How to Turn Off FPS, GPU, CPU & Latency Overlay? (Step-by-Step Guide)

To turn off FPS, GPU, CPU & latency overlay, open the software that shows it (NVIDIA, AMD, Steam, or Xbox Game Bar) and disable performance monitoring in its settings. You can also use shortcuts like Alt + R or Ctrl + Shift + O for instant removal. 

In this guide, you will learn simple methods to remove these overlays and enjoy a clean, distraction-free gaming experience. 

Table of Contents

What Is FPS and Why Does It Appear on Screen?

FPS shows how many frames your system displays every second.

  • Higher FPS = smoother gameplay
  • Lower FPS = lag, stuttering, or choppy visuals

For most games:

  • 30 FPS = playable
  • 60 FPS = smooth
  • 120+ FPS = ultra-smooth (competitive gaming)

What GPU and CPU Usage Metrics Show?

These metrics help you understand your system performance:

  • GPU usage shows how hard your graphics card is working
  • CPU usage shows how much processing power is being used

If one is at 100% while the other is low, you may have a bottleneck issue.

If your GPU is constantly at 100% while the CPU is low, you might be facing a GPU bottleneck learn more in our guide on What Does GPU Bound Mean?

What Latency Means in Gaming?

Latency (ping) is the delay between your action and the game’s response.

  • Low latency = faster reactions
  • High latency = delay, lag, poor gameplay

Especially important in games like FPS shooters and online multiplayer titles.

Why These Stats Appear on Your Screen

These overlays usually come from:

  • Graphics driver software (NVIDIA / AMD)
  • Game launchers (Steam)
  • Built-in Windows tools
  • Third-party apps like MSI Afterburner

Sometimes, multiple overlays run together without you realizing it.

Why You Might Want to Turn Off FPS, GPU, CPU & Latency

Screen Clutter During Gameplay:

Constant numbers on the screen can ruin immersion and make visuals look messy.

Performance Distraction:

Focusing on stats instead of gameplay can actually reduce your performance.

Recording or Streaming Clean Gameplay:

Overlays can appear in recordings and streams, making your content look unprofessional.

Troubleshooting Is Already Done:

Once performance issues are fixed, these stats are no longer necessary.

How to Turn Off FPS, GPU, CPU & Latency Overlay (Quick Methods)

Use Keyboard Shortcuts (Instant Fix)

Most overlays can be turned off instantly:

  • NVIDIA: Alt + R
  • AMD: Ctrl + Shift + O
  • Xbox Game Bar: Win + G

 This is the fastest solution in most cases.

Disable via In-Game Settings:

Many modern games include an FPS toggle:

  • Open Settings
  • Look for Performance or Display
  • Turn off FPS counter

Turn Off Through Overlay Software:

If the overlay comes from external software, disable it from its settings panel.

How to Turn Off FPS, GPU, CPU & Latency in NVIDIA Overlay:

Disable FPS overlay in NVIDIA GeForce Experience showing performance monitoring toggle turned off clean interface guide

If you are using NVIDIA, the overlay usually comes from GeForce Experience.

For more advanced settings, you can also check the official NVIDIA guide here:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Press Alt + Z
  2. Click on Performance
  3. Turn off Performance Monitoring
  4. Go to HUD Layout
  5. Disable all overlay elements

Quick Toggle Shortcut

Press Alt + R to instantly turn it ON/OFF

How to Turn Off FPS, GPU, CPU & Latency in AMD Radeon Software?

Turn off FPS GPU CPU overlay in AMD Radeon software metrics overlay disabled performance tab clean interface guide

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Press Alt + R
  2. Go to the Performance tab
  3. Click Metrics Overlay
  4. Toggle it OFF

Quick Shortcut

Use Ctrl + Shift + O

How to Turn Off FPS Counter in Steam

Steps:

  1. Open Steam
  2. Go to Settings
  3. Click In-Game
  4. Find the in-game FPS counter
  5. Set it to Off

Restart your game after changes

How to Turn Off Xbox Game Bar Performance Overlay (Windows)

Steps:

  1. Press Win + G
  2. Open Performance widget
  3. Click the Pin icon to unpin
  4. Close Game Bar

Optional: Disable Completely:

  • Go to Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar
  • Turn it OFF

How to Turn Off FPS Overlay in Popular Games?

Call of Duty (Warzone / MW):

  • Settings > Interface
  • Disable Telemetry / FPS

Fortnite:

  • Settings > Video
  • Turn off Show FPS

Valorant:

  • Settings > Video > Stats
  • Disable all stats

Apex Legends:

  • Settings > Gameplay
  • Turn off Performance Display

PUBG:

  • Disable the FPS counter from settings

How to Disable Third-Party FPS & Performance Overlays?

MSI Afterburner + RivaTuner:

  • Open RivaTuner
  • Turn On-Screen Display OFF

Fraps:

  • Open Fraps
  • Disable FPS overlay

NZXT CAM:

  • Go to settings
  • Turn off monitoring overlay

Discord Overlay:

  • Settings > Game Overlay
  • Turn it OFF

Fix: FPS, GPU, CPU Overlay Won’t Turn Off:

Multiple FPS overlays from NVIDIA Steam MSI Afterburner causing cluttered screen showing why overlay not turning off issue

Identify the Source of the Overlay:

  • Green text → NVIDIA
  • Simple text → Steam
  • Detailed panel → MSI Afterburner

Disable Startup Programs:

  • Open Task Manager
  • Go to the Startup tab
  • Disable overlay apps

Update Graphics Drivers:

Outdated drivers can cause overlay bugs and glitches.

If you are troubleshooting performance, make sure your GPU isn’t overheating. Read: Is 85 Celsius Hot For GPU?

Reinstall Overlay Software:

If nothing works, reinstall the software.

Check Background Apps:

Some overlays run silently in the background.

Keyboard Shortcuts to Toggle FPS, GPU & CPU Overlays:

ToolShortcut
NVIDIAAlt + R
AMDCtrl + Shift + O
Xbox Game BarWin + G
SteamNo default

Tips to Avoid FPS Overlay Appearing Again:

Disable Auto-Start for Overlay Apps:

Stop apps from launching automatically with Windows.

Save In-Game Settings:

Always apply and save your changes.

Turn Off Monitoring Tools Permanently:

Only use overlays when needed.

Use Clean Gaming Mode:

Close unnecessary background apps before playing.

Pro Tips:

  • Running multiple overlays at the same time can slightly reduce performance
  • Keep overlays ON only when testing FPS or troubleshooting
  • For competitive games, disable everything except essential stats

FAQ’s:

How do I turn off the FPS counter on my PC?

Open the software generating the overlay and disable it from the settings

What key turns off the FPS overlay?

Alt + R (NVIDIA)
Ctrl + Shift + O (AMD)

Why is my FPS counter always on?

It is enabled in the background software or set to auto-start.

How do I remove the GPU and CPU usage overlay?

Disable performance monitoring in NVIDIA, AMD, or third-party apps.

Can I turn off FPS without uninstalling the software?

Yes, just disable the overlay in settings.

Why does my overlay come back after a restart?

Because the app is set to run at startup.

Is the FPS overlay affecting performance?

Usually no, but heavy monitoring tools can slightly impact performance.

Conclusion:

Turning off FPS, GPU, CPU, and latency overlay is simple once you identify the source. Whether it’s NVIDIA, AMD, or in-game settings, quick fixes like shortcuts or disabling monitoring tools solve the issue fast. After removing the FPS, GPU, CPU, and latency overlay, you can enjoy smoother, distraction-free gameplay without unnecessary on-screen stats. 

Best Tools to Monitor FPS (When You Actually Need It)

  • NVIDIA Performance Overlay
  • AMD Metrics
  • MSI Afterburner

Use them only when needed, then turn them off again.

Want deeper monitoring? Learn how to check cooling performance in our guide on: How to Look at GPU Fan Speed?

Leave a Comment