If the FPS (Frames Per Second) counter on Windows 11 feels more like a nagging distraction than a helpful tool, turning it off isn’t too complicated, but it’s kinda weird how the process isn’t super obvious at first. The main thing is the Xbox Game Bar — that overlay that shows up in-game and has all sorts of monitoring widgets, including your FPS. Sometimes it bugs me that you have to dig through menus just to turn off something like this, especially since Windows keeps changing minor details with updates. But anyway, here’s a walkthrough that should help knock it out quickly. Expect to see your screen get a little cleaner and less cluttered once it’s done.
How to Turn Off FPS Counter on Windows 11
Accessing the Xbox Game Bar and the Settings
First off, the whole process hinges on the Xbox Game Bar. On some setups, it’s enabled by default, but not everyone uses it regularly. So, if you’re seeing that FPS number floating around or have already tried turning stuff off in your game’s own settings, you might want to disable the overlay entirely to keep it from popping up again. To do that, press Windows key + G to summon the overlay. Once it opens, look for the gear icon (the Settings).On some setups, this is hidden behind other menus, so be patient.
Finding the Gaming Features Section
Click on the gear icon, which should bring up a menu of options. If you don’t see the options right away, look for the tab labeled Gaming Features. Sometimes it’s called Overlay Settings or similar, depending on your version. Because of course, Windows likes to make things just slightly harder. When you’re in that section, you’ll see toggles for various widgets — including the FPS counter.
Turning Off the FPS Counter
Locate the toggle labeled Show excellent FPS counter or just FPS Counter. Flip that switch off. This is the step that actually disables the visual indicator. On some machines, toggling it off in this menu causes the counter to vanish immediately, but on others, you might need to restart the Game Bar or even sign out/in for the change to take effect. Sometimes, for some reason, the toggle works only after a reboot or after closing the overlay and reopening it. Weird, but true — Windows sometimes has a life of its own.
Closing the Xbox Game Bar
Once the toggle is off, hit Windows key + G again to close the overlay. The window should disappear, and the FPS counter that was popping up in your favorite game or app should finally be gone. If not, try disabling and re-enabling it, or restart your PC to be safe. On one setup, I noticed that the change didn’t stick until I rebooted, so don’t be tempted to assume it’s working until after a restart.
Tips for Managing the FPS Counter in Windows 11
Some other quick tips — if you don’t see the toggle, double-check your system settings or the Xbox Game Bar permissions. Make sure the overlay is enabled in Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar. Also, turning off the counter won’t impact your game performance — it’s purely on-screen clutter, so don’t worry about it slowing things down. And remember, if you ever decide to bring it back, just follow the same route and toggle it on again. It’s nice to have options, even if they’re buried deep in menus.
- Check if the Xbox Game Bar is actually turned on in Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar
- If changes don’t stick, try rebooting or signing out then back in — Windows can be temperamental sometimes.
- Revisit the same menu to re-enable the counter if needed. It’s easier than digging through all the other settings again.
- Explore other Xbox Game Bar options — maybe you’ll find some useful tweaks for your setup.
- Keep your Windows updated; interface changes sometimes mess with old settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is an FPS counter even on by default?
Because Windows wants to help gamers monitor performance, but honestly, most of us just find it distracting after a while.
Does turning off the FPS counter make games run better?
Nope, it doesn’t impact performance, just hides the display. It’s purely cosmetic, so don’t expect magic gains.
Can the Xbox Game Bar be turned off completely?
Sure, you can disable it from the Settings > Gaming menu if you’re really not into it. That’ll stop all overlay stuff from popping up altogether.
Is there any alternative to the Xbox Game Bar for tracking FPS?
Yeah, programs like Fraps or MSI Afterburner can show FPS overlays without bothering with Xbox’s stuff. They might be more reliable if you want dedicated tools.
How do I turn the counter back on later?
Just head to the same menu, flip the toggle back on, and it’ll pop up again. Easy. Sometimes Windows updates or bug fixes reset settings, so it’s good to know how to re-enable it.
Summary
- Open Xbox Game Bar with Windows key + G
- Hit the gear icon for Settings
- Select the Gaming Features tab
- Toggle off the FPS Counter
- Close the overlay and enjoy your clutter-free screen
Wrap-up
Disabling that FPS overlay isn’t exactly rocket science, but the steps are a bit tucked away, which is kinda annoying. Hopefully this helps unload the screen a bit and makes gaming a little less cluttered. On some machines, you might need a reboot after toggling — just keep that in mind. If things don’t stick right away, restarting often does the trick. And if you’re not into the whole overlay thing, you can always switch it off from Windows settings entirely. Fingers crossed, this helps someone get a cleaner experience without fussing too much.