Steam FPS counter: how to enable and view it on PC and Steam Deck

Part of our guide on do gaming controllers make a difference

Step-by-step instructions to enable and customize Steam's FPS counter on PC and Steam Deck, with troubleshooting tips for common overlay issues.

What you need to enable Steam FPS counter

Before you start, you need Steam installed and logged in on your PC or Steam Deck. The game you want to monitor must run through Steam.

You also need Steam Overlay enabled, as the FPS counter depends on it. On PC, make sure your graphics drivers are up to date to avoid overlay conflicts.

For Steam Deck, you need the latest system updates installed to access performance overlay settings smoothly.

If you plan to monitor FPS on multiple games, confirm each is launched through Steam. Sometimes users forget to run third-party games via Steam, so the overlay won’t show. Before you commit to anything, it is worth looking at inappropriate games on kids pc.

Steam Overlay must be active and compatible with your game. Some anti-cheat mechanisms disable overlays, blocking the FPS counter. Verify with the game’s community if the overlay works.

On PCs with multiple GPUs, the Steam client should run on the GPU used for gaming. Running Steam on integrated graphics while gaming on a dedicated card can prevent proper overlay display.

• Steam client installed and updated
• Game launched through Steam
• Steam Overlay enabled in Steam settings
• Updated graphics drivers on PC
• Latest Steam Deck system update

How to enable Steam Overlay FPS counter on PC

Say you want to see the FPS while gaming on your PC. You start by opening Steam and going to Settings. There is more on how to get notifications on android in a separate guide.

In the Settings menu, choose the 'In-Game' tab. Here, find the 'In-game FPS counter' dropdown menu.

Select your preferred position for the FPS counter: top-left, top-right, bottom-left, or bottom-right. This places the overlay where it’s least distracting.

Launch your game through Steam, and the FPS counter will appear in the chosen corner while you play. There is more on starting game streaming in a separate guide.

If you don’t see the counter, check that the Steam Overlay is enabled by verifying the 'Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game' box in the same settings menu.

The FPS counter updates in real time, showing frames per second as you play. You can check it to spot performance drops instantly.

Some older games or those with exclusive fullscreen modes block overlays. Switching to borderless window mode helps the FPS counter appear. There is more on steam remote play frame drop solutions in a separate guide.

For example, if you set the counter to bottom-right and start your game, you might see 60 FPS steady on a mid-range rig. If it dips below 30, expect noticeable lag.

1. Open Steam and click 'Steam' in the upper left corner, then select 'Settings'.
2. Go to the 'In-Game' tab.
3. Under 'In-game FPS counter', choose an overlay position for the FPS display.
4. Ensure 'Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game' is checked.
5. Start your game through Steam to see the FPS counter.

How to show FPS on Steam Deck

You want to check your FPS on the Steam Deck while gaming. The Steam Deck uses a Performance Overlay for FPS display.

From the main Steam Deck interface, press the Steam button to open the menu. The other half of this decision is fixing fps drops after gaming.

Navigate to 'Settings,' then 'Performance.' Here you’ll find options to enable the FPS counter and customize overlays.

Turn on the 'Show FPS' toggle. The FPS will appear as a small overlay during gameplay.

You can customize what appears in the Performance Overlay, including CPU/GPU usage, but the FPS toggle is the simplest way to see frame rates. Before you commit to anything, it is worth looking at how to fix an xbox controller.

1. Press the Steam button on your Steam Deck.
2. Select 'Settings' from the menu.
3. Scroll to and select 'Performance'.
4. Toggle on 'Show FPS'.
5. Launch your game to see the FPS overlay.

How to access and customize FPS overlay settings

Besides enabling the FPS counter, you might want to adjust its position on the screen for better visibility.

On PC Steam, you choose from four screen corners in the In-Game settings.

On Steam Deck, the Performance Overlay settings let you control which performance info appears, including FPS.

You cannot resize or recolor the Steam FPS overlay natively in Steam; for more customization, third-party software is needed.

Overlay positioning depends on where it interferes least with your gameplay or HUD.

On Steam Deck, you can also enable other overlays like CPU temperature or battery status, but the FPS toggle is the simplest for frame rates.

Changing overlay position on PC helps when HUD elements or menus block the FPS display. Choose a corner that stays visible but out of the way.

If you want more control, apps like RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS) let you resize and recolor the FPS overlay, but this requires extra setup outside Steam.

• PC Steam: select overlay corner in Settings > In-Game
• Steam Deck: toggle FPS in Settings > Performance
• No built-in color or size change options
• Third-party tools needed for advanced customization

Common issues preventing FPS display and fixes

Sometimes the Steam FPS counter won’t show. A common cause is that Steam Overlay is disabled or blocked by other software.

Make sure Steam Overlay is enabled in Steam’s Settings under In-Game, and no antivirus or overlay conflict software like Discord or Nvidia GeForce Experience is blocking it.

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers often cause overlay failures. Update your GPU drivers regularly to fix this.

If you use a fullscreen exclusive mode in games, the overlay might not appear. Switching to borderless window mode often resolves this.

Restart Steam after adjusting any settings to ensure changes take effect.

• Overlay disabled: enable in Steam settings
• Software conflicts: close conflicting apps
• Driver issues: update GPU drivers
• Fullscreen mode: try borderless window
• Restart Steam after changes

Streaming your gameplay with FPS display requires reliable hosting

If you plan to stream your gameplay with the FPS overlay visible, stable hosting for your streaming setup is key.

Hostinger offers affordable and reliable web hosting with fast loading times, free SSL, and 24/7 support, perfect for hosting streaming-related websites or game servers.

Its NVMe storage and built-in CDN ensure smooth performance and global content delivery, reducing lag in your online presence.

While Hostinger doesn’t display FPS itself, it supports the backend of your gaming and streaming setup, helping you run a website or server securely and efficiently.

If you want to share gameplay data live or maintain a blog with performance tips, Hostinger covers that part well.

Common mistakes when enabling Steam FPS counter

Many users forget to enable the Steam Overlay itself, which disables the FPS counter regardless of settings.

Choosing an overlay position that blocks important game HUD elements can distract more than help.

Not updating graphics drivers leads to overlay conflicts and missing FPS display.

Starting games outside of Steam or in fullscreen exclusive mode often disables the overlay.

• Neglecting Steam Overlay enablement -> Turn it on in Settings > In-Game
• Overlay blocking HUD -> Choose a less intrusive corner
• Outdated drivers -> Update GPU drivers monthly
• Launching games outside Steam -> Always launch through Steam client

Questions people still ask

I have used Steam's FPS overlay on both Windows PC and Steam Deck to troubleshoot game performance and found these steps reliable.