click desktop → Open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition.

  2. Go to Settings > Preferences.

  3. Disable In-Game Overlay.

  4. Optionally, disable Hotkeys to prevent accidental activation.

8. Method 5: Disable Steam Overlay

Steam has a built-in overlay for chat, browsing, and screenshots.

Steps:

  1. Open Steam.

  2. Go to Steam > Settings > In-Game.

  3. Uncheck Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.

9. Method 6: Disable Microsoft Teams Overlay Notifications

Teams chat heads and pop-ups can overlay your screen.

Steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Teams.

  2. Click your profile picture → Settings.

  3. Go to Notifications.

  4. Turn off banner and overlay pop-ups.

10. Method 7: Turn Off Browser Overlays (Chrome/Edge Extensions)

Some browser extensions (like screen recorders or password managers) show overlays.

Steps (Chrome/Edge):

  1. Open browser.

  2. Click Extensions (puzzle icon).

  3. Manage extensions → Disable or remove the overlay extension.

11. Method 8: Disable Third-Party App Overlays (Overwolf, MSI Afterburner)

Apps like Overwolf, Rivatuner, or MSI Afterburner show FPS counters or overlays.

Steps:

  • Open the app’s Settings/Preferences.

  • Look for Overlay or On-Screen Display (OSD).

  • Toggle off or unbind the hotkey.

12. Troubleshooting Overlay Issues

  • Overlay still appears? → Check background processes in Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).

  • Multiple overlays conflict → Disable one at a time to find the culprit.

  • Overlay re-enables after update → Revisit app settings; some updates reset preferences.

13. How Disabling Overlays Affects Gaming Performance

  • FPS boost: Removing overlays frees GPU/CPU resources.

  • Reduced stuttering: Especially in multiplayer games.

  • Cleaner experience: No interruptions during gameplay.

14. Should You Disable All Overlays? Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
Improves performance Lose quick-access features
Prevents crashes No in-game chat overlay
Cleaner screen No instant screen capture/replay

15. Conclusion & Best Practices

Overlays can be useful, but if they’re hurting performance or distracting you, Windows 11 makes it simple to turn them off. Start with Xbox Game Bar and Discord, then move on to GPU and Steam overlays if needed. For the best balance, keep only the overlays you truly use and disable the rest.

16. FAQs

1. How do I turn off the Xbox Game Bar permanently?
Go to Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar and toggle it off.

2. Does disabling overlays increase FPS?
Yes, overlays consume resources — disabling them often boosts FPS.

3. Can overlays cause crashes in Windows 11?
Yes. Conflicting overlays (e.g., Discord + Steam) may crash games.

4. Is it safe to disable NVIDIA/AMD overlays?
Yes. You just lose quick features like performance stats or instant replay.

5. Do I need admin rights to disable overlays?
No. Most overlays can be turned off in app settings without admin privileges.

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