So, you’re gaming on Windows 11 and can’t stand that little FPS (frames per second) counter glaring at you during gameplay? Fair enough—sometimes it’s helpful, but other times just a distraction, especially if you’ve seen it enough to not care anymore. The good news? Turning it off isn’t a big deal, and it’s pretty straightforward using the Xbox Game Bar, which is built into Windows. But of course, Windows has to complicate things—like, why is there a performance overlay in the first place, and why does it sometimes not want to turn off? If you’ve tried toggling things without success, don’t worry, there’s usually a way to fix it.
How to Turn Off FPS Counter in Windows 11
Access the Xbox Game Bar
First things first, hit Windows key + G. If that opens up the Xbox Game Bar, then cool. If not, check if it’s enabled in Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar. Because of course, Windows likes to hide stuff behind menus, so verify it’s turned on. Sometimes the overlay just isn’t configured right, or updates throw a wrench in the works, so double-checking that setting is a good place to start. When it’s open, you’ll see a bunch of widgets floating around—like the capture, audio, and performance tools.
Find and open the Performance Widget
Look for the icon that resembles a tiny graph—it’s usually labeled ‘Performance.’ If you don’t see it, click on the widgets menu (the sidebar or the overlay menu) and select ‘Performance’ from the list. This widget shows real-time stats, including your current FPS. Now, here’s where things get weird—sometimes, on certain setups, the FPS counter won’t hide instantly after turning it off, or the widget might be glitchy. A quick restart of the Xbox Game Bar or even a full system restart can help if it acts finicky.
Disable the FPS Counter
Once you’re inside the Performance widget, locate the checkbox next to ‘FPS.’ Uncheck it—that’s what tells Windows to stop displaying FPS numbers. On some machines, this doesn’t work the first time, or the box may be unresponsive until you restart the overlay, but after unchecking that, the FPS display should disappear. Keep in mind, this only disables the on-screen display, not the actual tracking of FPS in the background, so it’s not going to hurt your performance or anything.
Close the Xbox Game Bar
Hit Windows key + G again or click the close button to hide the overlay. The FPS counter should be gone for good, and your game should look a whole lot cleaner. If it’s still lingering, try launching the overlay again and verify the setting is saved properly. Sometimes, Windows updates or system quirks might revert settings, so keep an eye on that if it keeps coming back.
And yes, turning it off doesn’t mess with performance—it’s purely visual. But because of how Windows handles overlays, on some setups, it might take a few toggles or a restart to finally get the no-FPS look you want.
Tips for Turning Off the FPS Counter in Windows 11
- Make sure your Xbox Game Bar app is up to date via the Microsoft Store—old versions can be buggy.
- If the FPS counter stubbornly sticks around, try restarting your PC or re-enabling and disabling the feature in settings.
- Check if any third-party overlay apps are conflicting; they can sometimes interfere with Windows’ built-in tools.
- If Windows key + G doesn’t summon the overlay, double-check your Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar and toggle it on.
- Remember, disabling the FPS display doesn’t disable the actual monitoring; it just stops showing on-screen numbers. Performance-wise, everything stays the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the FPS counter?
It’s the little number that tells you how many frames your game is rendering each second. Basically, it helps you see if your system is struggling or running smoothly. Sometimes, it’s useful, but other times, just clutter.
Can I turn the FPS counter back on later?
Absolutely. Just follow the same steps, and recheck the FPS box in the Performance widget. It’s a toggle, after all.
Will turning off the FPS display affect game performance?
Nope. It only removes the overlay from your screen—it doesn’t impact how the game runs behind the scenes.
Why can’t I get the Game Bar to open?
Check if it’s enabled in Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar. If it’s off, turn it on, then try again. Also, some systems might need a quick restart after updates or changes.
Does the FPS counter work with all games?
Most of the time, yes. But some games or specific configurations might block the overlay or ignore it altogether. It’s not perfect, but it’s usually reliable enough for most titles.
Summary
- Open Xbox Game Bar with Windows key + G.
- Find and select the Performance widget.
- Uncheck the FPS box to turn off the display.
- Close the overlay, and there you go—no more FPS clutter.
Wrap-up
Turns out, it’s not so hard to ditch that FPS counter once you know where to look. Windows can be tricky, and sometimes settings stubbornly don’t save right away, but with a few tweaks, your game can be as clean as you want it to be. Just keep in mind that the performance data is still collected in the background—your system is still tracking FPS; you’re just not seeing it. So, if you want a distraction-free screen and smoother sessions, this method should do the trick.
Hopefully, this shaves off a few minutes or frustration for someone. It definitely did for a few of the setups tested—works similar across most Windows 11 machines, but, of course, variations happen. Good luck, and enjoy your game without that eyesore hovering around!