How to Boost FPS on PC
To raise FPS, PC players should update the graphics driver, turn on upscaling such as DLSS, FSR or XeSS, and lower the heaviest settings first: shadows, volumetric effects and ray tracing. Then enable Windows Game Mode, close background apps and check temperatures. Settings changes alone often bring a big improvement.
| Change | FPS impact | Visual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling (DLSS, FSR, XeSS) | High | Low on Quality mode |
| Ray tracing off | High | Medium |
| Shadows medium | Medium | Low |
| Volumetric fog/clouds lower | Medium | Low |
| Resolution lower | High | High |
| Textures lower | Low unless VRAM is full | Medium |
Results vary by game and hardware. Measure before and after with an FPS counter; our FPS checker guide shows how.
FPS PC Checklist: Step-by-Step Boost
- Update the GPU driver. Use NVIDIA, AMD or Intel’s official tools.
- Enable upscaling. Choose DLSS, FSR or XeSS on Quality or Balanced mode.
- Lower the heavy settings. Start with ray tracing, shadows and volumetrics.
- Turn on Game Mode. Open Windows Settings, then Gaming, then Game Mode.
- Close background apps. Browsers, recorders and launchers you are not using.
Check Hardware Limits
If FPS drops after a few minutes, your PC may be overheating. Clean dust and check fans. If your GPU usage is low while FPS is low, your CPU may be the limit; lowering crowd density or view distance helps more than graphics settings.
Laptops should be plugged in and set to a performance power mode, because battery mode limits the GPU.
Game crashing instead of slow?
Crashes need different fixes: file checks, runtimes and driver reinstalls.
Fix game crashesDisplay Settings That Matter
- Set your monitor to its highest refresh rate in Windows display settings.
- Use G-Sync or FreeSync if supported, with a frame cap slightly below refresh rate.
- Plug the monitor into the graphics card, not the motherboard.
Common Mistakes
- Lowering textures first when VRAM is not full; it rarely helps.
- Installing “FPS booster” apps from unknown sites.
- Gaming on a laptop running on battery.
- Monitor plugged into motherboard video output.
Lag that is not FPS-related is covered in our gaming lag guide. Our PC game fixes guide lists trusted tools.
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Ask GamingFixFrequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to boost FPS on PC?
Updating drivers and changing in-game settings takes about twenty to thirty minutes. Testing different combinations in a demanding scene adds more time. Cleaning a dusty PC or reapplying cooling takes longer but can fix FPS drops caused by heat.
What do I need before optimizing FPS?
Know your graphics card, processor, RAM and monitor refresh rate. Install an FPS counter so you can measure changes. Make sure Windows and your GPU driver are up to date, and close other apps while testing.
What are common mistakes when boosting FPS?
Common mistakes include lowering every setting at once, installing booster apps, gaming on battery power and plugging the monitor into the motherboard. Change one setting at a time and measure, so you keep the visuals that do not cost much.
Does more RAM increase FPS?
Only if your current RAM is full while gaming. Many modern games run best with 16 GB or more. If usage is well below your total, adding RAM will not raise FPS. Faster RAM in dual-channel mode helps more on some CPUs.
Is DLSS or FSR worth using?
Yes, for most players. Upscaling renders at a lower resolution and rebuilds the image, giving a large FPS boost with a small quality cost on Quality mode. DLSS needs an NVIDIA RTX card; FSR and XeSS work on many GPUs.
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