how to check fps on pc windows 11
Ever wondered how smooth your game is running on your Windows 11 PC? Checking the frames per second (FPS) can tell you just that! In a nutshell, you’ll use a built-in tool called the Xbox Game Bar to see your FPS. This guide will walk you through the steps, making it easy even for tech beginners.
How to Check FPS on PC Windows 11
This section will guide you through the simple steps to check your FPS on a Windows 11 PC using the Xbox Game Bar. By the end, you’ll know exactly how many frames per second your game is running at.
Step 1: Open the Xbox Game Bar
To begin, press "Win + G" on your keyboard.
When you press these keys, the Xbox Game Bar will pop up on your screen. This tool is built into Windows 11 and offers various widgets, one of which displays FPS.
Step 2: Navigate to the Performance Widget
Next, look for the "Performance" widget in the Xbox Game Bar interface.
You’ll find it by clicking on the dashboard icon or using the tabs. This widget shows different performance metrics, including CPU, GPU, RAM, and most importantly, FPS.
Step 3: Pin the FPS Window
Click on the pin icon to keep the FPS window visible while you play.
The pin feature allows you to keep an eye on your game’s performance in real-time without switching back and forth. It’s super handy!
Step 4: Grant the Necessary Permissions
If prompted, follow the on-screen instructions to grant permissions.
Sometimes, the Xbox Game Bar will ask for permissions to access performance data. Just follow the prompts, and you’re good to go.
Step 5: Start Your Game
Finally, open the game you want to monitor.
Once your game starts, you’ll see the FPS counter in the pinned Performance widget. You can now track how well your game is running.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a real-time FPS counter displayed on your screen. This allows you to monitor how well your game is running and make any necessary adjustments for a smoother experience.
Tips for How to Check FPS on PC Windows 11
Here are some additional tips to help you make the most of your FPS monitoring experience:
- Keep Your Drivers Updated: Ensuring your GPU drivers are up to date can significantly impact your FPS.
- Close Background Apps: Shutting down unnecessary applications can free up resources and improve performance.
- Adjust Game Settings: Tweaking in-game settings like resolution and texture quality can boost FPS.
- Use Game Mode: Enable Windows 11 Game Mode to optimize your system for gaming.
- Monitor Temperatures: Keeping an eye on CPU and GPU temperatures can prevent overheating, which can drop your FPS.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open the Xbox Game Bar if "Win + G" doesn’t work?
You can manually open it by searching for "Xbox Game Bar" in the Windows search bar.
Why is my FPS still low even after checking it?
Low FPS could be due to outdated drivers, background applications, or even hardware limitations.
Can I use third-party software to check FPS?
Yes, programs like Fraps and MSI Afterburner also provide FPS monitoring, but the Xbox Game Bar is the simplest built-in option.
Does checking FPS affect performance?
Monitoring FPS uses minimal system resources, so it shouldn’t significantly impact performance.
Is FPS the only metric to consider for gaming performance?
No, other metrics like CPU and GPU usage, RAM, and temperature are also important.
Summary
- Press "Win + G" to open Xbox Game Bar.
- Navigate to the Performance widget.
- Pin the FPS window.
- Grant permissions if prompted.
- Start your game.
Conclusion
Knowing how to check FPS on a PC running Windows 11 can greatly enhance your gaming experience. Monitoring FPS allows you to understand how well your game is running and make necessary adjustments to improve performance. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a dedicated enthusiast, keeping an eye on those frames can mean the difference between a smooth experience and a choppy one.
Updating drivers, closing unnecessary apps, and tweaking settings are just some ways to optimize performance. The Xbox Game Bar offers a simple, built-in solution for monitoring FPS without needing extra software. So go ahead, fire up that game, and see how it runs in real-time!
For further reading, you might want to explore how to optimize your PC for gaming or delve into advanced performance metrics. Keep on gaming!