🎮 What is an FPS Drop?

FPS stands for “Frames Per Second” – it’s a measure of how smoothly your game is running. When your FPS suddenly drops, the game feels choppy, stutters, or even freezes for a brief moment. This is known as an FPS drop, and it can completely ruin your gaming experience.

For example, you might be playing Call of Duty, Fortnite, or CS:GO and everything is smooth at 120 FPS – but suddenly it drops to 40 FPS. The game lags, your aim is off, and you're frustrated.

🔍 Why Do FPS Drops Happen?

FPS drops can happen for a variety of reasons. Here are the most common culprits:

  1. Background Processes Eating Resources

    • Applications like Chrome, Discord, antivirus software, or even Windows updates running in the background can consume CPU and RAM.

  2. Outdated Graphics Drivers

    • GPU drivers are constantly updated to fix bugs and improve performance. Using old versions may cause major FPS issues.

  3. Thermal Throttling

    • If your CPU or GPU overheats, your system automatically reduces performance to avoid hardware damage, causing FPS drops.

  4. Power Plan Settings

    • Windows may be running in “Power Saver” or “Balanced” mode, which limits CPU performance to conserve energy.

  5. In-Game Settings Too High

    • Playing on ultra settings when your system is built for medium can overwhelm your GPU, resulting in stuttering and FPS loss.

  6. VRAM and RAM Bottlenecks

    • Running out of GPU memory (VRAM) or system memory (RAM) forces the system to use slower storage, causing massive slowdowns.

  7. Disk Usage Spikes

    • Games installed on slow HDDs can suffer from FPS drops during loading zones or asset streaming.

🧪 Symptoms of an FPS Drop

  • Microstuttering: Game feels like it’s skipping frames randomly

  • Audio Crackling: FPS drops may cause distorted or laggy game audio

  • Input Delay: Mouse and keyboard feel unresponsive

  • Sudden Freezing: Game freezes for a second, then resumes

  • Lower than usual FPS: Even in low-demand scenes

🧰 Tools to Monitor FPS and Diagnose Issues

To effectively fix FPS drop issues, you need to monitor your system:

ToolFunction
MSI AfterburnerReal-time GPU, CPU usage, temperature, FPS overlay
HWMonitorTracks temperature and voltage levels
GPU-Z / CPU-ZDetailed specs and live monitoring
Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc)See background processes and usage
CapFrameX / RivatunerFrame-time graphs, stutter analysis

These tools will help you determine what's causing FPS drops: CPU spikes, RAM bottlenecks, thermal issues, or something else.

💬 Real-World Example

“I was playing Valorant and noticed FPS drops every few minutes. Turned out Discord's hardware acceleration was the problem. After disabling it, my FPS went from 90 (with drops to 30) to a stable 144.” — Reddit user

📝 What This Guide Will Cover

In this full-length guide, we’ll go deep into:

  • 🔧 How to optimize Windows for gaming

  • 📉 How to fix specific FPS issues in popular games

  • ⚙️ How to configure your system for maximum stability

  • ❌ What NOT to do (common mistakes)

  • 🧠 Advanced tweaks for gamers and power users

🧼 1. Disable Unnecessary Background Applications

Go to Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and sort by CPU or Memory usage. Right-click and end any non-essential apps like:

  • Google Chrome

  • OneDrive Sync

  • Steam Overlay (when not in use)

  • Updaters (Adobe, Spotify, etc.)

  • Discord (if hardware acceleration is on)

✅ Pro Tip: Use MSCONFIG to disable startup apps.

  • Press Win + R → type msconfig → Go to Startup tab → Disable anything you don’t need at boot.

🔌 2. Set Windows Power Plan to Maximum Performance

Windows may throttle your CPU to save energy.

How to fix it:

  • Open Control Panel → Power Options

  • Select High Performance or Ultimate Performance

    • If not visible:
      Open PowerShell as admin and run:

      powershell
      powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61

💾 3. Update GPU Drivers (NVIDIA / AMD / Intel)

Outdated drivers are one of the most common causes of FPS drops.

✅ Tip: Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode before installing new drivers to avoid conflicts.

🌡️ 4. Fix Thermal Throttling

If your CPU or GPU reaches high temperatures (85°C+), it may throttle, causing frame drops.

How to check:

  • Use HWMonitor, MSI Afterburner, or CoreTemp

Solutions:

  • Clean your PC from dust

  • Re-apply thermal paste (for experienced users)

  • Improve airflow (add intake/exhaust fans)

  • Use a cooling pad (for laptops)

🎯 5. Turn Off Fullscreen Optimizations

Windows' “fullscreen optimization” can interfere with performance.

How to disable:

  • Right-click your game EXE → Properties → Compatibility

  • Check "Disable fullscreen optimizations"

  • Also click "Change high DPI settings", check:

    • “Override high DPI scaling behavior” → Application

📉 6. Lower In-Game Settings (Strategically)

Some settings impact FPS more than others. Lower these first:

SettingImpact on FPS
ShadowsVery High
Anti-AliasingHigh
Post ProcessingMedium
Draw DistanceHigh
Texture QualityMedium (VRAM dependent)
Resolution ScaleVery High

✅ Lower resolution scale to 90% or 85% to boost FPS without major visual loss.

💡 7. Enable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling (HAGS)

Works for Windows 10 (2004+) and Windows 11.

  • Go to Settings → System → Display → Graphics settings

  • Turn on Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling

  • Restart your PC

⚠️ Only works on supported GPUs. Not every system benefits.

🚀 8. Disable Game DVR and Xbox Game Bar

Xbox Game Bar can cause background recording, hurting performance.

  • Open Settings → Gaming → Xbox Game Bar

    • Turn OFF “Open Xbox Game Bar”

  • Then go to Captures

    • Turn OFF “Record in the background while I’m playing a game”

🛠️ 9. Use ISLC (Intelligent Standby List Cleaner)

This tool clears standby memory which can help eliminate stutters and FPS drops, especially in high-RAM games like Warzone, Apex Legends, or Cyberpunk 2077.

  • Download ISLC from: https://www.wagnardsoft.com

  • Set timer resolution to 0.5

  • Enable “Start ISLC minimized and auto-Launch”

  • Let it auto-clean every 1–2 minutes

🔄 10. Keep Your System Clean

Use tools like:

  • CCleaner – To remove junk, cache, temp files

  • Malwarebytes – To remove malware/adware

  • Autoruns – Advanced tool to manage startup entries

🎯 1. Fortnite FPS Drop Fix (2025)

Common Causes:

  • High post-processing effects

  • Background recording (Game Bar, NVIDIA ShadowPlay)

  • Asset streaming issues on HDDs

Fixes:

  • Set Shadows, Post Processing, Effects to LOW

  • Use DX11 instead of DX12 (DX12 still causes instability for many)

  • Disable Replay Recording in game settings

  • Use Performance Mode for older GPUs

  • Ensure game is installed on SSD, not HDD

✅ Pro Tip: Lower 3D Resolution to 90% for a big FPS gain

🎯 2. Valorant FPS Drop Fix

Common Causes:

  • Windows Game Bar interference

  • Riot Vanguard causing CPU spikes

  • VSync or Limited FPS settings

Fixes:

  • Disable Xbox Game Bar & Game DVR

  • Open Task Manager → set Valorant.exe to High Priority

  • In-game settings:

    • Material Quality: Low

    • Shadows: Off

    • Anti-Aliasing: MSAA x2 or Off

    • Improve Clarity: Off

✅ Turn ON NVIDIA Reflex (if supported)

🎯 3. Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) FPS Drop Fix

Common Causes:

  • Poor optimization (game still evolving)

  • High RAM usage due to Source 2 engine

  • Steam Overlay and Background Downloads

Fixes:

  • Launch Options:

    diff
    -novid -high -threads 4 -nojoy +fps_max 0

  • Set Multicore Rendering to ON

  • Disable Steam Overlay for CS2

  • Use Process Lasso to set CS2’s CPU affinity to physical cores only

✅ Add +cl_forcepreload 1 in launch options for smoother loading

🎯 4. Call of Duty: Warzone FPS Drop Fix

Common Causes:

  • VRAM overload (especially with high textures)

  • Background services like Battle.net update agent

  • Shader compilation stutters

Fixes:

  • Set Texture Resolution to LOW or NORMAL

  • Lower Particle Quality and disable Ray Tracing

  • Set NVIDIA DLSS to Performance Mode (if supported)

  • Turn OFF On-Demand Texture Streaming

  • Rebuild shaders if stuttering persists:

    • Settings → Graphics → Restart Shader Compilation

✅ Play in Fullscreen (not borderless) for max FPS

🎯 5. Apex Legends FPS Drop Fix

Common Causes:

  • Origin/EA app services eating CPU

  • Poor GPU utilization due to frame cap

  • VRAM spike on certain maps

Fixes:

  • In Steam/Origin, set launch options:

    diff
    +fps_max 0 -novid -fullscreen

  • Turn OFF VSync

  • Lower Impact Marks and Ragdolls

  • Use Adaptive Resolution FPS Target at 60

✅ If using AMD GPU, disable Radeon Chill and Enhanced Sync

🎯 6. PUBG FPS Drop Fix

Common Causes:

  • Overloaded CPU (especially older ones)

  • Texture streaming lag

  • Recording apps like OBS

Fixes:

  • Run PUBG as administrator

  • Use LOW settings for Shadows, Post Processing, Effects

  • Disable Steam Overlay

  • Move game to SSD

  • In Engine.ini, add:

    ini
    [SystemSettings]
bUseVSync=False

✅ Don’t cap framerate unless necessary – PUBG benefits from uncapped FPS

🧪 Other Games Affected by FPS Drops

GameKnown IssueFix
GTA VExtended loading & VRAM leaksLower extended distance scaling
Red Dead 2Shader stutter & Vulkan instabilityUse DX12, cap FPS at 60
Cyberpunk 2077RT and DLSS conflictsUse DLSS Quality, lower crowd density
Hogwarts LegacyCPU bottleneck in open areasDisable RT, install on SSD
Elden RingStuttering from poor DX12 managementUse DXVK fix or mod to stabilize framerate

📌 Summary of Best Practices Per Game Type

Game TypeSuggested Fixes
Competitive FPSDisable VSync, use Fullscreen, enable Reflex, cap FPS manually
Battle RoyaleDisable background recording, lower texture settings, clean VRAM
Open World RPGCap FPS at 60, install on SSD, avoid maxing shadows and draw distance
MMORPGLower population settings, avoid clutter overlays, keep drivers updated

⚙️ 1. Update BIOS and Chipset Drivers

Why?

Outdated BIOS firmware or chipset drivers can cause compatibility issues, PCIe throttling, RAM speed limits, and even CPU undervolting—leading to FPS stuttering.

How to do it:

⚠️ Always follow official update instructions—flashing BIOS incorrectly can damage your system.

🧠 2. Enable XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) in BIOS

If you have high-speed RAM (e.g., 3200 MHz or 3600 MHz), it will not run at full speed by default.

Solution:

  • Enter BIOS (usually pressing DEL or F2 during boot)

  • Look for XMP, DOCP, or EXPO settings

  • Enable the correct memory profile

✅ Result: Improved RAM bandwidth → less stuttering in memory-intensive games like Warzone, RDR2, Hogwarts Legacy

🧾 3. Registry Tweaks to Improve System Responsiveness

⚠️ Be careful when editing the Windows Registry. Always back it up first.

a. Disable Nagle’s Algorithm (for better online game latency)

  • Open regedit

  • Navigate to:

    sql
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\

  • Find your network adapter GUID

  • Add these DWORD values:

    • TcpAckFrequency = 1

    • TCPNoDelay = 1

    • TcpDelAckTicks = 0

b. Disable Multimedia Class Scheduler (can cause frame cap in Windows)

  • Navigate to:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Multimedia\SystemProfile

  • Set:

    • SystemResponsiveness = 0

    • NetworkThrottlingIndex = ffffffff

🎮 4. Optimize NVIDIA / AMD Control Panel Settings

NVIDIA Control Panel:

Go to NVIDIA Control Panel → Manage 3D Settings → Global Settings

SettingRecommended
Power management modePrefer Maximum Performance
Texture filtering - QualityHigh Performance
Low Latency ModeOn (or Ultra)
Vertical syncOff
Threaded optimizationOn
Max Frame RateOFF (unless capping)

✅ Enable G-Sync only if your monitor supports it
✅ For laptops, set "Preferred Graphics Processor" to High-performance NVIDIA processor

AMD Radeon Software:

  • Enable Radeon Boost (reduces resolution during fast movement)

  • Disable Anti-Lag and Chill (can conflict with certain games)

  • Set Tessellation Mode to Override Application Settings → x8

  • Set Wait for Vertical Refresh to Off, unless application specifies

📦 5. Disable HPET (High Precision Event Timer) – optional tweak

Some users report improved system latency with HPET off.

To check HPET status:

Open CMD (as admin):

cmd
bcdedit /enum

If you see useplatformclock Yes, HPET is ON.

To disable:

cmd
bcdedit /deletevalue useplatformclock

Restart your system.

⚠️ This tweak has mixed results. Benchmark with tools like LatencyMon before/after.

💡 6. Overclock (OC) Responsibly

If you’re familiar with overclocking, this can offer significant FPS gains:

  • CPU Overclock via BIOS (adjust multiplier + voltage)

  • GPU Overclock with MSI Afterburner (raise core/mem clocks gradually)

  • Undervolting for laptops to reduce thermal throttling

✅ Monitor temps with HWInfo64 or Afterburner Overlay
✅ Stress test with Prime95, AIDA64, or FurMark after any OC change

🧪 7. Clean GPU Drivers with DDU Before Major Updates

Driver conflicts, especially when switching GPUs or versions, can lead to stuttering.

  • Download Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU)

  • Boot into Safe Mode

  • Uninstall all NVIDIA/AMD/Intel drivers

  • Reboot and install fresh version

🔁 8. Set Games to Run on Dedicated GPU (Laptop Users)

Laptops with both integrated and dedicated GPUs may default to the weaker one.

  • Go to Settings → System → Display → Graphics Settings

  • Browse to your game EXE

  • Click Options → Set to High Performance

📋 Recap of Advanced Fixes

MethodTypeImpact
BIOS UpdateFirmwareMedium
XMP EnableBIOS/MemoryHigh
Regedit TweaksOS-LevelMedium
GPU Panel TweaksDriver-LevelHigh
DDU Clean InstallDriver Clean-UpHigh
HPET TweakTimer OptimizationExperimental
OverclockingHardware TuningHigh (riskier)

🧰 1. Regular Maintenance to Prevent FPS Drops

a. Keep Your Drivers Up-to-Date

  • GPU (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel)

  • Chipset & BIOS

  • Audio & Network drivers

b. Install Windows Updates Selectively

  • Avoid optional feature updates unless needed

  • Pause automatic updates during gaming sessions

c. Clean System Physically

  • Remove dust from fans, CPU cooler, GPU, and vents

  • Every 3–6 months for desktops

  • Use compressed air or electric blowers

d. Run Disk Cleanup Weekly

  • Windows + R → cleanmgr

  • Delete temp files, update logs, DirectX caches

e. Defragment HDDs (if used)

  • Only for HDDs (not SSDs)

  • Windows + S → Defragment and Optimize Drives

✅ For SSDs, make sure TRIM is enabled:

cmd
fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify

Output should be DisableDeleteNotify = 0

🛡️ 2. Protect Your System from Malware or Hidden Miners

FPS drops can be caused by:

  • Crypto miners (malware)

  • Hidden keyloggers

  • Browser hijackers

Fix:

  • Use Malwarebytes + Windows Defender

  • Check for high background CPU usage in Task Manager

  • Use Process Explorer to inspect unknown processes

✅ Avoid downloading pirated games — they're often packed with miners

📈 3. Monitor Temperatures Over Time

Use HWInfo64 or MSI Afterburner with OSD overlay to monitor:

ComponentIdeal RangeCritical
CPU30–75°C85°C+
GPU35–80°C90°C+
SSD< 60°C70°C+

If temperatures regularly spike, apply fresh thermal paste and improve airflow.

🎮 4. Limit Background Tasks Automatically with Scripts

Create custom gaming batch scripts to:

  • Close apps like Chrome, Discord

  • Stop services (e.g., Windows Update, SysMain)

  • Set Power Plan to Max

bat
powercfg -setactive SCHEME_MIN
net stop "SysMain"
taskkill /F /IM chrome.exe

✅ You can use Razer Cortex or Smart Game Booster for simplified automation

❓ 5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why does my FPS drop only after 10–20 minutes of gameplay?

A: Most likely due to thermal throttling or memory leaks. Check CPU/GPU temps and RAM usage.

Q: Should I use game boosters or optimizer apps?

A: Some are helpful (Razer Cortex), but many are bloatware. Stick to manual optimization or trusted tools.

Q: Does RAM size affect FPS?

A: Yes. 8GB is now considered minimum for modern games. 16GB is ideal; 32GB for high-end or multitasking setups.

Q: How can I check if my GPU is being used correctly?

A: Open Task Manager → Performance tab → GPU. Make sure the game uses GPU 1 (not integrated graphics).

Q: My FPS is high, but the game feels stuttery. Why?

A: Likely due to inconsistent frame times. Use CapFrameX or RTSS frame-time graph to confirm. Try enabling G-Sync/Freesync + Frame Cap.

Q: Should I reinstall Windows if nothing else works?

A: As a last resort, yes. A clean Windows 11 install can fix deep registry, driver, or service-level issues causing drops.

🔚 Final Words: Stay Optimized, Stay Ahead

FPS drops are not just a game problem, they’re a system-level issue. They often result from:

  • Background clutter

  • Thermals

  • Outdated settings

  • Software conflicts

With proper maintenance and optimizations from this guide, you can prevent FPS issues, gain smoother gameplay, and extend the life of your hardware.

📌 TL;DR (Summary Checklist)

  • ✅ Close background apps

  • ✅ Set Power Plan to Max Performance

  • ✅ Update GPU + Chipset drivers

  • ✅ Clean your PC physically + digitally

  • ✅ Tweak GPU control panel settings

  • ✅ Monitor temps and usage

  • ✅ Install games on SSD

  • ✅ Use ISLC or Game Mode if needed

  • ✅ Apply game-specific fixes

  • ✅ Benchmark regularly to track performance changes