How to See FPS in Any Windows 10 Game (Without Extra Software)

Want to see your game’s FPS (frames per second) without downloading extra tools like Fraps or MSI Afterburner? Good news—you can. Windows 10 has a built-in FPS counter you can activate in just a few clicks. Here’s how to do it, fast and simple.

Why You Might Want to See FPS

FPS measures how smoothly your game runs. The higher the number, the better the performance—generally speaking:

• 60+ FPS: Smooth gameplay.
• 30–60 FPS: Playable, but not ideal.
• Below 30 FPS: Expect stuttering and lag.

Whether you’re fine-tuning graphics settings or just curious, monitoring FPS is key to understanding performance.

The Built-in Way: Xbox Game Bar

Windows 10 includes the Xbox Game Bar, which has a hidden gem: a built-in FPS counter. Here’s how to use it:

Step 1: Turn on Xbox Game Bar

1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Gaming > Xbox Game Bar.
3. Make sure the switch is set to “On.”

Step 2: Open the Game Bar

1. Launch your game.
2. Press Windows Key + G to bring up the Game Bar overlay.

Step 3: Enable the FPS Counter

1. In the overlay, click on the Performance widget (bar chart icon).
2. If you don’t see it, click the Widgets menu (≡) and select Performance.
3. The widget will show your CPU, GPU, RAM, and FPS.
4. Click the Pin icon to keep it on-screen during gameplay.

Note: The first time you use the FPS counter, Windows may ask for permission to run as admin. Accept it and restart your game if prompted.

Bonus: Customize the Overlay

• You can drag and resize the performance widget.
• Use the Settings gear icon inside the widget to choose what stats to display.
• Want a cleaner look? Show only FPS and hide the rest.

What If It Doesn’t Work?

• FPS stuck at 0? Restart the game after granting admin access.
• Game Bar won’t open? Double-check it’s enabled in Settings.
• Still nothing? Make sure your Windows 10 is up to date.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need third-party apps to monitor FPS in Windows 10. The Xbox Game Bar does the job and won’t clutter your system. Whether you’re a casual gamer or tweaking for ultra settings, now you’ve got the numbers to back it up.

Try it now. Your frame rate is just a keystroke away.