how to increase game fps on pc

When it comes to achieving smooth, immersive gameplay, every frame per second (FPS) counts. A high FPS not only enhances your gaming experience but also gives you a competitive edge, especially in fast-paced games. In this comprehensive guide, we explain how to increase game FPS on PC using advanced optimization techniques, both hardware and software-based.

Optimize in-game graphics settings for maximum FPS

One of the most effective ways to boost game FPS immediately is by adjusting the in-game settings:

• Lower texture quality: Reducing texture detail decreases the load on your GPU.
• Disable anti-aliasing: This can dramatically increase game FPS with minimal visual loss.
• Reduce shadow quality: Shadows are GPU-intensive; set them to low or turn them off.
• Limit view distance: Especially in open-world games, reducing this helps performance.
• Turn off V-Sync: Disabling V-Sync can eliminate FPS caps and reduce input lag.
• Enable DLSS or FSR: If supported, NVIDIA’s DLSS or AMD’s FSR uses AI to upscale resolution without the FPS hit.

Update graphics drivers regularly

Outdated drivers are among the leading causes of FPS drops. To ensure peak GPU performance:

• NVIDIA users: Use GeForce Experience to auto-update or download from the official NVIDIA Driver Page.
• AMD users: Visit AMD’s support page for the latest drivers.

Always choose the Game Ready or WHQL-certified drivers for best performance and stability.

Overclock your GPU and CPU for performance gains

Overclocking can provide a significant FPS boost, but must be done with caution.

• Use MSI Afterburner to safely overclock your GPU.
• Enable XMP in BIOS to unlock your RAM’s full speed.
• Use Intel XTU or AMD Ryzen Master to tweak CPU performance.

Make sure to monitor temperatures and invest in quality cooling solutions to prevent overheating.

Close background processes and free up system resources

Background applications can consume valuable RAM and CPU resources.

• Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager and close unnecessary apps.
• Disable startup apps via the Startup tab.
• Use Game Mode in Windows to prioritize gaming processes.
• Turn off OneDrive syncing, background antivirus scans, or any cloud-based apps during gameplay.

Enable hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling

This Windows 10/11 feature reduces latency and boosts game FPS in compatible games.

• Go to Settings > System > Display > Graphics settings.
• Turn on Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling.
• Restart your PC to apply changes.

Adjust power settings for maximum performance

Ensure your system is not in Power Saving mode, which limits CPU and GPU performance.

• Navigate to Control Panel > Power Options.
• Select High Performance or Ultimate Performance (available via command line: powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61).
• On laptops, disable battery saver and plug into AC power for best performance.

Note: These methods are officially tested by myself.

Clean and optimize storage for faster load times and better game FPS

A cluttered hard drive slows down system performance.

• Defragment HDDs regularly.
• Trim SSDs using built-in Windows optimization tools.
• Use tools like CCleaner to remove junk files.
• Ensure at least 20% of storage remains free for optimal performance.

Consider upgrading to an NVMe SSD for lightning-fast read/write speeds.

Install the latest DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables

Games rely heavily on these components. Missing or outdated versions can cause FPS issues or crashes.

• Update to the latest DirectX via Microsoft’s official site.
• Install all versions of Visual C++ Redistributables from 2005 to the latest.

Use game boosters and optimizers

Game booster applications can temporarily shut down background processes, free up RAM, and optimize system performance.

• Razer Cortex
• Wise Game Booster
• MSI Dragon Center (for MSI users)

These tools are especially useful for low-end PCs that need every ounce of performance.

Lower your screen resolution

Rendering a game at a lower resolution significantly reduces GPU workload:

• Try 1280×720 or 1600×900 for older or less powerful systems.
• Use upscaling technologies to simulate higher resolutions without the performance cost.

Disable fullscreen optimizations and enable high DPI settings

Sometimes, Windows’ fullscreen optimization can interfere with performance:

• Right-click the game executable > Properties > Compatibility tab.
• Check Disable Fullscreen Optimizations.
• Click Change High DPI settings > Check Override high DPI scaling behavior and select Application.

Keep your PC physically clean

Dust buildup can overheat components and cause thermal throttling.

• Use compressed air to clean fans, heatsinks, and vents.
• Reapply thermal paste on CPU/GPU every 1–2 years for optimal heat transfer.

Upgrade your hardware strategically

If you’ve optimized everything and still suffer from low game FPS, consider:

• Upgrading GPU: Go for models like NVIDIA RTX 3060 or AMD RX 6700 XT for 1080p high-FPS gaming.
• Increasing RAM: 16GB is the modern gaming minimum, but 32GB offers headroom for multitasking.
• Switching to SSD: Mechanical HDDs bottleneck load times and streaming assets in games.

Conclusion

By following the strategies above, you can drastically increase game FPS on your PC, whether you’re on a budget build or a high-end rig. Tuning your settings, keeping your system clean and updated, and upgrading wisely will give you the competitive edge and visual fluidity you need for a top-tier gaming experience.

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