- There are multiple methods to view FPS in Windows, from native tools such as Xbox Game Bar to third-party utilities.
- Monitoring FPS is essential to detect performance issues and optimize your gaming experience.
- The choice of method depends on your preferences, the hardware and whether you are looking for basic information or advanced data on the screen.
Have you ever wondered how to know the FPS in video games in Windows and ensure your gaming experience is as smooth as possible? Measuring frames per second is not only useful for enthusiasts pushing their PC's performance to the limit, but also for those who want to optimize their game settings, detect performance drops, or simply get the most out of their hardware. Having control over FPS is an essential tool for both casual and competitive gamers.
In this article I will show you in detail All the ways to see the FPS in your Windows games, from the operating system's own native options to third-party programs and manufacturer-specific utilities. Read on to learn the simplest methods, the advantages of each option, and Tricks to monitor your PC's performance while you play.
Why is it important to know how much FPS you have?
Before getting into the subject, it is important to be clear Why SPF makes a difference in the image quality and fluidity of video games. FPS, or Frames Per Second (frames per second) indicates how many images your graphics card processes and displays each second. A higher FPS number translates to smoother movements and immediate response., a situation especially relevant in competitive games such as Counter-Strike o Call of Duty, where every thousandth of a second counts.
In addition to the visual experience, Monitoring FPS can help you identify problems Your PC may experience issues such as overheating, outdated drivers, or system bottlenecks. If you notice sudden frame drops or lag, it's a clear sign that you need to check both your hardware and your game settings.
Moreover, Adjusting the FPS allows you to optimize the balance between graphic quality and fluidity, choosing what to sacrifice based on your preferences and the type of game. Remember that while many conventional monitors stay at 60 or 75 Hz (corresponding to 60-75 visible FPS), today's gaming monitors can reach 144, 240, or even higher FPS, allowing you to take full advantage of the most powerful rigs.
Methods to view FPS in video games on Windows
Let's get to the point: How can you see the FPS on your Windows PC? There are several options, some integrated into the system itself and others requiring the installation of specialized software. Here, I'll detail all the options so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Option 1: Use Xbox Game Bar, the native Windows FPS counter
Since Windows 10 and, of course, in Windows 11, you don't need to install anything extra to see the FPS of your games. Just use the Xbox game bar, a system-integrated tool geared toward gamers that, in addition to displaying FPS, allows you to take screenshots, record games, stream live, and monitor key PC resources.
To activate the Xbox Game Bar and see the FPS, follow these very simple steps:
- Start any game on your PC (Game Bar only works when Windows detects a game is running).
- Press the key combination Windows + G to open the Game Bar overlay.
- In the window that appears, look for the performance widget (usually under the name “Performance”).
- There you will see the FPS counter along with usage graphs. CPU, GPU, RAM and VRAMIf you want, you can pin this window so it stays on screen even if you close the main bar.
The counter is not showing or is disabled? You may need to grant advanced permissions. Click "Request access" and follow the instructions. If Windows keeps asking for access, you may need to manually add your user to the "Performance Log Users" group (you can do this from the command prompt). lusrmgr.msc in the Local Users and Groups management; add your account and the administrator account to that group and restart the computer).
The great advantage of this method is that you don't need to install absolutely anything, and you can customize the position, transparency, and size of the FPS widget so it's always where you prefer.
Option 2: View FPS through the game itself
Many developers include the option to enable an FPS counter within the game itself. This feature is usually found in the graphics settings, sometimes under a "Performance" or "Monitoring" section. Some games even allow you to enable or disable the counter using shortcuts like Ctrl + F or similar combinations.
The game's internal counter is usually very accurate and displays the FPS in one of the corners of the screen, without the need for any additional installation or configuration. Keep in mind that Not all titles include it, but many shooters and eSports-focused games do.
Option 3: Use Steam's built-in feature to view FPS
If you usually play through Steam, you will be glad to know that the platform offers a native FPS counter, very easy to activate:
- Open Steam and go to Parameters (in the top left menu).
- In the side menu, select In the game.
- Activate the option In-game FPS counter and choose the position where you want it to appear on the screen (you can choose between the four corners and customize the color).
This counter works only with games launched through Steam; it's discreet and doesn't get in the way during gameplay. However, the customization options are somewhat limited compared to other programs, but for most users, it's usually more than enough.
Option 4: Third-party programs to monitor FPS on Windows
If you are looking for an For more advanced or complete options, there are specialized applications to control FPS and monitor other PC parameters. Here's a summary of the most popular ones:
- MSI Afterburner: It is one of the most complete tools, focused on the overclocking of the graphics card, but also integrates a customizable FPS counter from the "Monitoring" window, in addition to displaying temperature, clock speed, and voltages. You can place the information in any corner of the screen and modify its appearance to your liking. It works with any GPU and is completely free.
- Rivatuner Statistics Server (RTSS): It is usually installed together with MSI Afterburner and allows customize to the extreme how and what data you want to appear on screen. It's ideal for those who want to monitor not only FPS, but any performance-related metric.
- Fraps: A classic FPS meter that's been around for years. Compatible with DirectX and OpenGL, it displays the FPS on screen and also allows you to record video and take screenshots. Although it's somewhat outdated and the full version is paid, its free version still performs its main function well.
Option 5: Graphics card manufacturer utilities
The graphics card manufacturers themselves also offer exclusive tools to monitor FPS and overall system performance during games. These utilities often go beyond the simple FPS counter and display information about temperature, power consumption, and optimization.
- Nvidia GeForce Experience: If you have an Nvidia GPU, this app adds an extra layer of functionality. To activate the FPS counter, open the overlay with Alt + Z, choose HUD Design → Performance and select where you want to display the FPS on the screen. You can complement the information with temperature graphs, graph loading, and much more.
- AMD Radeon Software (Adrenalin Edition): AMD card users can enable the metric overlap In the performance panel, you can quickly and easily access all key system data, including FPS. As an extra, it can be combined with screen recording or automatic graphics optimization.
What else does the Xbox Game Bar offer besides the FPS counter?
It's not just about seeing the FPS: the Windows Game Bar is a true Swiss Army knife for gamers.With its widgets, you can monitor CPU, GPU, RAM, and VRAM usage, and even control music, chat with friends, or access third-party widgets.
Among the most interesting customization options are:
- You can pin the performance widget to your desktop. so that it is always visible, choosing the transparency level and adjusting its size.
- Compact the widget so that it only shows the most important data, taking up less screen space.
- Customize colors and metrics, disabling or enabling only what you're really interested in monitoring while you play.
Of course, Game Bar still has room for improvement. For example, it's not yet possible to natively measure GPU or CPU temperatures. To do so, you'll need to use additional tools like the aforementioned ones from MSI, Nvidia, or AMD. You can always combine Game Bar with other programs if you want a complete overview.
Common problems displaying FPS in Windows and how to solve them
Although the process is usually simple, There may be obstacles and recurring errors when trying to activate the FPS counter, especially with the Game Bar. The most common is getting stuck on "Requesting Access" repeatedly. If this happens to you:
- Make sure you are a system administrator and log in. lusrmgr.msc from the search bar.
- Go to Groups → Performance Log Users and add your username and the administrator username.
- Save your changes and restart your PC; after this, the Game Bar should work correctly.
Sometimes the Game Bar may not open (even with Win + G) because it is disabled or has a blocked process. Go to Windows Settings → Apps → search for Xbox Game Bar → Advanced Options and use the ResettingThis usually resolves most issues.
When is it better to use one method or another?
All the options presented have their advantages, and the choice depends on your needs and equipment:
- La Game bar It's ideal if you want something simple, fast, and without installing additional software. It's sufficient for most players and monitors multiple parameters at once.
- On specialized programs Tools like MSI Afterburner or Fraps allow for more advanced control, ideal if you're a demanding user or want to see more detailed information at all times. However, they consume more resources and require prior configuration.
- El Steam integrated counter It is the most discreet and easy if you only play from that platform, although its customization is limited.
- El graphics software It is perfect if you also want to monitor temperatures, consumption and other in-depth aspects of the hardware.
- Finally, go to the integrated counter of the game itself It is the most direct if the title allows it, without having to leave the game or touch complex settings.
Remember The choice of method depends on your preferences and the hardware you have.For a universal, easy, and hassle-free solution, the Windows Game Bar or Steam Counter are usually sufficient. But if you're looking for maximum control, options like MSI Afterburner, RTSS, Nvidia GeForce Experience, or AMD Adrenalin will give you accurate and detailed information about absolutely everything happening on your PC while you're playing.
In any case, Monitoring FPS is the first step to getting the most out of your games and detecting potential bottlenecks or performance issues.This way, you can adjust the graphics settings to suit your system's specifications and always enjoy the best possible experience, whether you're a casual gamer or aiming for competitive play.
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