How to Fix Low FPS in PC Games Caused by Alt Tab

One of the most utilized keyboard shortcuts for toggling between active applications on Windows systems is Alt-Tab. Nonetheless, many gamers have reported experiencing reduced frames per second (FPS) when utilizing the Alt-Tab function during gameplay. If you are facing low FPS due to the Alt-Tab shortcut in games on your device, the strategies outlined in this article could assist you.

Resolving Alt-Tab Low FPS Issues on Windows PCs

If you are experiencing low FPS while gaming due to the Alt-Tab shortcut on your Windows 11 or 10 machine, consider the following solutions:

1. Optimize your system for maximum performance
2. Disable unnecessary startup applications along with the weather widget
3. Conduct troubleshooting in a Clean Boot environment
4. Carry out a clean installation of your graphics card driver
5. Remove any recent Windows updates (if necessary)
6. Reset your computer

Below, you can find a detailed explanation of each solution.

1] Optimize Your System for Maximum Performance

To begin, you should configure your system for optimal performance. Follow these steps:

1. Access the Windows 11/10 Settings.
2. Select System > About.
3. Click on the Advanced system settings link to open the System Properties window.
4. Navigate to the Advanced tab, and under the Performance section, click on Settings.
5. Choose the Adjust for best performance option.
6. Hit Apply, then OK.

2] Disable Unnecessary Startup Apps and Weather Widget

If there are unwanted applications starting with your system, it is advisable to terminate them to ensure optimal performance. Access the Task Manager and close any unnecessary background processes. Additionally, shut down any unwanted open windows.

Startup applications automatically launch when your system starts, so it’s wise to prevent them from running at startup by disabling them permanently. We also recommend disabling the Weather widget for the time being, as you can reactivate it once you finish gaming.

3] Troubleshoot by Initiating a Clean Boot

If the problem continues even after disabling startup apps, third-party background services might be to blame. You can verify this by booting your computer in a Clean Boot state.

Launch the game while in Clean Boot and press the Alt-Tab keys to observe any changes. If your FPS remains steady, you may need to identify the offending third-party service.

4] Conduct a Clean Installation of the Graphics Driver

Issues with your graphics card driver could also lead to reduced FPS. Make sure to update it to the latest version and see if that resolves the problem. You can acquire the latest GPU driver directly from your computer manufacturer’s official website. If updating does not solve the issue, consider performing a clean installation of your GPU driver.

Download and install the Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) tool. Then, run DDU in Safe Mode to completely eliminate the current GPU driver. Afterward, install the GPU driver from the official website again, starting fresh.

5] Remove Recent Windows Update (if necessary)

If you’ve begun to experience issues following a recent Windows update, consider uninstalling it to determine whether this resolves the problem.

6] Reset Your PC

As a last resort, consider resetting your PC to factory settings. When undertaking this action, choose the option to Keep my files, ensuring that your files are preserved. While this choice should not erase data, it is always advisable to back up your important documents beforehand.

Hopefully, one of these strategies will prove effective for you.

Is Alt-Tabbing Detrimental?

No, Alt-Tabbing is not harmful. It is an efficient shortcut allowing users to swiftly switch between open applications on a Windows device. Although you can navigate between windows using your mouse, the Alt-Tab function is typically more user-friendly.

What Causes My Alt-Tabbing to Be Unresponsive?

The primary reason for unresponsive Alt-Tab actions often relates to insufficient RAM available for the opened applications. Open the Task Manager to monitor your RAM and CPU usage during the Alt-Tab process. Closing unnecessary background applications may alleviate this problem.

Author: Egor Kostenko

My goal is to make complex technical topics simple and accessible. On this site, I gather unique and useful content that not only solves users’ problems but also helps them better understand the capabilities of Windows.