8 Tips to Boost Your Framerate in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive for Windows

Despite its age, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is still one of Windows’s best first shooter games. But like any other multiplayer game, it experiences low FPS issues. And a low frame rate makes it almost impossible to enjoy the game at all.

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What Causes a Low FPS in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive?

A low FPS issue is common on a system that doesn’t feature the latest graphics driver update. However, this isn’t the only cause of the problem. Below are the major reasons for the low FPS in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive:

Now that you know the possible reasons behind the problem, here are the solutions you can try.

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1. Update the Graphics Driver

Running the game on an outdated graphics driver can ruin the gaming experience. An updated graphics driver ensures you get a reliable FPS in the game.

Depending on the graphics driver the system features, you could download the latest update by visiting theNVIDIA driver pageorAMD driver page. If the system runs on integrated graphics, consider using theIntel driver update tool.

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Instead of downloading updates via the manual method, always use manufacturers' software utilities to get the job done. Not only do they make updating the drivers a cakewalk, but they also suggest additional tweaks and features.

2. Close Any Unnecessary Background Applications

When playing multiplayer titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, it’s good to close all the unnecessary background applications. Doing this will free up resources that the system can allocate to the game.

You can do this easily with the help of the Task Manager. Below are the exact steps you need to follow.

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Relaunch the game and check whether you are getting a comparatively better FPS or not.

3. Adjust Your PC’s Power Options

Windows lets you change the power settings on your computer. By default, this setting is set to “balanced,” which ensures that you get an equally good battery and system performance. But sometimes, especially on laptops, the balanced mode can decrease gaming performance.

As a solution, consider switching to WIndows' high-performance power mode. You can do that by following these steps:

Someone playing CSGO on a computer

The above settings will consume more battery. So, if you are using a laptop, confirm it is connected to a power supply before you start gaming.

4. Change Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’s In-Game Settings

High in-game graphical settings are a prime reason behind Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’s low FPS issues. The more you push your PC past its breaking point, the worse framerates you get.

To get a better FPS in the game, try lowering the graphics settings and other related options. Below are some changes you could make to get a better FPS in CS:GO.

After making all these changes, reboot the game and check if there is any improvement in the FPS or not.

5. Turn Off the Windows Game Bar

Windows comes with a built-in Game Bar feature via which you can record gameplay, take screenshots, and more. And while it is extremely helpful for capturing in-game moments, it can also negatively impact your gaming performance.

So, if you’re not using it, consider disabling the Game Bar to avoid any potential interference. You can do it by following the below steps.

Try playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive again and see if your FPS has improved.

6. Enable Windows' Gaming Mode

Windows 10 and 11 both come with a dedicated gaming mode that prioritizes the gaming experience. This feature helps in achieving better FPS and stable gameplay. It also ensures that Windows won’t start downloading updates while you game.

Here are the steps to enable gaming mode on Windows PC.

Now that Game Mode is active, you should notice a performance boost.

7. Repair Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’s Files

If you are getting low FPS only in CS:GO, there is probably something wrong with the game files. As it turns out, if the game files get corrupted, it can cause different issues, including a low FPS.

As CS:GO is officially available on Steam, you can use its handy file integrity checker tool on the game. Here are the steps you need to follow:

8. Customize Your NVIDIA Control Panel Settings

The NVIDIA Control Panel is the primary application for fine-tuning your NVIDIA GPU settings. By customizing various graphics settings, you could increase FPS in CS:GO.

Here’s how to access the NVIDIA Control Panel and adjust its settings to fix the low FPS issue in CS:GO:

It’s essential to note that these changes may impact different systems differently based on their hardware configuration. While some systems may see a drastic increase in FPS, others might experience the opposite effect. Therefore, carefully monitor each setting and revert them if they reduce FPS instead of increasing it.

9. Overclock Your Computer’s GPU

If you are still facing issues, it’s a strong indicator that you need to upgrade your system. But if you don’t have the money to go through the upgrade process, consider overclocking your system’s components instead.

Overclocking helps squeeze a bit more power from what you already have without you needing to spend anything. Although overclocking might sound dangerous, it can help breathe new life into an old system when done properly. For more details, check outhow to overclock your GPU on Windows.

Get Better FPS on Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

These were all the effective tips to help you get a better FPS on Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. As most FPS issue often results from low system memory, consider running the game with minimal background running applications.

However, if none of the tips were helpful, you are left with no option other than upgrading your system.

Are you gaming on Windows 10? Use these tips to optimize Windows 10 for gaming and set it up for best performance.

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