FPS Drop After Windows Update: 4 Ways to Quickly Fix It

Sometimes, third-party apps may interfere with GPU performance

Windows 11 » Repair

4 min. read

Updated on October 4, 2023

by Vlad Turiceanu

updated on October 4, 2023

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Key notes

FPS can drop after a Windows update if the graphics driver is outdated.
An unstable Internet connection, as well as overheating, can trigger this error.
Run the CHKDSK scan to check for hard disk problems.

Some of our readers have recently reported an FPS drop after Windows 11 update, and they do not know what fix to apply.

In case you’re also experiencing random stutters while playing some online multiplayer shooting games, or after a Windows 11 update, this article will provide you with simplified steps on how to fix the issue.

Why did my FPS drop after a Windows update?

There can be several reasons why you are experiencing frames per second drop after updating your Windows 11 PC. Below are some of the potential reasons behind the error:

Buggy Windows update – It is not uncommon to experience frame drop issues after a Windows update. In this case, rolling back the update is the best choice.
Problematic graphics driver – This error can also manifest due to an outdated or corrupted driver. You can visit Nvidia’s official website or AMD to download the latest graphics driver for your device.
Internet connection issues – When playing an online game, you need to ensure that you have an excellent Internet connection; else, experiencing an FPS drop would be inevitable.
Inadequate cooling system – When the components begin to overheat, you will notice a performance drop in your system. You can check here for the best laptop cooling software.

The above causes are a few of the many other factors that may contribute to the FPS drop after a Windows update on your PC. Let’s proceed to how you can fix this problem.

If you’re experiencing high FPS drops, specifically on Windows 10, our comprehensive guide on how to fix high FPS drops in Windows 10 might be of help.

What can I do if FPS drops after a Windows update?

Before anything, apply the following quick checks:

Ensure that your computer meets the minimum requirements for the app you use when encountering the FPS drop issue.
Check if your computer is overheating.
Ensure that the resource consumption is not too high. You can reduce the RAM usage to decrease the strain on your CPU if it is too high.
Close any applications that you don’t need.
Check if you are properly connected to the Internet.

If, after confirming the above checks, nothing works, you can explore the advanced solutions listed below.

1. Update your graphics card driver

Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run window, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
Expand the Display adapters section, right-click on the graphics driver, and select the Update driver option.
Now, select Search automatically for drivers and let Windows install the best available version.
Restart your computer after the updating process is complete.

Alternatively, depending on your GPU, you could download the latest graphics driver from the manufacturer’s official site (Nvidia’s official website or AMD, or Intel).

Ensure your system performs smoothly and avoids all GPU driver errors by using a complete driver update assistant, namely Outbyte Driver Updater, that will do the job for you. Here's how to safely update your drivers:

Download and install the Outbyte Driver Updater app.
Launch the software and wait for the app to detect all incompatible drivers.
Now, it will show you a list of all faulty drivers to select the ones to Update or Ignore.
Click on Update & Apply Selected to download and install the newest versions.
Restart your PC to ensure the applied changes.

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2. Run the CHKDSK command

Press the Windows key to open the Start menu, type command prompt and choose Run as administrator.
Next, type the following command (replace C with your drive letter) and press Enter to run it: chkdsk /f C:
Follow the prompts that come afterward to restart your PC.

If you’re finding it difficult to run the CHKDSK scan, you can check our detailed guide on how to fix chkdsk.

3. Turn off Game DVR in the Registry

Press the Windows + R keys to launch the Run window, type regedit, and click OK.
Navigate to the following path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PolicyManager\default\ApplicationManagement\AllowGameDVR
Right-click on the value in the right pane, select Modify, and change the value data to 0.
Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

This is one of the most effective methods to troubleshoot this problem. Once the DVR is turned off, the issue should be resolved.

4. Disable Turbo boost

Press the Windows key, input control panel, and click Enter.
Select Hardware and Sound, then click on Power Options.
Choose the Change plan settings and click on Change advanced power settings.
Select Processor power management and Maximum processor state. Then, set their values for On battery and Plugged to 99%.
Then, click Apply and OK to save the changes.

Ensure that you work your way through any of the steps provided in this article to know which works best for you.

Additionally, some of our readers have found the ways to fix FPS drops, lag & stutter after BIOS updates helpful. You can explore some solutions in the guide as they may work for you.

If you have any questions or suggestions, do not hesitate to use the comments section below.