How to Increase FPS on PC: 10 Proven Methods + AI (2026 Guide)

What Is FPS and Why It Matters

FPS (frames per second) is the number of individual images your computer displays every second while running a game or playing a video. A higher frame rate means your screen refreshes more frequently, producing smoother motion, clearer visuals, and faster response times. Whether you want to increase FPS in a competitive shooter or smooth out a choppy video clip, understanding what drives your frame rate is the first step.

FPS is closely related to another display parameter — the refresh rate, which measures how many times your monitor updates per second (in Hz). To achieve a seamless visual experience, your monitor's refresh rate should match or exceed your FPS output. For instance, even a game running at 120 FPS will appear choppy on a 60Hz display.

Why FPS Matters

When FPS drops too low, motion becomes stuttery or blurred because your system cannot render enough frames in time. Higher FPS improves:

• Gameplay smoothness — movements look more fluid and natural.
• Reaction accuracy — crucial in fast-paced or competitive games.
• Visual clarity — reduced ghosting, tearing, or lag.
• Overall immersion — more lifelike visuals and better control.

FPS vs Refresh Rate (Quick Comparison)

To enjoy fluid motion, ensure your system's frame rate and monitor refresh rate work in sync.

Gaming FPS vs Video FPS: Which Fix Do You Need?

Before you try to increase FPS, it helps to know which kind of frame rate you are dealing with, because the fixes are completely different.

• Real-time gaming FPS is rendered live by your GPU as you play. You raise it by optimizing settings, drivers, hardware, and system resources — the 10 methods below. There is no way to "add" frames to a live game beyond what your hardware and upscaling tech (DLSS/FSR) can produce.
• Video-file FPS is baked into a recorded clip. You cannot re-render it, but you can use AI frame interpolation to synthesize new intermediate frames and raise a 24/30 FPS clip to a smooth 60 or 120 FPS after the fact. A tool like a purpose-built FPS converter handles this in one pass.

Quick self-check: measure your current frame rate first. Press Windows + G to open the Xbox Game Bar and enable the FPS counter, or install MSI Afterburner with RivaTuner for an on-screen overlay. Knowing your baseline tells you how much headroom each fix below is actually buying you. If your problem is choppy playback of a recorded video rather than a live game, skip straight to the AI frame interpolation section.

Quick Summary — Best Ways to Increase FPS on PC

Here is a quick overview of the most effective ways to increase FPS and improve frame rate on your computer. Each method targets a specific performance factor — from system optimization to AI-assisted automation.

Top 5 Methods at a Glance

1. Lower in-game graphics settings — Reduce shadow quality, resolution, and textures to lighten GPU load.
2. Update your graphics drivers — New drivers often include optimizations that improve FPS stability.
3. Enable Windows Game Mode — Focuses system resources on gaming and disables background apps.
4. Switch to High-Performance power plan — Prevents your CPU and GPU from throttling to save power.
5. Use an AI FPS enhancer like UniFab Smoother AI — Automatically boosts video frame rate up to 120 FPS with no quality loss.

Manual tweaks improve gameplay FPS, while AI tools like UniFab deliver instant FPS gains for videos — ideal for creators, editors, and streamers.

Manual vs AI FPS Optimization

Now let us explore each of the 10 methods in detail, including simple performance tweaks and advanced hardware tips to help you maximize FPS on your PC.

How to Increase FPS on PC: 10 Proven Methods (Step-by-Step Guide)

Your computer's performance depends on several components — CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage. By optimizing these areas you can significantly increase FPS and enjoy smoother gameplay or video rendering.

1. Adjust Visual Effects to Optimize System Performance

Windows offers built-in visual effects settings that let you trade eye candy for raw performance. Disabling unnecessary animations and transparency effects frees up GPU and CPU cycles, resulting in higher FPS during gaming and streaming.

Step 1: Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.

Step 2: In the System Properties window, go to the Advanced tab and click Settings under the Performance section.

Step 3: Select Adjust for best performance, then click Apply and OK.

This disables all non-essential visual effects — window animations, font smoothing, thumbnail previews — and redirects those resources toward your game or video player.

2. Defragment Your HDD to Optimize Read/Write Speed

Over time, your hard drive stores files in fragmented chunks scattered across the disk. This fragmentation forces the read head to jump between sectors, increasing load times and causing FPS drops during asset-heavy scenes.

Step 1: Press Windows + E, navigate to This PC, right-click your Local Disk (C:), and select Properties.

Step 2: Go to the Tools tab, click Optimize, select the drive, and click Optimize again. Restart your system afterward to verify the improvement.

Note: If you already use an SSD as your primary drive, skip this step — SSDs do not benefit from defragmentation and Windows automatically disables it for solid-state drives.

3. Enable Windows Game Mode

Windows Game Mode dedicates system resources to your active game and suppresses background activities that could interrupt gameplay. In 2026, Windows 11 Game Mode also integrates with Xbox Game Bar enhancements for better resource allocation.

Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Settings, then navigate to Gaming > Game Mode.

Step 2: Toggle Game Mode to On. Your system will now prioritize gaming processes over background tasks like Windows Update downloads and notification popups.

4. Switch to the High-Performance Power Plan

The default "Balanced" and "Power Saver" plans throttle CPU and GPU clock speeds to conserve battery. Switching to High-Performance mode unlocks your hardware's full potential.

Step 1: Press Windows + R, type powercfg.cpl, and press Enter.

Step 2: Under Hide Additional Plans, select High Performance. On laptops, consider using this only while plugged in to avoid rapid battery drain.

2026 Tip: Windows 11 24H2 introduced the "Best Performance" slider in Settings > System > Power & battery, which combines High-Performance mode with additional optimizations. Try it if your system supports it.

5. Enable NVIDIA DLSS or AMD FSR

NVIDIA DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and AMD FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) use AI-driven upscaling to render games at a lower internal resolution and then upscale the output. The result: significantly higher FPS with minimal visual quality loss — often the single highest-return change you can make.

Step 1: Launch your game and navigate to the Graphics or Display settings menu.

Step 2: Locate the DLSS or FSR option and choose Quality mode for the best FPS-to-visual ratio, or Balanced/Performance when you need maximum frames.

In 2026, DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation (on RTX 40/50-series cards) and FSR 3.1 with native frame generation deliver even greater FPS gains in supported titles — sometimes doubling frame rates compared to native rendering. FSR 3.1 also works on older NVIDIA and Intel Arc GPUs, so almost every PC can benefit from some form of AI upscaling.

6. Update Your Graphics Driver

Your graphics driver acts as the bridge between your GPU and every game or application. Outdated drivers miss out on game-specific optimizations and bug fixes that directly affect FPS.

• NVIDIA: Open GeForce Experience (or the newer NVIDIA App) and click Check for Updates.
• AMD: Open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition and navigate to Home > Driver & Software > Check for Updates.
• Intel Arc: Open Intel Arc Control and check the Driver section.

Make it a habit to update drivers within a week of each major game launch — manufacturers often release "Game Ready" or "Game Optimized" drivers that boost FPS by 5–15 % in new titles.

7. Upgrade Key Hardware Components (and Fix Thermal Throttling)

When software optimizations hit a ceiling, hardware upgrades — and healthy temperatures — deliver the biggest FPS jumps:

• RAM: If you have 8 GB or less, upgrading to 16 GB (or 32 GB for content creation) eliminates memory bottlenecks that cause stuttering. In 2026, 32 GB is the comfortable target for gaming plus streaming.
• Replace HDD with SSD: Loading games from an NVMe SSD dramatically reduces load times and eliminates texture-streaming stutter. In 2026, PCIe 5.0 NVMe drives offer read speeds above 12 GB/s.
• Graphics Card: A GPU upgrade provides the single largest FPS improvement. Mid-range cards from the 2025–2026 generation handle 1440p gaming at 120+ FPS in most titles.
• Cooling & thermal paste: A CPU or GPU that hits 90–95 °C will throttle its clock speed mid-game, causing sudden FPS drops. Reapplying thermal paste (around $10) or upgrading your cooler often restores lost frames without any other upgrade — check temperatures with HWiNFO or MSI Afterburner while gaming.

8. Lower Your In-Game Screen Resolution and Heavy Settings

Reducing resolution decreases the number of pixels your GPU must render each frame. Fewer pixels means less processing workload, which directly translates to higher FPS.

Step 1: In your game's display settings, find the Resolution option.

Step 2: Drop from your native resolution (e.g., 2560x1440) down one step (e.g., 1920x1080) and test the FPS improvement.

For a less noticeable quality trade-off, try lowering the render scale to 80–90 % instead of reducing the full resolution — this gives a similar FPS boost while keeping the UI sharp. Beyond resolution, the highest-impact individual settings are Shadow Quality (drop to Low/Very Low for +15–25 % in most games), Ambient Occlusion (disable — heavy GPU cost, little competitive benefit), and Anti-Aliasing (use FXAA or off instead of demanding MSAA).

9. Disable Startup Programs and Background Apps

Startup programs and background applications silently consume CPU, RAM, and sometimes GPU resources. Disabling unnecessary ones frees those resources for your game.

Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Right-click any resource-heavy processes you do not need and select End Task.

Step 2: Switch to the Startup tab (or Startup Apps in Windows 11), right-click non-essential programs, and select Disable.

Common offenders include cloud sync clients (OneDrive, Dropbox), RGB lighting software, chat overlays, and browser extensions running in the background.

10. Run Disk Cleanup to Free Storage Space

When your system drive is nearly full, Windows cannot efficiently manage virtual memory and temp files, leading to performance degradation and FPS drops.

Step 1: Press Windows + R, type cleanmgr, and press Enter.

Step 2: Select your system drive (usually C:) and click OK.

Step 3: Check the boxes for items to delete — Temporary files, Thumbnails, Recycle Bin, and Delivery Optimization Files are safe choices. Click OK to confirm.

For a deeper cleanup, click Clean up system files to also remove old Windows Update caches and previous installation files, which can free tens of gigabytes.

Summary Insight

These 10 methods provide cumulative benefits that can boost FPS by 50–150 % depending on your hardware. Once your PC settings are optimized, you can further improve video FPS using AI-based frame interpolation — covered next.

How to Increase FPS Using AI FPS Enhancer (UniFab Smoother AI)

An AI FPS enhancer uses artificial intelligence and frame interpolation to create additional frames between existing ones, effectively increasing a video's frame rate. This technique produces smoother, more lifelike motion without manual configuration or hardware upgrades. It is the fastest way to increase FPS in footage you have already recorded.

UniFab Smoother AI is a leading tool in this space — a Windows desktop application that automatically boosts video FPS up to 120 frames per second while maintaining visual clarity. It relies on true AI frame interpolation, analyzing motion vectors between frames to synthesize new ones rather than duplicating existing frames.

Key Benefits of UniFab Smoother AI

• AI Frame Interpolation: Intelligently inserts new frames to create ultra-smooth motion.
• Up to 120 FPS: Convert standard videos into cinematic-quality visuals.
• No Quality Loss: Avoids duplicated frames or ghosting effects.
• Versatile Use: Works for movies, sports, slow-motion footage, and game recordings.
• Built-in Editor: Trim and customize output format, resolution, and bitrate.
• Free Trial: Full-featured trial, watermark-free.

Ideal for creators, editors, and streamers who want smoother playback without system tweaks. If your goal is buttery slow-motion rather than everyday smoothing, the same interpolation engine helps you make a video slow motion without the stutter that comes from simply slowing down existing frames.

AI Video-FPS Tools Compared

Several tools can raise the frame rate of a video file. Here is how the leading options compare for the job — with UniFab Smoother AI as the recommended pick for most users:

Why UniFab Smoother AI ranks first: it delivers the one-click simplicity of a browser tool with the quality control of a desktop app — motion-aware interpolation up to 120 FPS, plus a built-in editor to trim and set output format, all without uploading your footage to a third-party server or juggling AI models manually.

One honest limitation: UniFab Smoother AI is a Windows desktop app, so you need to download and install it (there is no browser-only version), and it works on video files, not on real-time in-game FPS. For live gameplay, stick with the 10 system methods above.

How to Increase FPS on PC Using UniFab Smoother AI

1. Download and install UniFab, then open the Smoother AI module.
2. Import your video by dragging the file into the workspace.
3. Choose your target frame rate — for example, 60 FPS or 120 FPS.
4. Click Start and let the AI interpolate the intermediate frames, then export the smoothed file.

The entire process is automated — UniFab's AI analyzes motion vectors between frames and generates intermediate frames that blend naturally into the original footage. If you are aiming for a specific delivery spec such as 4K at 60fps, you can set resolution and frame rate together in the built-in editor.

Manual Optimization vs AI Enhancement

AI-based frame interpolation works at the post-processing level, meaning your existing PC does not need a high-end GPU to benefit from higher frame rates. Not sure which tool fits your workflow? A short guide on how to choose a video frame rate converter walks through the trade-offs.

Conclusion

Increasing FPS significantly improves your visual experience — whether you are gaming, editing, or watching videos. Optimizing system settings, updating GPU drivers, fixing thermal throttling, and managing background tasks are the foundational steps to boost frame rate and responsiveness on any PC.

For even greater results with recorded footage, AI frame interpolation tools like UniFab Smoother AI can automatically increase FPS up to 120 with zero quality loss. Instead of upgrading hardware or tweaking configurations, UniFab intelligently generates extra frames, delivering ultra-smooth motion and lifelike clarity for any video file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can AI increase FPS in videos?

Yes. AI tools like UniFab Smoother AI use frame interpolation to generate new frames between existing ones. This creates smooth 60–120 FPS playback without blurring, ghosting, or losing quality. The technology analyzes motion between consecutive frames and synthesizes intermediate frames that look natural and artifact-free. It is the most reliable way to increase FPS in a video you have already recorded, since the original clip cannot be re-rendered at a higher frame rate any other way.

How much does UniFab Smoother AI cost, and is there a free trial?

UniFab Smoother AI offers a full-featured, watermark-free free trial so you can test AI FPS enhancement before you buy. Paid plans are priced at $44.99 monthly, $69.99 yearly, or $89.99 for a lifetime license. It uses advanced frame interpolation to turn standard 24 FPS or 30 FPS footage into ultra-smooth 60 FPS or 120 FPS playback without quality loss. Because it runs the whole process automatically, it is a good fit for anyone who wants clean, cinematic results without editing skills or a subscription commitment up front.

How to get higher FPS instantly?

• For gaming: Enable High-Performance mode, update your GPU drivers, lower shadow quality and other heavy in-game settings, turn on DLSS or FSR, and close background applications.
• For video playback: Use UniFab Smoother AI, which instantly raises frame rate up to 120 FPS with AI automation — no system changes needed.

Is 120 FPS good for gaming?

Yes. 120 FPS provides a much smoother and more responsive experience compared to 60 FPS, making it ideal for:

• Fast-paced games: Shooters, racing, and action titles feel more fluid.
• Competitive play: Higher FPS reduces input lag, improving reaction times.
• Better visuals: Less motion blur and smoother animations across the board.

Most competitive eSports players in 2026 target 120 FPS or higher as the minimum for serious gameplay.

How can I convert a video to 60 FPS smoothly?

If you have a low-FPS video and want smoother playback, using a 60 FPS converter is the best solution. AI-powered tools like UniFab Smoother AI intelligently generate extra frames, eliminating stutter and motion blur while preserving the original video quality. Import your clip, choose 60 FPS as the target, and export — the interpolation happens automatically without any manual keyframing.

Does motion blur improve FPS?

No. Motion blur is a visual effect that simulates the look of fast movement but does not increase the actual frame rate your system renders. Enabling motion blur can actually lower FPS slightly because it adds extra GPU processing work. For genuinely smoother motion, disable motion blur in your game settings, or use an FPS converter like UniFab Smoother AI to achieve true high-FPS results in recorded video.

Why is my FPS so low?

Low FPS can result from several factors:

• Hardware limitations: Your GPU or CPU may lack sufficient power for the game or application.
• High graphics settings: Running at ultra presets can overload mid-range hardware.
• Background processes: Other apps consuming CPU/GPU resources reduce available performance.
• Thermal throttling: High temperatures cause your hardware to reduce clock speeds mid-game.
• Outdated drivers: Missing driver updates means missing game-specific optimizations.

If you are dealing with choppy video playback rather than gaming performance, try UniFab Smoother AI to boost FPS in your video files.

How to increase FPS to 120?

To reach 120 FPS in games, combine these steps:

• Use a monitor that supports 120 Hz or higher refresh rate.
• Adjust in-game settings to prioritize performance (lower shadows, textures, anti-aliasing).
• Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
• Enable DLSS or FSR if your GPU and game support them.
• Ensure your hardware (GPU, CPU, RAM) meets the 120 FPS requirements for your target game.
• Enable any high frame rate or performance modes in your system and game settings.

What is frame interpolation and how does it differ from native FPS?

Frame interpolation is an AI technique that generates new intermediate frames between existing ones in a video file. Unlike native FPS — where your GPU renders each frame in real time — interpolated frames are synthesized after recording. The result is smoother playback without requiring more powerful hardware. Tools like UniFab Smoother AI use deep learning models to predict motion and create frames that blend seamlessly, turning 30 FPS footage into 60 or 120 FPS.

Does increasing FPS reduce input lag?

Yes, but only in gaming scenarios where frames are rendered in real time. Higher FPS means your display shows more recent game-state information, reducing the delay between your input (mouse click, key press) and the visual response on screen. At 120 FPS, each frame represents roughly 8.3 ms of game state compared to 16.7 ms at 60 FPS — cutting visual latency in half. This advantage is most noticeable in competitive shooters and fast-paced action games. For pre-recorded video, input lag is not a factor — but higher FPS still improves perceived smoothness.