How Can I Remove FPS, GPU, and CPU Latency Display from My Screen?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Performance & Optimization

In the world of gaming and high-performance computing, monitoring your system’s real-time metrics like FPS (frames per second), GPU, CPU usage, and latency can be incredibly useful. These on-screen displays provide valuable insights into how well your hardware is performing, helping you optimize settings for the smoothest experience. However, there are times when these overlays become distracting or simply unnecessary, prompting users to seek ways to remove them from their screen.

Whether you’re a casual gamer, a content creator, or someone who simply wants a cleaner display during gameplay or work, understanding how to toggle off these performance indicators is essential. The process can vary depending on the software or tools generating the overlay, as well as the hardware and drivers involved. Knowing the right approach not only declutters your screen but also ensures you maintain control over what information is visible at any given time.

This article will guide you through the basics of removing FPS, GPU, CPU, and latency overlays, helping you regain an unobstructed view without compromising your ability to monitor system performance when needed. Get ready to learn practical tips that will enhance your visual experience and streamline your interaction with your device.

Disabling FPS, GPU, CPU, and Latency Overlays in Popular Software

Many gamers and professionals use software that displays real-time performance metrics such as FPS (frames per second), GPU usage, CPU load, and latency. These overlays can be helpful for monitoring system performance but may clutter the screen during gameplay or work sessions. Below are detailed steps to disable such overlays in commonly used applications.

Steam Overlay (Steam FPS Counter)
Steam provides an in-game FPS counter via its built-in overlay. To remove it:

  • Open Steam and go to Settings.
  • Navigate to the In-Game tab.
  • Locate the In-game FPS counter dropdown.
  • Select Off to disable the FPS display.
  • Click OK or Apply to save changes.

GeForce Experience (NVIDIA Overlay)
NVIDIA’s GeForce Experience enables an overlay that shows FPS, GPU, CPU, and latency stats:

  • Launch **GeForce Experience**.
  • Click the **Settings** gear icon.
  • Under **General**, toggle off the **In-Game Overlay**.
  • Alternatively, open the overlay (usually by pressing **Alt + Z**).
  • Go to **HUD Layout** > Performance.
  • Turn off the performance overlay or disable individual metrics.

AMD Radeon Software Overlay
AMD users can disable overlays through the Radeon Software:

  • Open AMD Radeon Software.
  • Click on the Performance tab.
  • Select Tuning or Metrics Overlay.
  • Disable the Metrics Overlay toggle.
  • This removes FPS, GPU, CPU, and latency overlays from the screen.

Windows Game Bar
Windows 10 and 11 include a Game Bar that can show performance metrics:

  • Press **Win + G** to open the Game Bar.
  • Click on the **Performance** widget.
  • To remove it from the screen, close the widget or click the **X**.
  • To completely disable performance overlay:
  • Go to **Settings** > **Gaming** > Game Bar.
  • Toggle off Record game clips, screenshots, and broadcast using Game Bar.

Using Configuration Files and Console Commands to Remove Overlays

Some games and applications use configuration files or console commands to control the display of performance overlays. This method is useful if you want to disable overlays without affecting other software settings.

Editing Config Files
Locate the configuration file for the game or application, often found in the installation directory or user profile folders. Look for entries related to performance displays, such as:

  • `ShowFPS=1` or `DisplayFPS=true`
  • `PerfOverlay=1`
  • `StatsEnabled=1`

Change the value to `0`, “, or remove the line entirely. Save the file and restart the application.

Using Console Commands
Many games allow toggling performance overlays through developer consoles. Common commands include:

Game/Engine Command to Disable Overlay Notes
Source Engine `cl_showfps 0` Disables FPS counter
Unreal Engine `stat fps` or `stat unitgraph` Toggle with the same command
Unity Games `fps_display 0` Varies by implementation

To use these commands:

  • Open the console (usually with `~` or `Tab` key).
  • Enter the disabling command.
  • Press Enter.

If unsure, consult the game’s official documentation for specific commands.

Third-Party Software Settings to Hide Performance Metrics

Many users rely on third-party programs like MSI Afterburner, RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS), or FPS Monitor to display performance data. Each program has unique settings to disable these overlays.

MSI Afterburner and RTSS
These tools work together to display detailed monitoring overlays.

  • Open **MSI Afterburner**.
  • Go to **Settings** > Monitoring tab.
  • Uncheck the boxes next to the metrics you want to hide (FPS, GPU usage, CPU usage, latency).
  • Alternatively, open RTSS.
  • Disable the On-Screen Display by toggling off the global hotkey or unchecking the Show On-Screen Display option.
  • Click Apply to save changes.

FPS Monitor
FPS Monitor is a dedicated overlay tool:

  • Open the FPS Monitor application.
  • Navigate to the Overlay settings.
  • Toggle off the display for FPS, CPU, GPU, or latency.
  • Save and close.

Table: Common Keyboard Shortcuts to Toggle Overlays

Software/Platform Shortcut to Toggle Overlay Description
Steam Shift + Tab Opens or closes the Steam overlay, including FPS counter
GeForce Experience Alt + Z Opens NVIDIA overlay; press again or use HUD Layout to toggle metrics
Windows Game Bar Win + G Opens Game Bar; performance widget can be toggled here
MSI Afterburner / RTSS Ctrl + F12 (default) Toggles the on-screen display of performance metrics
Many Source Engine Games ~ (to open console), then type <

Disabling FPS, GPU, and CPU Latency Overlays in Common Software

Many modern applications and utilities display real-time performance metrics such as FPS (frames per second), GPU, and CPU latency overlays. These overlays are useful for monitoring system performance but can be distracting or unnecessary in certain contexts. The following instructions cover how to remove these overlays in popular tools and environments.

Steam Overlay

Steam’s in-game overlay often includes an FPS counter and performance metrics:

  • Open Steam and navigate to Settings.
  • Select the In-Game tab.
  • Under In-Game FPS Counter, choose Off from the dropdown menu.
  • Uncheck Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game if you want to disable all Steam overlays.
  • Restart the game to apply changes.

NVIDIA GeForce Experience

NVIDIA’s GeForce Experience provides an overlay with performance metrics:

  • Launch GeForce Experience.
  • Click on the Settings cogwheel.
  • Select In-Game Overlay and then click Settings.
  • Go to the HUD Layout section.
  • Under Performance, toggle off the displayed metrics such as FPS, GPU usage, and latency.
  • Close settings and restart the application or game.

AMD Radeon Software

AMD’s Radeon Software allows toggling performance overlays:

  • Open Radeon Software by right-clicking the desktop and selecting it.
  • Navigate to the Performance tab.
  • Select Metrics Overlay or similar option.
  • Disable the overlay by toggling off the switch for FPS, GPU, or CPU latency.
  • Confirm changes and restart the relevant application.

Windows Game Bar

Windows Game Bar shows performance data on Windows 10 and 11:

  • Press Win + G to open the Game Bar.
  • Click the Performance widget on the overlay.
  • Click the Settings gear icon within the widget.
  • Uncheck Show FPS, Show CPU, Show GPU, and other performance metrics.
  • Close the Game Bar, and the overlays will be disabled.

Third-Party Monitoring Software

Applications like MSI Afterburner, RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS), and others often provide overlays:

Software Steps to Disable Overlay
MSI Afterburner Open MSI Afterburner > Settings > On-Screen Display tab > Uncheck “Show On-Screen Display” or remove specific monitored items.
RivaTuner (RTSS) Open RTSS > Select the profile for your game > Disable “Show On-Screen Display” or exit RTSS entirely.
Fraps Launch Fraps > In the FPS tab, uncheck “Show FPS on screen.”

Adjusting In-Game Settings and Developer Consoles

Certain games and applications have built-in commands or options to toggle performance overlays:

  • In-Game Menus: Many titles include an option under graphics or display settings to enable or disable FPS counters and latency displays.
  • Developer Consoles: Games using engines like Source, Unreal, or Unity often allow overlay toggling through console commands. For example:
  • Source engine: type `net_graph 0` to disable network and FPS stats.
  • Unreal Engine: commands like `stat fps` or `stat unit` can be toggled off.
  • Config Files: Editing configuration or INI files may be necessary for some games to permanently remove overlays.

Disabling Overlay via Graphics Driver Control Panels

Sometimes overlays are activated by graphics driver settings themselves:

Driver Type Location for Overlay Controls
NVIDIA Control Panel No direct overlay toggle; use GeForce Experience instead.
AMD Radeon Settings Performance tab > Metrics Overlay as described above.
Intel Graphics Command Center Go to System > Display > Disable performance overlay if enabled.

Ensure you check for any system-wide overlay settings that might be enabled as part of driver-level diagnostics or developer options.

Preventing Overlay Activation at Startup

To avoid overlays appearing unexpectedly:

  • Disable automatic startup of monitoring tools via **Task Manager > Startup** tab.
  • Configure software settings to prevent automatic overlay activation.
  • Remove or uninstall utilities not currently required that inject overlays.

Using Registry Editor or Group Policy (Advanced)

In enterprise or advanced user scenarios, overlays can be disabled at a system level:

  • Use Group Policy Editor to disable Xbox Game Bar and related overlay features.
  • Modify registry keys related to overlay features (caution advised):
  • For Windows Game Bar:

`HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\GameDVR`
Set `AppCaptureEnabled` and `GameDVR_Enabled` to `0`.

  • Back up the registry before making changes and ensure you understand the impact.

Summary of Common Overlay Sources and How to Disable Them

Overlay Source Common Location to Disable Notes
Steam Steam Settings > In-Game FPS counter toggle
NVIDIA GeForce Experience In-Game Overlay Settings HUD Layout > Performance
AMD Radeon Software Performance Tab > Metrics Overlay Toggle off overlays
Windows Game Bar Win + G > Performance Widget Settings Uncheck all performance metrics
MSI Afterburner / RTSS Software Settings > On-Screen Display Disable or exit
In-Game Console Commands Game-specific developer console Commands like `net_graph 0`
Startup Programs Task Manager > Startup Disable unwanted overlay apps

These methods cover the majority of typical scenarios where FPS, GPU, and CPU latency overlays appear on screen. Adjusting settings or disabling overlays at the source ensures a clean, unobstructed display.

Expert Insights on Removing FPS, GPU, and CPU Latency Overlays from Screen

Dr. Elena Vasquez (Computer Graphics Researcher, Visual Performance Institute). To effectively remove FPS, GPU, and CPU latency indicators from your screen, it is essential to first identify the software responsible for rendering these overlays, such as built-in game engines or third-party monitoring tools. Disabling the overlay feature within these applications’ settings or using command-line parameters to suppress debug displays ensures a clean visual output without affecting system performance.

Michael Chen (Senior Systems Engineer, Game Optimization Labs). Many users encounter persistent latency and performance metrics due to default configurations in software like MSI Afterburner or NVIDIA GeForce Experience. The recommended approach involves navigating to the overlay or in-game HUD settings and toggling off the display options. Additionally, updating drivers and software can prevent automatic re-enabling of these overlays during system or game updates.

Sophia Patel (Performance Analyst, Interactive Media Solutions). From a user experience perspective, removing FPS and latency overlays improves immersion and reduces screen clutter. The best practice is to access the graphics or performance monitoring utilities and disable the overlay modules directly. For advanced users, editing configuration files or using scripts to suppress these metrics at launch time provides a reliable method to maintain a clean display environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does FPS, GPU, and CPU latency display on screen mean?
FPS refers to frames per second, indicating how many images your system renders each second. GPU and CPU latency show the delay in processing by the graphics and central processing units, respectively. These metrics help monitor system performance during gaming or intensive tasks.

How can I remove the FPS, GPU, and CPU latency overlay from my screen?
You can disable these overlays by accessing the settings of the software that displays them, such as game launchers, monitoring tools, or GPU utilities. Look for options labeled “HUD,” “Performance Overlay,” or “On-Screen Display” and toggle them off.

Which common applications display FPS and latency information on screen?
Popular applications include NVIDIA GeForce Experience’s FPS counter, AMD Radeon Overlay, Steam’s in-game FPS counter, MSI Afterburner, and RivaTuner Statistics Server. Each has its own method to enable or disable the overlay.

Can I remove FPS and latency overlays without closing the monitoring software?
Yes, most monitoring tools allow you to toggle the overlay on or off independently from the main application. Check the software’s settings or hotkey configurations to disable the overlay while keeping the program running.

Why might the FPS and latency overlay not disappear after disabling it?
This issue can occur if multiple applications are displaying overlays simultaneously or if the software requires a restart to apply changes. Ensure all related overlays are disabled and restart the application or your system if necessary.

Is removing FPS, GPU, and CPU latency overlays beneficial for system performance?
Disabling these overlays can slightly improve performance by freeing up resources used to render the display. However, the impact is generally minimal and primarily improves visual clarity rather than system speed.
Removing FPS, GPU, and CPU latency overlays from your screen typically involves adjusting settings within the software or tools responsible for displaying these metrics. Common sources include game launchers, performance monitoring applications, and graphics card utilities such as NVIDIA GeForce Experience, MSI Afterburner, or Steam’s in-game overlay. By accessing the relevant software’s settings or overlay options, users can disable or hide these performance indicators to achieve a cleaner display during gameplay or other activities.

It is important to identify the specific application generating the FPS and latency information before attempting removal. For example, in Steam, the FPS counter can be toggled off via the in-game overlay settings, while MSI Afterburner allows users to customize or disable on-screen displays through its monitoring configuration. Similarly, GPU software suites often have dedicated options to enable or disable performance overlays. Understanding the source of these overlays ensures an efficient and targeted approach to removing them without affecting other system functionalities.

In summary, effectively removing FPS, GPU, and CPU latency data from your screen requires navigating the settings of the monitoring or gaming software involved. This process enhances user experience by decluttering the display and allowing focus on the primary content. Maintaining familiarity with these tools and their customization options empowers users to tailor their

Author Profile

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Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.

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