Are you tired of experiencing low FPS (Frames Per Second) on your Windows 10 computer? Do you find it frustrating when playing games or running resource-intensive programs? You’re not alone. Many Windows 10 users face this issue, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. In this article, we’ll explore the possible causes of low FPS and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to fix it.
Understanding Frames Per Second (FPS)
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand what FPS is and how it affects your computing experience. Frames Per Second is the number of frames that your computer’s graphics card can render per second. A higher FPS means smoother and more seamless performance, while a lower FPS can result in choppy and laggy performance. For gaming and resource-intensive activities, a minimum of 60 FPS is recommended for a smooth experience.
Causes Of Low FPS In Windows 10
Low FPS in Windows 10 can be caused by several factors, including:
Hardware Limitations
- Aging hardware: If your computer’s hardware is outdated, it may not be powerful enough to handle demanding programs or games.
- Graphics card not adequate: An integrated graphics card or a low-end dedicated graphics card may not provide enough power to deliver high FPS.
- Insufficient RAM: Running multiple resource-intensive programs at the same time can cause low FPS if your computer doesn’t have enough RAM to handle them.
Software-Related Issues
- Outdated drivers: Outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues and lead to low FPS.
- Resource-intensive programs: Running too many resource-intensive programs at the same time can consume system resources and cause low FPS.
- System malware: Malware infections can cause system slowdowns, including low FPS.
Other Factors
- Power settings: Power-saving settings can limit your computer’s performance and cause low FPS.
- Graphics settings: High graphics settings can put a strain on your computer’s hardware, leading to low FPS.
Step-by-Step Guide To Fixing Low FPS In Windows 10
Now that we’ve explored the possible causes of low FPS, let’s dive into the solutions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you fix low FPS in Windows 10:
Step 1: Update Your Graphics Drivers
Outdated graphics drivers can cause compatibility issues and lead to low FPS. To update your graphics drivers:
- Go to the Device Manager (Press Win + X and select Device Manager)
- Expand the “Display Adapters” section
- Right-click on your graphics card and select “Update driver”
- Follow the prompts to update your graphics drivers
Step 2: Disable Resource-Intensive Programs
Disable any resource-intensive programs that you don’t need:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager
- In the Task Manager, identify resource-intensive programs and close them
- Consider uninstalling programs that you no longer need
Step 3: Adjust Your Power Settings
Adjust your power settings to prioritize performance:
- Go to Settings (Press Win + I)
- Click on “System”
- Click on “Power & sleep”
- Click on “Additional power settings” on the right side
- Select the “High performance” power plan
Step 4: Adjust Your Graphics Settings
Adjust your graphics settings to a lower setting:
- Go to the game’s graphics settings (or the program’s graphics settings)
- Reduce the graphics settings to a lower setting
- Save the changes
Step 5: Close Unnecessary Programs
Close any unnecessary programs that may be consuming system resources:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager
- In the Task Manager, identify programs that you’re not using and close them
Step 6: Update Windows 10
Keep Windows 10 up-to-date:
- Go to Settings (Press Win + I)
- Click on “Update & Security”
- Click on “Check for updates”
- Follow the prompts to update Windows 10
Step 7: Check For Malware
Scan your computer for malware:
- Open Windows Defender (Press Win + Q and type “Windows Defender” in the search bar)
- Run a full scan to detect and remove any malware
Step 8: Upgrade Your Hardware
Consider upgrading your hardware if it’s outdated:
- Upgrade to a more powerful graphics card
- Upgrade to more RAM
- Upgrade to a faster processor
Step 9: Use The Windows Game Bar
Use the Windows Game Bar to monitor your FPS and adjust your graphics settings:
- Press Win + G to open the Game Bar
- Click on the “Performance” tab
- Adjust your graphics settings to achieve higher FPS
Step 10: Consider Reinstalling Windows 10
As a last resort, consider reinstalling Windows 10:
- Back up your files and settings
- Reinstall Windows 10
- Restore your files and settings
| Step | Task |
|---|---|
| 1 | Update your graphics drivers |
| 2 | Disable resource-intensive programs |
| 3 | Adjust your power settings |
| 4 | Adjust your graphics settings |
| 5 | Close unnecessary programs |
| 6 | Update Windows 10 |
| 7 | Check for malware |
| 8 | Upgrade your hardware |
| 9 | Use the Windows Game Bar |
| 10 | Consider reinstalling Windows 10 |
By following these steps, you should be able to fix low FPS in Windows 10 and enjoy a smoother computing experience. Remember to always keep your computer’s hardware and software up-to-date to prevent future issues.
In conclusion, low FPS in Windows 10 can be a frustrating issue, but it’s not impossible to fix. By understanding the causes of low FPS and following the steps outlined in this article, you can improve your computer’s performance and enjoy a smoother computing experience.
What Causes Low FPS In Windows 10?
Low FPS in Windows 10 can be caused by various factors such as outdated or faulty graphics drivers, insufficient RAM or processor power, malware or virus infections, and background programs consuming system resources. Additionally, overheating of the computer, low disk space, and outdated Windows updates can also lead to low FPS.
To resolve these issues, it is essential to identify the root cause of the problem. You can start by checking your computer’s hardware specifications and comparing them to the system requirements of the game or program you are trying to run. This will help you determine if your computer’s hardware is capable of handling the demands of the program.
How Do I Update My Graphics Drivers In Windows 10?
To update your graphics drivers in Windows 10, you can use the Device Manager. First, press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager. Then, expand the Display Adapters section and right-click on the graphics driver. Select Update driver and follow the prompts to search for and install the latest drivers.
Alternatively, you can also use the GeForce Experience (for NVIDIA graphics cards) or AMD Radeon Software (for AMD graphics cards) to update your graphics drivers. These applications will automatically detect and install the latest drivers for your graphics card. You can also use the Windows Update feature to check for and install any available updates for your graphics drivers.
What Is The Recommended RAM For Smooth Gaming In Windows 10?
The recommended RAM for smooth gaming in Windows 10 depends on the games you are playing and the other system specifications. However, a general rule of thumb is to have at least 8 GB of RAM for casual gaming and at least 16 GB of RAM for more demanding games. Having more RAM will allow you to run multiple programs simultaneously and maintain a smooth gaming experience.
It is also essential to note that the speed and type of RAM can also impact gaming performance. For example, DDR4 RAM is faster and more efficient than DDR3 RAM. Adding more RAM to your computer can significantly improve gaming performance, but it is also crucial to ensure that the RAM is compatible with your computer’s hardware.
How Do I Close Unnecessary Programs In Windows 10 To Improve FPS?
To close unnecessary programs in Windows 10, you can use the Task Manager. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager, and then click on the Processes tab. This will display a list of all running programs. You can then right-click on any program you want to close and select End Task.
Another way to close unnecessary programs is to press the Windows key + X and select Task Manager. You can also use the System Configuration utility to disable startup programs that you don’t need. To access the System Configuration utility, press the Windows key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter. Then, click on the Startup tab and disable any unnecessary programs.
How Can I Disable Windows Updates To Prevent FPS Drops?
Disabling Windows updates is not recommended as it can expose your computer to security vulnerabilities. However, you can temporarily pause Windows updates to prevent FPS drops. To do this, go to the Settings app, click on the Update & Security icon, and then click on Windows Update. Click on the Pause updates for 7 days option.
Alternatively, you can also set your internet connection to metered, which will prevent Windows from automatically downloading updates. To do this, go to the Settings app, click on the Network & Internet icon, and then click on Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Click on your network connection and toggle the toggle switch to On under the Metered connection option.
Can Overclocking My CPU Improve FPS In Windows 10?
Overclocking your CPU can potentially improve FPS in Windows 10, but it also carries risks such as overheating, system crashes, and reduced CPU lifespan. Overclocking involves increasing the CPU clock speed beyond its recommended specifications. This can lead to increased performance but also generates more heat.
Before overclocking your CPU, ensure that your cooling system can handle the increased heat. You will also need specialized software such as Intel Extreme Tuning Utility or AMD Ryzen Master Utility to adjust your CPU clock speed. It is essential to monitor your system’s performance and temperatures while overclocking to avoid any damage to your CPU.
How Do I Check For Malware Infections That May Be Causing Low FPS?
To check for malware infections that may be causing low FPS, you can use the built-in Windows Defender or install anti-virus software such as Avast, AVG, or Kaspersky. Run a full scan of your system to detect and remove any malware infections.
Additionally, you can also use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and repair corrupted system files that may be causing low FPS. To access the SFC tool, press the Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter. Then, type sfc /scannow and press Enter to start the scan.