How to Increase FPS on Laptop Windows 11: Boost Gaming Performance

Is your laptop struggling to keep up with your favorite games on Windows 11? Low FPS (frames per second) can make even the best games feel choppy, laggy, and frustrating. But here’s the good news: you don’t always need a brand-new gaming rig to enjoy smoother gameplay. With the right tweaks and optimizations, you can significantly boost your FPS on a Windows 11 laptop.

This guide will walk you through practical, step-by-step methods to increase FPS and enhance your gaming experience.

Table of Contents

What Is FPS and Why Does It Matter?

FPS (Frames Per Second) measures how many frames your computer displays each second while gaming. Higher FPS means smoother motion and better responsiveness.

30 FPS – Playable, but may feel sluggish.
60 FPS – Smooth for most games.
120+ FPS – Ideal for competitive gamers.

Common Causes of Low FPS on Windows 11

Before fixing it, let’s understand what slows down your games:

Outdated graphics drivers
Background apps hogging resources
High in-game graphics settings
Power-saving mode enabled
Overheating or thermal throttling
Limited hardware resources (RAM, GPU, CPU)

Method 1: Update Graphics Drivers

Updating your GPU drivers often leads to a noticeable FPS boost.

Step 1: Identify Your Graphics Card

Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
Expand Display adapters to see your GPU.

Step 2: Update Drivers

Right-click your GPU > Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
For best results, download the latest drivers from the official website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).

Method 2: Enable Game Mode

Windows 11 includes Game Mode, which optimizes system resources.

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Gaming > Game Mode.
Turn it On.

Method 3: Adjust Power Settings

A laptop running in power-saving mode will limit performance.

Go to Settings > System > Power & Battery.
Set Power Mode to Best Performance.

Method 4: Lower In-Game Graphics Settings

High graphics settings can crush your FPS. Try:

Lowering resolution (e.g., from 1080p to 900p).
Reducing shadows, textures, and anti-aliasing.
Disabling unnecessary visual effects like motion blur.

Method 5: Close Background Applications

Extra programs running in the background can eat up RAM and CPU.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
End unnecessary tasks (e.g., browsers, updaters, or chat apps).

Method 6: Update Windows 11

Outdated system updates may impact performance.

Go to Settings > Windows Update.
Click Check for updates and install any pending ones.

Method 7: Adjust Display and Graphics Settings

Set GPU Priority for Games

Open Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
Add your game’s .exe file.
Set graphics preference to High Performance.

Turn Off Background Animations

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects.
Disable Transparency effects and Animation effects.

Method 8: Clean Up Storage and Defragment Disk

Low disk space can slow down your games.

Delete unnecessary files or use Storage Sense in Windows 11.
Defragment HDD (skip if using SSD).

Method 9: Control Laptop Temperature

Overheating can throttle your CPU and GPU.

Use a cooling pad or elevate your laptop.
Clean dust from fans.
Play in a well-ventilated area.

Method 10: Overclock Your GPU (Advanced)

For experienced users, overclocking can increase FPS.

Use tools like MSI Afterburner (only if supported).
Increase clock speed gradually while monitoring temperature.

(Caution: Overclocking may void warranty or cause instability.)

Method 11: Upgrade RAM or Storage (If Possible)

If your laptop supports upgrades, adding more RAM (8GB to 16GB) or switching to an SSD can significantly improve loading times and FPS.

Method 12: Disable Xbox Game Bar & DVR

The Xbox Game Bar can consume system resources.

Go to Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar.
Turn it Off.
Disable Game DVR in Captures settings.

Method 13: Optimize NVIDIA/AMD Settings

If you use NVIDIA or AMD, tweak their control panels:

For NVIDIA Users:

Open NVIDIA Control Panel > Manage 3D Settings.
Set Power Management Mode to Prefer Maximum Performance.

For AMD Users:

Open AMD Radeon Software > Graphics.
Use Performance or Esports preset.

Method 14: Use Performance-Enhancing Software

Tools like Razer Cortex, MSI Dragon Center, or Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) can optimize resources for gaming.

Method 15: Reset or Reinstall Windows 11 (Last Resort)

If nothing works, a clean reinstall may resolve hidden issues.

Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
Choose Reset this PC and select Keep my files.

Conclusion

Boosting FPS on a Windows 11 laptop doesn’t always require expensive upgrades. By updating drivers, tweaking settings, closing background apps, and optimizing system resources, you can enjoy smoother, lag-free gaming. Start with simple fixes like Game Mode and power settings, and move to advanced methods like overclocking only if you’re confident.

FAQs

1. Will increasing FPS damage my laptop?

No, unless you overclock aggressively without proper cooling.

2. Can I increase FPS without upgrading hardware?

Yes! Most methods in this guide involve software tweaks.

3. Does Game Mode really help?

It can free up system resources, especially on lower-end laptops.

4. Should I use an external GPU for more FPS?

If your laptop supports eGPU, it’s an excellent upgrade path.

5. How much FPS is enough for smooth gaming?

60 FPS is ideal for most players, while 120+ FPS benefits competitive gamers.