# How to boost FPS in LoL and fix FPS drops (2026 guide)

> How to show FPS in LoL and why FPS drops happen: Riot's official steps, the best video settings and Windows tweaks to boost FPS, step by step.

Source: https://gamerone.org/en/blog/lol-fps-boost-fix-fps-drops · Published: November 4, 2026 · Author: GamerOne Editör Ekibi · Guide

The fastest way to boost FPS in LoL takes four steps: update your graphics driver, turn off Vertical Sync, set the frame rate cap to your monitor's refresh rate and lower shadow and effects quality. To see your FPS, press **Ctrl + F** in game. This guide walks through Riot's official low-FPS steps and the in-game, client and Windows settings, step by step.

> Most FPS drops in LoL don't come from your hardware; they come from the wrong settings, outdated drivers and programs running in the background.

## Quick summary: how do you boost FPS in LoL?

- Press **Ctrl + F** in game to see your FPS.
- Update your graphics driver from the manufacturer's website.
- Turn off **Wait for Vertical Sync** and pick a **Frame Rate Cap** that matches your monitor.
- Lower **Shadow Quality** and effects quality.
- Close heavy background programs; on a laptop, plug in and use a high-performance power plan.

## How do you show FPS in LoL?

Press **Ctrl + F** in game and your FPS and ping appear in the top right. Compare the number before and after each change, so you see what actually works instead of guessing.

### Is it FPS or ping?

| Symptom | Most likely | Check first |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The picture stutters and isn't smooth | Low FPS | Video settings and driver |
| Your character reacts late, enemies teleport | High ping | Your connection (check ping with Ctrl + F) |
| FPS only drops in teamfights | Effects load | Effects and shadow quality |
| FPS drops gradually during a match | Heat and throttling | Fans, airflow, power plan |

## What does Riot officially recommend for low FPS?

Riot's support page recommends these four steps on Windows, in this order:

1. Check that your PC meets the minimum system requirements.
2. Update your graphics card drivers.
3. Lower your graphics settings.
4. Perform a clean boot: start Windows with only essential services to rule out background programs.

On macOS, Riot recommends checking the system requirements, updating macOS, lowering graphics settings and closing unnecessary apps. If the problem continues, you can submit a ticket to Riot.

## The best LoL video settings for FPS

These options in the Video tab of the settings menu affect FPS the most. Hover over a setting name to see the recommended value.

| Setting | Recommended | Effect on FPS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Frame Rate Cap** | Your monitor's refresh rate | Evens out frame times |
| **Wait for Vertical Sync** | Off | Reduces input lag |
| **Shadow Quality** | Off or Low | Usually the biggest gain |
| Effects Quality | Low or Medium | Noticeable in teamfights |
| Character and Environment Quality | Medium; Low if you struggle | Medium |
| **Character Inking** | Off | Small |
| Anti-Aliasing | Off on weaker GPUs | Depends on your GPU |
| Resolution | Your monitor's native value | Lower only as a last resort |

> **Uncapped FPS isn't always better** Uncapped shows a higher FPS number, but frame times can become uneven and your GPU runs hotter for nothing. For smoothness, capping at your monitor's refresh rate is usually better.

### Client settings

- **Low Spec Mode** reduces the client's resource usage; it doesn't directly change in-match FPS, but it helps weaker PCs.
- If your client settings offer an option to close the client while in game, turning it on frees up memory.

## What should you do in Windows and on your hardware?

- **Drivers:** Install the latest graphics driver from the NVIDIA, AMD or Intel website.
- **Power plan:** Pick the High performance power plan in Windows. Plug your laptop in; on battery, the GPU and CPU are throttled.
- **Background programs:** Use **Task Manager** to close the programs using the most CPU and memory before your match. Browser tabs, screen recorders and streaming software are among the most common causes.
- **Heat:** If FPS falls gradually during a match, your CPU or GPU may be overheating and throttling; clean your fans and airflow.
- **The right GPU on laptops:** On laptops with two graphics chips, make sure the game runs on the dedicated GPU (Windows Graphics settings or your GPU software).

## Why does FPS drop on a high-end PC?

Common causes of sudden FPS drops on a strong system:

- **Uncapped frame rate:** The GPU works unevenly; set a **Frame Rate Cap**.
- **Overlays and recorders:** Turn off screen recorders, overlays or streaming software one by one and test.
- **Broken driver:** Reinstall it with a clean installation.
- **Corrupted game files:** Use the repair option in the client.

### FPS fixed, now the game

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## FAQ

### How do I show FPS in LoL?

Press Ctrl + F in game; your FPS and ping appear in the top right.

### How much FPS is enough for LoL?

FPS equal to your monitor's refresh rate is ideal: 60 on a 60 Hz monitor, 144 on a 144 Hz monitor.

### Should Vertical Sync be on or off?

Off. It adds input lag.

### Does Low Spec Mode boost in-game FPS?

Not directly. It reduces the client's resource usage; lower your video settings for in-game FPS.

### What should I do if FPS only drops in teamfights?

Lower effects and shadow quality first, then set a frame rate cap.

## Sources

Riot's official steps: [Low Frame Rate (FPS) Troubleshooting](https://support.riotgames.com/en-us/league-of-legends/performance/low-frame-rate-fps-troubleshooting). Setting recommendations are general; confirm them on your own PC by measuring with Ctrl + F. Last checked: November 4, 2026.

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