If you’ve ever been playing a game on your Windows 11 PC and wondered how smoothly it’s running, you’re probably interested in checking your FPS, or frames per second. FPS measures how many images your computer can display in one second. The higher the number, the smoother the game looks. To check FPS on a Windows 11 PC, you can use the Xbox Game Bar, a built-in tool that makes it super easy. Simply enable the FPS counter in the Game Bar settings, start your game, and you’ll see your FPS displayed. Let’s dive into the details.
How to Check FPS on PC Windows 11
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to use the Xbox Game Bar to display your FPS while gaming on Windows 11. It’s a quick and simple way to get better insight into your game’s performance.
Step 1: Open Xbox Game Bar
Press the Windows key + G to open the Xbox Game Bar.
The Xbox Game Bar is a built-in feature in Windows 11 that offers various tools for gamers. When you press Windows key + G, it will pop up on your screen, showing widgets for performance, capturing, and more.
Step 2: Access Settings
Click on the Settings icon in the Game Bar interface.
The Settings icon looks like a small gear and is usually located in the top menu bar of the Game Bar. Clicking it will open a new window where you can adjust various settings related to gaming.
Step 3: Enable Performance Widget
Navigate to the “Personalization” tab and enable the “Performance” widget.
Under the “Personalization” tab, you’ll find a list of widgets you can enable or disable. Look for the “Performance” widget and make sure it’s turned on. This widget is essential for tracking FPS in your games.
Step 4: Open the Performance Widget
Once enabled, find the Performance widget and open it from the Game Bar.
When the Performance widget is enabled, a small window will appear on your screen displaying vital statistics about your PC’s performance, including FPS. This window is adjustable, so you can move it to a convenient spot.
Step 5: Check FPS
Launch your game and check the FPS in the Performance widget.
Now that everything is set up, start your favorite game. The Performance widget will show the current FPS, giving you real-time feedback on how well your game is running.
After following these steps, your FPS counter will be up and running while you game. You can use this information to tweak your settings for a smoother gaming experience.
Tips for Checking FPS on PC Windows 11
- Ensure your Xbox Game Bar is updated to the latest version to avoid any glitches.
- Close unnecessary programs to improve FPS, as they can use up valuable system resources.
- Consider adjusting in-game graphics settings for better performance if your FPS is lower than desired.
- Upgrade your graphics drivers regularly to ensure optimal hardware performance.
- Make sure your PC meets the game’s system requirements for the best FPS results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FPS, and why is it important?
FPS stands for frames per second, and it’s important because it determines how smooth a game looks when you’re playing it. A higher FPS means smoother gameplay.
Can I check FPS without the Xbox Game Bar?
Yes, there are third-party software options like FRAPS and MSI Afterburner that also show FPS, but Xbox Game Bar is convenient and free since it’s built into Windows 11.
Does checking FPS affect game performance?
Checking FPS itself doesn’t affect performance. However, running multiple tools simultaneously can use system resources and might slightly impact performance.
What is a good FPS for gaming?
Most gamers consider 60 FPS to be the sweet spot for smooth gameplay, but anything above 30 FPS is generally acceptable for most games.
Why is my FPS low?
Low FPS can be due to various factors, such as outdated drivers, high in-game settings, or insufficient hardware. Try updating drivers and adjusting settings for improvement.
Summary
- Press Windows key + G to open Xbox Game Bar.
- Click the Settings icon.
- Enable the Performance widget.
- Open the Performance widget.
- Launch your game to check FPS.
Conclusion
In the world of gaming, FPS is like the heartbeat of your experience. While Windows 11 offers a straightforward method to track this via the Xbox Game Bar, understanding this metric is crucial for optimizing your gameplay. With FPS, you can identify whether your game settings are too high for your system or if something else is affecting performance.
Don’t forget that achieving high FPS isn’t just about the number itself—it’s about the smoothness and enjoyment of your gaming session. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily check FPS on your Windows 11 PC. If you’re experiencing low FPS, remember that many factors could be at play, from hardware limitations to outdated drivers.
Regularly checking your FPS is a great habit to develop for all gamers, as it ensures you’re getting the best performance out of your system. If you’re serious about gaming, consider staying informed about new updates and tools that could enhance your experience. Stay curious and keep exploring—because the world of gaming is as vast and exciting as you make it!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.