How to Turn Off FPS Counter in Windows 11

Monitoring your frame rate (FPS) can be useful for gamers and developers to assess performance, but sometimes you may want to hide the FPS counter for a cleaner screen or to troubleshoot issues. Turning off the FPS counter in Windows 11 is straightforward and can be achieved through different methods depending on how the counter was enabled. Whether you used the Xbox Game Bar, a third-party app, or built-in settings, this guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to disable the FPS display effectively.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows 11 PC with administrative access
• Optional: The application or method used to enable the FPS counter (e.g., Xbox Game Bar, GeForce Experience, Steam)

Step-by-Step

1. Identify how the FPS counter was enabled: Determine whether it was through Windows Xbox Game Bar, a GPU utility, or a game launcher. This will guide which steps to follow.
2. Disabling via Xbox Game Bar:
   1. Press Windows key + G to open the Xbox Game Bar overlay.
   2. Click on the Settings icon (gear symbol) in the Xbox Game Bar menu.
   3. Navigate to the ‘Gaming features’ section.
   4. Locate the toggle for ‘FPS counter’ and switch it off.
   5. Close the Xbox Game Bar by clicking the X or pressing Windows key + G again.
3. Disabling via GeForce Experience (NVIDIA users):
   1. Open NVIDIA GeForce Experience from the system tray or start menu.
   2. Click on the gear icon to open Settings.
   3. Go to the ‘In-Game Overlay’ section and click on ‘Settings.’
   4. Select ‘HUD Layout.’
   5. Find the ‘FPS Counter’ option and toggle it off or remove it from the layout.
   6. Close the settings window to save changes.
4. Disabling via Steam:
   1. Launch Steam and go to your Library.
   2. Right-click on the game where the FPS counter appears and select ‘Properties.’
   3. Navigate to the ‘General’ tab.
   4. Look for the ‘In-Game’ section and uncheck ‘Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.’
   5. Alternatively, disable specific in-game overlays that show FPS if available.
   6. Close the properties window.
5. Verify the FPS counter is no longer visible by relaunching the game or application.

Common Mistakes

• Not identifying which application or utility is displaying the FPS counter, leading to confusion about which setting to change.
• Disabling the wrong overlay or feature, such as turning off the Steam overlay but not the in-game FPS display.
• Forgetting to save settings after making changes, resulting in the counter still appearing.
• Assuming the FPS counter is part of Windows 11 default features—it’s usually added by third-party tools or game overlays.
• Ignoring background applications that might also display FPS, like MSI Afterburner or Rivatuner.

Tips

• Always double-check which application is responsible for the FPS display before making changes.
• Use keyboard shortcuts (like Windows key + G) to quickly access the Xbox Game Bar and toggle settings.
• Keep your graphics drivers and overlay utilities updated to avoid conflicts or bugs related to overlay displays.
• If multiple overlays are active, disable them one by one to identify which one shows the FPS counter.
• Consider restarting your PC after making changes to ensure settings are applied properly.

Troubleshooting

If the FPS counter persists after following the steps above, try the following solutions:

• Restart your computer to ensure all settings are refreshed.
• Check for updates to your graphics drivers and overlay utilities, then apply updates.
• Use Task Manager to identify and close any background applications that may display FPS counters.
• Revisit each overlay or utility you use to confirm the FPS counter has been disabled.
• If you used third-party software, consult their support resources for specific instructions on disabling overlays.
• Reset Xbox Game Bar settings by going to Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar > Reset.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I disable the FPS counter without closing my game?

Yes, most overlay tools like Xbox Game Bar or GeForce Experience allow you to toggle the FPS counter on or off without closing your game.

2. Will disabling the FPS counter improve game performance?

No, turning off the overlay or FPS display does not affect game performance; it simply hides the visual overlay.

3. How do I know which application is displaying the FPS counter?

Watch for overlay icons or notifications; common sources include Xbox Game Bar, Steam, NVIDIA GeForce Experience, or third-party tools like MSI Afterburner.

4. Is there a keyboard shortcut to turn off the FPS counter?

Typically, no. You need to disable it through the application’s settings. However, some tools allow custom shortcuts—check your overlay software’s documentation.

5. Does disabling the FPS counter affect game recording or streaming?

No, turning off the overlay or FPS display does not impact recording or streaming; it only hides the visual overlay on the screen.

6. Can I permanently disable FPS counters from all sources?

Yes, by disabling or uninstalling overlay utilities or in-game settings responsible for the FPS display, you can prevent it from appearing in all applications.

Disabling the FPS counter is a simple process once you identify where it is enabled. Whether you use the Xbox Game Bar, GPU utilities, or game-specific settings, these steps will help you hide the overlay for a cleaner gaming experience or troubleshooting purposes. Remember to verify each setting, restart your system if needed, and keep your software updated for smooth operation.

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