If you are one of those who wonder How many frames per second is your PC generating while you are playing?You've come to the right place. Measuring FPS (Frames Per Second) in Windows is essential for understanding your computer's real-world performance. Whether you're new to gaming or a seasoned veteran, knowing this metric helps you detect performance drops, optimize graphics, or simply ensure your gaming experience is as smooth as possible.
In this guide we are going to explain to you All the available ways to view FPS on your Windows PCFrom built-in operating system options to third-party programs and settings within the games themselves, we'll go over each method in detail so you can choose the one that best suits your needs, hardware, and preferences.
What is FPS and why is it important?
The FPS are the images generated per second in a gameThe higher this number, the smoother the on-screen motion will appear. In genres like shooters, competitive MOBAs, or even fast-paced action titles, a high FPS can make the difference between winning and losing.
A low or unstable value, on the other hand, can result in unexpected jerks, stutters, or even freezes. Furthermore, A sudden drop in FPS may be a sign that something is wrong with your computer.: overheating, outdated drivers or poor software optimization, among others.
View FPS on Windows without installing anything: Xbox Game Bar
One of the best things about Windows 10 or Windows 11 is that you don't need to install any third-party programs to view your FPS. The operating system itself includes a built-in tool called Xbox game bar, designed to improve the gaming experience, which includes a plugin to monitor performance in real time.
To activate the Xbox Game Bar:
- Run the game you want to analyze.
- press the combination Windows + G.
- An overlay with multiple widgets will open.
- Click on the one of performance where you will see CPU, RAM, GPU and also FPS.
It is possible that the first time you use it ask you for additional permissionsClick "Request Access" to allow access to system data. If that doesn't work, you can manually add your user to the "Performance Log Users" group from the computer management panel.
Once configured correctly, you'll see the FPS on screen while you play. If you want to pin this information so it remains constantly visible even when you close the Game Bar, tap the pin icon that appears in the widget window.
Configure Xbox Game Bar to customize the display
The FPS counter can be easily customize. Just hover over the Performance Widget window to find the gear icon. There you can:
- Change the position of the graph on the screen.
- Adjust the transparency level.
- Select the color of the data.
- Compact or expand the view to show more or fewer metrics.
Also, if ever Game Bar does not open properlyYou can reset it from the Windows app settings. Just find Xbox Game Bar in the list, tap "Advanced Options," and then click "Reset."
Measure FPS with third-party software
If you're looking for something more advanced or prefer external tools, there are several popular programs for viewing FPS in Windows while gaming. These offer more technical details than Game Bar and, in some cases, even allow for video recording, overclocking, or more in-depth performance analysis.
Steam
If you play often on this platform, you can display the FPS directly from the client settings. Steam. To activate it:
- Open Steam and go to Parameters.
- select the section In the game.
- Activate the option In-game FPS counter and choose which corner of the screen you want it to appear in.
The counter is quite small but unobtrusive and doesn't interfere with gameplay. It's ideal for basic monitoring without installing anything additional.
NVIDIA GeForce Experience
If your PC has an NVIDIA GPU, you can use GeForce Experience To display the FPS, you just need to have your drivers updated and follow these steps:
- Open GeForce Experience and press Alt + Z to open the overlay.
- Click on HUD Design and select Unlimited.
- Choose the position of the FPS counter and whether to include additional metrics such as temperature or GPU usage.
To quickly turn the counter on or off in games, you can use the combination Alt + R.
MSI Afterburner + Rivatuner Statistics Server (RTSS)
One of the most comprehensive tools for performance enthusiasts is MSI Afterburner together with Rivatuner Statistics Server (RTSS)This combo not only lets you view FPS, but you can also overclock, adjust power profiles, and record performance data.
- Install both programs from the official MSI website.
- Open Afterburner, go to Settings and go to the tab Monitoring.
- Active frame rate and brand Show on screen.
RTSS lets you fully customize the data displayed on screen, including its style, size, colors, and placement. It's ideal for those looking for precision and complete control.
Fraps
Fraps is one of the oldest options. Although its development has slowed, it remains functional. Its free version allows you to measure FPS and take screenshots. To access video recording and other features, you need to purchase a license.
It greatly simplifies the process: You download, install, run it and you're already measuring FPS.Although more limited than other current options, it is useful for users who simply want uncomplicated data.
AMD Radeon Software (Adrenalin Edition)
AMD graphics card users also have their own solution. The Radeon software allows you to display a HUD with performance and FPS directly from your settings panel.
To activate it:
- Open AMD Radeon Software.
- Go to the tab Unlimited and look for the option Metric Overlay.
- Turn it on to display a dashboard with FPS, temperature, GPU usage, and more during your games.
FPS counter from the games themselves
Another common and effective way to know the performance is from the video game's own optionsMany modern titles include this feature natively, without the need for additional software. You can also learn to Adjust monitor frequency to improve FPS in Windows.
It is usually found in the section of graphics or performance. In other cases, it is activated with key combinations such as Ctrl + F or in internal command consoles such as those in games based on engines like Source, Unreal or Unity.
This method is very practical because it displays data in real time and can provide more accurate figures than some external programs. In addition, some titles allow record FPS history for future comparisons.
Recommendations based on game type and performance
Ideal FPSs vary depending on genre and competitive demands:
- 30FPS: acceptable for narrative or slow-paced games.
- 60FPS: current standard for most titles.
- 120 FPS or more: recommended in competitive games where fluidity is key.
It's important to consider your monitor's refresh rate. A 60Hz monitor won't deliver more than 60 FPS, but a 144Hz display will allow for greater fluidity.
What to do if your FPS is low?
If you find that your PC isn't performing as well as it should when testing, there are several things you can do to improve performance:
- Reduce graphic quality adjusting shadows, anti-aliasing or draw distance.
- Update GPU drivers.
- Improve ventilation of the equipment to avoid overheating.
- Close background processes that consume unnecessary resources.
If none of these steps work, it may be time to consider a hardware upgrade, such as more RAM, a more powerful processor, or a newer graphics card, to get a better gaming experience.
