How to Check FPS on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide for Gamers

By / October 18, 2025

Are your games lagging, stuttering, or just not running as smoothly as you’d like? One of the most important metrics for gamers is FPS (Frames Per Second). Monitoring FPS helps you understand your PC’s gaming performance, spot issues, and fine-tune settings for the best experience.

If you’re a Windows 11 gamer, you might wonder:
👉 “How do I check FPS on Windows 11 easily?”

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through multiple methods—from built-in tools to third-party apps—so you can monitor FPS in real time.

đź“ť Quick Summary: How to Check FPS on Windows 11

  • Built-in Xbox Game Bar (Recommended) – Press Win + G to see FPS.

  • NVIDIA GeForce Experience / AMD Adrenalin – Use GPU overlays for FPS.

  • Steam / Epic / Other Launchers – Enable in-game FPS counters.

  • Third-party apps (MSI Afterburner, Fraps, RivaTuner) – Advanced monitoring.

What is FPS and Why Does it Matter?

FPS stands for Frames Per Second—the number of images your graphics card renders per second.

  • 🎯 Higher FPS = smoother gameplay.

  • ⚠️ Low FPS = laggy, stuttery experience.

FPS Range Gaming Experience
30 FPS Playable but not smooth
60 FPS Standard smooth gameplay
120 FPS+ Ultra-smooth, competitive gaming

Method 1: Check FPS Using Xbox Game Bar (Built-In)

Windows 11 includes a built-in tool called Xbox Game Bar. It’s free, simple, and works for most games.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + G while in a game.

  2. The Xbox Game Bar overlay will appear.

  3. Click the Performance widget (on the toolbar).

  4. Enable FPS monitoring.

  5. Drag the FPS counter anywhere on your screen.

âś… No downloads needed.
❌ Sometimes doesn’t work with older games.

Method 2: Use NVIDIA GeForce Experience (For NVIDIA Users)

If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, you can use GeForce Experience overlay.

Steps:

  1. Install GeForce Experience from NVIDIA’s official site.

  2. Open it and log in.

  3. Go to Settings > General > In-Game Overlay and enable it.

  4. Press Alt + Z to open overlay.

  5. Go to Settings > HUD Layout > FPS Counter.

  6. Choose a screen position.

âś… Lightweight and accurate.
❌ Only works with NVIDIA GPUs.

Method 3: Use AMD Radeon Software (For AMD Users)

If you’re running an AMD GPU, you can use AMD Adrenalin software.

Steps:

  1. Install AMD Radeon Adrenalin from AMD’s site.

  2. Open the software.

  3. Go to Performance tab.

  4. Enable Metrics Overlay.

  5. Launch your game and press Ctrl + Shift + O.

âś… Works great with AMD cards.
❌ Doesn’t support NVIDIA GPUs.

Method 4: Enable FPS Counter on Steam

If you play games via Steam, you can use its built-in FPS counter.

Steps:

  1. Open Steam client.

  2. Go to Settings > In-Game.

  3. Enable In-game FPS Counter.

  4. Select position (top-left, top-right, etc.).

âś… Easy for Steam games.
❌ Doesn’t work for non-Steam titles.

Method 5: Enable FPS Counter on Epic Games Launcher

Epic Games also allows FPS monitoring.

Steps:

  1. Open Epic Games Launcher.

  2. Go to Settings.

  3. Scroll to Preferences.

  4. Check “Display FPS”.

âś… Works directly within Epic games.
❌ Limited compared to Steam overlay.

Method 6: Use MSI Afterburner + RivaTuner

For advanced gamers, MSI Afterburner with RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS) is the ultimate FPS tool.

Steps:

  1. Download and install MSI Afterburner.

  2. Also install RivaTuner Statistics Server (comes bundled).

  3. Open Afterburner → Settings → Monitoring.

  4. Select Framerate and check “Show in On-Screen Display.”

  5. Launch your game and enjoy live FPS tracking.

âś… Most customizable FPS tool.
❌ Setup can be tricky for beginners.

Method 7: Use Fraps (Classic FPS Counter)

Fraps is an old but simple FPS monitoring tool.

Steps:

  1. Download and install Fraps.

  2. Open it and go to the FPS tab.

  3. Choose where to display FPS.

  4. Run your game to see FPS.

âś… Simple, lightweight.
❌ Outdated, limited features.

Which FPS Method Should You Use?

Method Best For
Xbox Game Bar Beginners, built-in solution
NVIDIA / AMD software GPU-specific users
Steam/Epic Launcher gamers
MSI Afterburner Advanced monitoring
Fraps Old PCs / simplicity

Pro Tips to Improve FPS on Windows 11

  • 🎮 Update GPU drivers (NVIDIA/AMD/Intel).

  • 🛠️ Enable Game Mode (Win + I > Gaming > Game Mode).

  • 🔄 Close background apps (Task Manager).

  • ⚡ Adjust in-game graphics settings (lower shadows, resolution).

  • ❄️ Keep your laptop/PC cool (overheating reduces FPS).

Conclusion

Checking FPS on Windows 11 is easier than ever—whether you use the Xbox Game Bar, GPU software, or third-party apps.

  • For quick checks → Use Xbox Game Bar.

  • For GPU-specific overlays → Use GeForce Experience or AMD Adrenalin.

  • For advanced gamers → Use MSI Afterburner with RivaTuner.

👉 Now that you know how to monitor FPS, you can fine-tune your system for smooth, lag-free gaming.

FAQs: How to Check FPS on Windows 11

1. What is the easiest way to check FPS on Windows 11?
Use the built-in Xbox Game Bar (Win + G).

2. Does Windows 11 have a built-in FPS counter?
Yes, through the Xbox Game Bar Performance widget.

3. Can I check FPS without third-party software?
Yes, using Xbox Game Bar, Steam, or Epic launcher.

4. Why is my FPS low in games?
Possible causes: outdated drivers, high graphics settings, overheating, or weak hardware.

5. What FPS is good for gaming?

  • 60 FPS = smooth for most games.

  • 120–240 FPS = ideal for competitive gaming.

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