Fix: Nvidia Performance Overlay Not Showing FPS

Are you experiencing issues with the Nvidia Performance Overlay Counter not showing  FPS?

Don’t worry, you’re not the only one facing this issue.

Many Nvidia players have reported that they’re encountering difficulties with their performance overlay counter not showing FPS.

In this article, we will explain why Nvidia Performance Overlay Counter is not showing up for you and effective troubleshooting methods to get your FPS counter back on track.

Let’s jump right in.


Why is the Nvidia performance counter not showing

Short Answer: Nvidia Performance Overlay Counter is not showing FPS because you haven’t enabled the In-Game Overlay feature in GeForce or you might not have an Nvidia Graphic Card installed on your computer. Other reasons include an outdated Nvidia Graphics driver and an outdated version of Windows on your computer.

"Performance Overlay Not Showing FPS" problem in GeForce

Let’s have a precise look at the possible causes of this issue, shall we?

Cause#1: You Don’t Have an Nvidia Graphic Card

If you don’t have an Nvidia Graphics Card installed on your computer, the Performance Overlay Counter will not show FPS.


Cause#2: In-Game Overlay Feature is Disabled

The In-Game Overlay feature in GeForce needs to be enabled for the Performance Overlay Counter to function properly. If it is disabled, FPS will not be displayed.


Cause#3: Outdated Graphics driver or Windows

Outdated Nvidia Graphics drivers or an outdated version of Windows on your computer can also prevent the Performance Overlay Counter from showing FPS. Updating the Graphics drivers and Windows operating system may resolve the issue.

Now that we know the root cause of the “Performance Overlay Not Showing FPS” issue, let’s now discuss effective troubleshooting steps to get rid of this issue.


Fix: Nvidia performance overlay not showing fps

Here are some quick and easy methods to resolve the “Performance Overlay Not Showing FPS” problem.


Method#1: Enable GeForce In-Game Overlay

Before you go all out and try every troubleshooting method under the sun, it’s important to check whether or not the In-Game Overlay feature is enabled within the GeForce Experience.

Here’s how you enable GeForce In-Game Overlay:

  • Step 1: Launch the GeForce Experience application
  • Step 2: Go to Settings by clicking the settings icon
  • Step 3: Choose General from the left side-bar
  • Step 4: Finally, Turn On the In-Game Overlay feature

After enabling the In-Game Overlay feature, check if you get the Performance Overlay Counter. If it’s not there, proceed to the next troubleshooting method on the list.


Method#2: Restart Your Device

The next troubleshooting method on the list is to give your device a good old restart. It’s a foolproof way to refresh your system and eliminate any pesky bugs that might be causing the “Performance Overlay Not Showing FPS” issue.

Here’s how you do it:

  • Step 1: Press the Windows Key to launch the Start Menu
  • Step 2: Next, click on the Power Icon at the bottom right
  • Step 3: Lastly, click on Restart

Restart option in your Computer

Once your computer restarts. Check if the “Performance Overlay Not Showing FPS” issue resolves. 

If the issue sticks around, try out the next troubleshooting method.


Method#3: Upgrade Your Graphics Driver

If you’re using an outdated Graphics driver, you’re more likely to be met with the “Performance Overlay Not Showing FPS” issue. To ensure the proper functioning of GeForce Overlay, keep your Graphics driver up-to-date.

Here’s how you upgrade your Graphics driver:

Step 1: Head over to Nvidia Official Website

Step 2: Search for your Specific Model

Step 3: From there, you can manually Download and Install the graphics driver.

Official Website to update Nvidia Graphics Drivers

Once you have updated your Graphics drivers, restart your computer and check if the problem with the GeForce overlay persists. If it does, proceed to the next troubleshooting method outlined below.


Method#4: Update Your Windows Operating System

The “Performance Overlay Not Showing FPS” issue can be resolved by updating your Windows operating system to its latest version. Microsoft rolls out new updates to get rid of bugs and glitches in the system. Therefore, always keep your Windows system up-to-date.

To update your Windows to its latest version, follow the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: Press Windows Key + I to launch Settings

Step 2: Next, select Update & Security

Step 3: Hit Check for Updates

Step 4: If there’s an Update available, hit Download and Install

Step 5: Lastly, Restart your device

After installing the Windows update, see if the GeForce overlay is functioning properly. If the overlay still does not work, move on to the next troubleshooting step provided below:


Method#5: Launch GeForce Experience as an Administrator

Another effective troubleshooting step to get past the “Performance Overlay Not Showing FPS” issue is launching GeForce Experience as an Administrator. This ensures that all the necessary files and settings are accessible for the proper functioning of the GeForce Experience.

Here’s how you do it: 

Step 1: First, locate the GeForce Experience application on your Desktop

Step 2: Next, Right-Click on it and choose Properties

Step 3: Head over to Compatibility Tab

Step 4: Tick the box next to Run this Program as an Administrator

Step 5: Hit Apply to save the changes

Step 6: Lastly, click on the OK button to close the window

Run "GeForce Experieince" as an Administrator

After doing so, see if the “Performance Overlay Not Showing FPS” issue gets resolved. If not, slip onto the next method.


Method#6: Enable Experimental Features

If the Performance Overlay is not showing FPS, then try enabling the experimental features. This option lets you access features that are not yet available to all users.

To enable experimental features, follow these steps:

Step 1: Launch your GeForce Experience application

Step 2: Click on the Settings Icon

Step 3: Next, click on General in the left panel

Step 4: Within the About Section, check the box next to Enable Experimental Features

After enabling the Experimental Features, see if the overlay starts showing FPS. 


Method#7: Deactivate Any Third-Party Services

If the “Performance Overlay Not Showing FPS” issue remains unresolved, then disabling third-party services on your computer might help you resolve this issue. Sometimes, third-party services can conflict with the functioning of GeForce Experience, leading to issues. 

Here’s how you disable third-party services on your device.

Step 1: Press the Windows Key + R

Step 2: On the run dialogue box, type in msconfig and hit OK to launch System Configuration

Shortcut to open "System Configuration"

Step 3: Go to Services Tab and tick the box next to Hide All Microsoft Services

Step 4: Unmark all the services excluding Nvidia services and then hit OK to save the changes

Disable Third-Party Services

Step 5: Lastly, Restart your device

If the Performance Overlay starts working fine after disabling those third-party services, you’ll need to turn them back on one by one in the System Configuration. This way, you can figure out which one is causing the problem.

If you’re having bad luck with the previous methods, give the last method on the list a shot.


Method#8: Uninstall and Reinstall Geforce Experience

If the aforementioned methods fail to resolve the “Performance Overlay Not Showing FPS” error, try uninstalling the GeForce Experience application and then reinstalling it back again.

Here’s how you uninstall the GeForce Experience Application:

Step 1: Press the Windows Key + R to launch the run dialogue box

Step 2: Type in appwiz.cpl and hit OK

Shortcut to open "Uninstall a Program List"

Step 3: Locate the GeForce Experience application and right-click on it

Step 4: Click on Uninstall 

Step 5: Finally, hit YES to confirm

After uninstalling the GeForce Experience application, go to their Official Website and reinstall the application on your computer.

The “Performance Overlay Not Showing FPS” issue ought to be resolved at this point.


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Wrapping Up:

Voila! You now have 8 powerful methods to tackle the pesky “Performace Overlay Not Showing FPS” issue. By carefully following these troubleshooting methods, you’ll be able to get your Performance Overlay back on track.

So, why wait? Try these methods out and resume your gaming bliss.

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An experienced technical writer who specializes in simplifying technical jargon. Being a lifelong learner, she stays up-to-date with the latest trends and tools in the world of technology. When she’s not writing technical stuff, you can find her reading self-help books.