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How to fix low FPS on game startup

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

The FPS (frames per second) rate can have a big impact on games’ gameplay when it drops. FPS rates aren’t always consistent as some Windows users have found that their frame rates are somewhat lower when they start games up.

The frame rates might drop to 10-20 FPS on some games’ startup menus. These are a few resolutions that mightfix low FPS frame rateson game startups.

How do I fix low FPS in games on startup?

Update or reinstall the Graphics Card Driver

Automatically updatedrivers(third-party tool suggested)

We also strongly recommendOutbyte Driver Updater.Follow this easy 3 steps guide to safely update yourdrivers:

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It completely removes the major risks that come with installing an unfitting driver version. Its database is always expanding at it is able to detect what type of hardware you have and install the perfect match.

The software can keep your drivers updated in the long run. Just set it up to regularly scan your PC and it will install and fix your drivers whenever it is necesseray.

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Launch games with Game Booster software

Dodgy or outdated graphics carddriverscan certainly have an impact on frame rates. Windows Update usually automatically updates graphics carddriversso you shouldn’t need to.

However, anybody who has switched the update service off should check for graphics card updates.

Alternatively, you can fix a corruptedgraphics carddriverby reinstalling it. Device Manager is the window to open for updating or reinstallingdrivers.

Use the Alt + Tab Hotkey

This is a basic, but effective, fix for raising the FPS rate during a game’s startup. When you launch a game, press the Alt + Tab hotkey to return to the Windows desktop.

That opens the Alt + Tab switcher with which you can reopen the game. When you return to the game, its FPS frame rate will usually jump up.

Check for New Updates

Developers release updates to fix issues in their latest games. Some updates might fix known FPS issues. For example,SEGA released an updateto fix a frame rate bug in Vanquish.

Check the games’ official websites for new updates from which you can then download and install patches.

Background software and processes always reduce system resources for games. Whether your games have low FPS rates or not, you should always free up RAM before launching them to ensure they run smoothly and reduce potential system conflicts.

There are a fewgame booster, or launcher, softwarethat automatically optimize Windows when you launch a game.

Razer Cortex: Boostis a renowned freewaregame launcherfor Windows 10/8/7, and some Razer users have stated that it dramatically boosts FPS rates.

One of the best things about the software is its Game-Boosting mode that automatically closes superfluous background processes when you open a game from Cortex’s library, the Start menu, Steam, Origin or a desktop shortcut.

Furthermore, the software also includes a FPS counter and stats tools.

Those fixes might boost your games’ startup FPS rates and ensure they stay consistent with the average frame rate. For some more general tips to increase frame rates, check out thisWindows Report article.

For more articles that will help you with your PC, check out ourdedicated Troubleshooting section.

Your inner gamer might also like to read what we’ve covered in ourextensive Gaming section.

How to fix low FPS on game startup#

How do I fix low FPS in games on startup?#

Update or reinstall the Graphics Card Driver#

Launch games with Game Booster software#

Use the Alt + Tab Hotkey#

Check for New Updates#