Frames Per Second, commonly known as FPS, is one of the most important performance metrics in PC gaming. FPS measures how many individual frames your computer renders every second while a game is running. Higher FPS generally results in smoother gameplay, more responsive controls, and a better overall gaming experience. Competitive gamers often monitor FPS closely because stable frame rates can provide a significant advantage in fast-paced multiplayer games, while casual players may use FPS monitoring to determine whether graphics settings need adjustment.
Monitoring FPS is also useful when testing new hardware, troubleshooting performance problems, comparing graphics settings, overclocking components, or evaluating the impact of software updates. Fortunately, Windows and most gaming platforms provide several easy ways to display real-time FPS information directly on screen while playing games. Many methods require no additional software, while others offer more advanced monitoring capabilities.
Whether you want a simple FPS counter or a detailed performance overlay showing CPU, GPU, temperatures, and frame rates, the following methods can help you quickly view FPS in almost any PC game.
1. Use the Xbox Game Bar FPS Counter
One of the easiest ways to monitor FPS on Windows 11 is through the built-in Xbox Game Bar. Since it comes preinstalled with Windows, there is no need to download additional software. The Game Bar provides a real-time FPS counter along with performance statistics such as CPU usage, GPU usage, RAM utilization, and other useful system information.
To access it, launch your game and press Windows + G on your keyboard. The Xbox Game Bar overlay will appear on the screen. Locate the Performance widget. If it is not visible, click the Widgets menu and select Performance. Within the Performance panel, you will find an FPS section. The first time you enable FPS monitoring, Windows may ask for administrator permission. Accept the prompt and restart the computer if necessary.
Once enabled, click the Pin button to keep the FPS counter visible while gaming. The overlay can be positioned anywhere on the screen and remains active during gameplay without significantly affecting performance.
Advantages
- Built directly into Windows 11
- No extra downloads required
- Displays CPU and GPU usage
- Easy to enable
- Works with many games
Best For
Gamers who want a simple and free FPS counter without installing third-party software.
2. Enable the Steam FPS Counter
If you play games through Steam, the platform includes a built-in FPS counter that can be enabled in just a few clicks. This feature displays frame rate information in a corner of the screen while gaming and has almost no impact on system performance.
Open Steam and click Steam > Settings. In the Settings window, select In Game from the left navigation pane. Locate the In-Game FPS Counter option and choose where you want the FPS value displayed. Available positions include top-left, top-right, bottom-left, and bottom-right corners of the screen.
After saving your settings, launch a game through Steam. The FPS number will automatically appear in the selected corner. Some versions of Steam also provide a high-contrast FPS display option for improved visibility.
The Steam FPS counter is lightweight, accurate, and ideal for users who primarily play games purchased through Steam.
Advantages
- Extremely easy to configure
- Minimal resource usage
- Accurate frame rate reporting
- Integrated directly into Steam
- No extra software required
Best For
Players whose game library is primarily located on Steam.
3. Use NVIDIA GeForce Experience Performance Overlay
Owners of NVIDIA graphics cards can take advantage of the built-in performance monitoring tools available through NVIDIA App or older versions of GeForce Experience. These tools provide detailed performance overlays that include FPS monitoring along with system statistics.
Open the NVIDIA application and enable the in-game overlay if it is not already active. Press Alt + Z to access the overlay menu. Navigate to Performance settings and enable the performance overlay. Depending on the selected monitoring level, you can view FPS, GPU utilization, GPU temperature, CPU utilization, latency statistics, and additional performance metrics.
The overlay can be customized to display only FPS or a more comprehensive set of performance data. Because it is integrated directly into NVIDIA’s software ecosystem, compatibility is excellent across most modern games.
Many gamers prefer NVIDIA’s overlay because it provides professional-grade monitoring without requiring third-party applications.
Advantages
- Detailed performance information
- Excellent NVIDIA integration
- Customizable overlays
- Displays temperatures and utilization
- Low performance impact
Best For
Users with NVIDIA graphics cards who want advanced performance monitoring.
4. Use AMD Software Performance Metrics Overlay
Gamers using AMD Radeon graphics cards have access to a similar feature through AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition. AMD’s built-in performance metrics overlay provides extensive information about system performance, including real-time FPS data.
Open AMD Software and navigate to the Performance section. Enable the Metrics Overlay option. Alternatively, many systems allow the overlay to be toggled using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + O.
Once enabled, the overlay displays FPS, frame times, GPU utilization, GPU temperatures, CPU usage, VRAM consumption, memory usage, and additional performance information. Users can customize which statistics are shown and adjust the overlay’s appearance and position on the screen.
Because the monitoring tools are integrated directly into AMD’s graphics software, they generally provide accurate measurements while maintaining low overhead.
Advantages
- Included with AMD graphics drivers
- Comprehensive system monitoring
- Customizable interface
- Accurate FPS reporting
- Free to use
Best For
AMD Radeon users who want detailed gaming performance statistics.
5. Use MSI Afterburner and RivaTuner Statistics Server
For users seeking the most advanced FPS monitoring solution, MSI Afterburner combined with RivaTuner Statistics Server remains one of the most popular choices among enthusiasts and professional reviewers.
MSI Afterburner is widely known for graphics card overclocking, but it also includes powerful hardware monitoring features. When paired with RivaTuner Statistics Server, users can display highly customizable on-screen overlays containing FPS, frame times, CPU temperatures, GPU temperatures, clock speeds, memory usage, power consumption, and many other performance metrics.
After installing both applications, open MSI Afterburner and access the Monitoring tab. Select FPS and any additional metrics you wish to display. Enable the option to show selected statistics in the On-Screen Display. Launch a game and the overlay will appear automatically.
The flexibility offered by MSI Afterburner is unmatched. Users can customize fonts, colors, positions, graphs, and information displayed. This level of control makes it a favorite among benchmarkers, streamers, hardware reviewers, and enthusiasts.
Advantages
- Extremely detailed monitoring
- Highly customizable overlays
- Supports extensive hardware statistics
- Suitable for benchmarking
- Free software
Best For
Advanced users who want comprehensive performance monitoring and customization.
Quick FPS Monitoring Comparison
| Method | Ease of Use | Additional Software | Detail Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Game Bar | Very Easy | No | Moderate |
| Steam FPS Counter | Very Easy | No | Basic |
| NVIDIA Overlay | Easy | NVIDIA Software | High |
| AMD Metrics Overlay | Easy | AMD Software | High |
| MSI Afterburner | Moderate | Yes | Very High |
What Is a Good FPS for Gaming?
The ideal FPS depends on the type of game and monitor refresh rate.
30 FPS
- Playable
- Common in older systems
- Suitable for slower-paced games
60 FPS
- Smooth gameplay
- Standard target for most PC games
- Excellent overall experience
120 FPS
- Very smooth motion
- Ideal for competitive gaming
- Works well with high-refresh-rate monitors
144 FPS and Above
- Extremely responsive
- Preferred by esports players
- Best for 144Hz, 165Hz, 240Hz, and higher displays
Tips to Improve FPS
If your FPS is lower than expected, consider:
- Updating graphics drivers
- Lowering graphics settings
- Closing background applications
- Enabling Game Mode in Windows
- Upgrading RAM
- Installing games on an SSD
- Reducing resolution
- Monitoring system temperatures
Small optimizations can often produce noticeable performance improvements.
Final Thoughts
Monitoring FPS is one of the easiest ways to evaluate gaming performance and identify potential bottlenecks. Whether you use the built-in Xbox Game Bar, Steam’s FPS counter, NVIDIA’s performance overlay, AMD’s metrics tools, or the highly customizable MSI Afterburner setup, each method provides valuable insight into how your PC handles games.
For most users, the Xbox Game Bar or Steam FPS Counter offers the quickest and simplest solution. Gamers who want more detailed information should consider NVIDIA or AMD performance overlays, while enthusiasts and benchmarkers will likely prefer the advanced monitoring capabilities of MSI Afterburner and RivaTuner Statistics Server. By keeping an eye on FPS, you can optimize settings, improve performance, and enjoy a smoother gaming experience on Windows 11.
