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Short answer: Starfield requires Windows 10 version 21H1 or later, 16 GB of RAM, a DirectX 12 graphics card such as a Radeon RX 5700 or GeForce GTX 1070 Ti, 125 GB of free space, and an SSD. Bethesda’s recommended examples raise the CPU and GPU tiers to a Ryzen 5 3600X or Core i5-10600K and a Radeon RX 6800 XT or GeForce RTX 2080. Those specifications are compatibility targets, not promises of a particular frame rate, resolution, or graphics preset.
If performance is poor, start with the fixes Bethesda lists: confirm the game is on an SSD, update the graphics driver, disable Steam Overlay or Xbox Game Bar while troubleshooting, verify the game files, and make sure a laptop or multi-GPU system is using its dedicated GPU and a high-performance power profile. Then choose an upscaling mode under Display Settings > Upscaling. FSR 3 and DLSS Frame Generation have different VSync instructions, so use the setting for the feature you actually enable.
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Official Starfield PC requirements
Bethesda’s current PC requirements page lists one minimum configuration and one recommended configuration. The publisher gives component examples rather than a guaranteed performance tier. A computer that passes the minimum row may launch and run the game, but the page does not promise a specific frame rate or visual quality. The same caution applies to the recommended row.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 version 21H1 (10.0.19043) | Windows 10 or Windows 11 with updates |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 2600X or Intel Core i7-6800K | AMD Ryzen 5 3600X or Intel Core i5-10600K |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon RX 5700 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Ti | AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 |
| DirectX | Version 12 | Version 12 |
| Storage | 125 GB available; SSD required | 125 GB available; SSD required |
| Network | Not listed by Bethesda | Broadband internet connection |
Source: Bethesda Support’s Starfield PC system requirements, current as of October 2026.
#1 Best Overall
- Start your journey by customizing your appearance and deciding your Background and Traits
- Venture through the stars and explore more than 1000 planets
- Pilot and command the ship of your dreams.
How to read the CPU and GPU rows
The processor and graphics-card names are examples of the class Bethesda expects. They are not a statement that every newer card or processor will behave identically, and they do not define a target such as 1080p, 1440p, 4K, 30 frames per second, or 60 frames per second. Compare your exact model with the listed examples and consider the rest of the system rather than treating the word “recommended” as a performance guarantee.
RAM is 16 GB in both rows
Bethesda lists 16 GB of system memory for both minimum and recommended configurations. The 125 GB figure belongs to available storage, not memory: it does not mean Starfield needs 125 GB of RAM. Leave additional free space for Windows, updates, and other applications instead of filling a drive to its last gigabyte.
The SSD requirement is explicit
Both configurations require an SSD. Bethesda does not specify a particular SSD interface, form factor, brand, or read-speed rating. The requirement means that installing the game on a traditional hard disk drive is outside the published configuration, even if the other components meet the table.
Network and operating-system qualifications
Bethesda lists a broadband internet connection only in the recommended column. It does not provide a minimum network specification on this page. The minimum operating system is Windows 10 version 21H1, identified as build 10.0.19043; the recommended entry is an updated Windows 10 or Windows 11 installation. DirectX 12 is listed for both tiers.
Check your PC before installing
Use the following checklist to compare the machine you actually intend to play on, not a different desktop or a laptop’s integrated graphics specification.
- Identify Windows: Open Settings > System > About and check the Windows edition and version. If you need the exact build, press Windows key + R, enter
winver, and compare the result with Windows 10 version 21H1 or a supported updated Windows 10/11 installation. - Identify the processor and RAM: In Settings > System > About, note the processor name and installed RAM. Task Manager’s Performance tab can show the memory currently available while other programs are running.
- Identify the active GPU: In Task Manager’s Performance tab, check the graphics adapters. A laptop may show both integrated and dedicated GPUs; the name alone does not prove Starfield will use the faster one.
- Check DirectX: Press Windows key + R, enter
dxdiag, and review the system and display tabs. The published requirement is DirectX 12. - Check the installation drive: In File Explorer, right-click the drive where you plan to install the game and choose Properties. Confirm at least 125 GB is free and that the drive is an SSD. If the launcher offers multiple libraries, select the SSD library before downloading.
When a specification is close to the listed example, treat it as a reason to test carefully rather than as proof that the machine will match another player’s results. Bethesda publishes no frame-rate table with these requirements.
Why installing Starfield on an SSD matters
The storage device is the clearest non-negotiable in the table. Bethesda’s performance guidance specifically tells players with problems to install Starfield on an SSD instead of an HDD. An SSD can therefore be a required corrective change for a system that otherwise appears strong enough, not merely an optional convenience.
If the game is currently on an HDD
- Confirm that the SSD has at least 125 GB of available space before moving or reinstalling the game.
- Use your launcher’s library-management or move-installation function when available, or reinstall to a library located on the SSD.
- After moving the files, run the launcher’s file-verification function. This catches an incomplete move without assuming that the storage device was the only cause.
- Start the game from the SSD and retest before changing several graphics options at once.
Bethesda does not require a specific SSD connection standard, advertise a minimum sequential speed, or say that a particular capacity beyond the 125 GB free-space figure is necessary. Choose a drive with enough room for the game, updates, and normal operating-system headroom.
Bethesda’s performance troubleshooting order
Bethesda’s troubleshooting page treats hardware and configuration as common causes of poor performance. Work through the low-risk checks first, changing one item at a time so you can tell which action mattered.
1. Confirm the published requirements and the SSD installation
Recheck the CPU, GPU, RAM, operating system, DirectX, and available space against the requirements table. Verify the actual installation path rather than assuming that the launcher used the fastest drive. A system that fails the minimum graphics or processor example may need a hardware decision; software tweaks cannot turn it into the published configuration.
2. Update the graphics driver
Install the current driver offered by your GPU manufacturer for the exact Radeon or GeForce model. Restart Windows after the installation if the installer requests it, then test Starfield again. Keep a record of the previous driver or create a restore point before major driver changes if you need an easy rollback.
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3. Temporarily disable overlays
Bethesda recommends disabling Steam Overlay and/or Xbox Game Bar when investigating low frame rate or other performance issues. Turn them off for the test session, reproduce the problem, and re-enable them later if they were not involved. This is a diagnostic step, not a claim that overlays always reduce performance.
Rank #3
- TELL YOUR STORY - In Starfield the most important story is the one you tell with your character. Start your journey by customizing your appearance and deciding your Background and Traits. Will you be an experienced explorer, a charming diplomat, a stealthy cyber runner, or something else entirely? The choice is yours. Decide who you will be and what you will become.
- EXPLORE OUTER SPACE - Venture through the stars and explore more than 1000 planets. Navigate bustling cities, explore dangerous bases, and traverse wild landscapes. Meet and recruit a memorable cast of characters, join in the adventures of various factions, and embark on quests across the Settled Systems. A new story or experience is always waiting to be discovered.
- CAPTAIN THE SHIP OF YOUR DREAMS - Pilot and command the ship of your dreams. Personalize the look of your ship, modify critical systems including weapons and shields, and assign crew members to provide unique bonuses. In deep space you will engage in high-stakes dogfights, encounter random missions, dock at star stations, and even board and commandeer enemy ships to add to your collection.
- DISCOVER, COLLECT, BUILD - Explore planets and discover the fauna, flora, and resources needed to craft everything from medicine and food to equipment and weapons. Build outposts and hire a crew to passively extract materials and establish cargo links to transfer resources between them. Invest these raw materials into research projects to unlock unique crafting recipes.
- LOCK AND LOAD - Space can be a dangerous place. A refined combat system gives you the tools to deal with any situation. Whether you prefer long-range rifles, laser weapons, or demolitions, each weapon type can be modified to complement your playstyle. Zero G environments add a chaotic spectacle to combat, while boost packs give players freedom to maneuver like never before.
4. Verify the game files
Use the launcher’s built-in file-verification command. On Steam, the usual route is Library > right-click Starfield > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files. Allow the process to finish and redownload any files it reports as damaged or missing before launching again.
5. Select the dedicated GPU
On a laptop or a desktop with more than one graphics adapter, make sure Starfield is assigned to the primary or dedicated GPU. Windows and the GPU control panel can each expose per-application graphics preferences; select the high-performance adapter for the game executable and then confirm the choice in Task Manager while the game is running.
6. Use a high-performance power profile
Bethesda suggests a high-performance power profile for troubleshooting. On a laptop, keep the charger connected while testing; battery-saving modes can change the behavior you are trying to measure. Treat this as a test configuration because it can increase power use, heat, and fan noise.
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If the earlier steps do not help, Bethesda’s guidance continues with administrator permissions and antivirus exclusions. Run the launcher or game with the permissions it requires, and add an exclusion only for a trusted game folder or executable if your security software is blocking files. Do not disable protection globally or leave broad exclusions in place without a reason; remove a temporary exclusion when testing is complete.
8. Repair DirectX runtime files
Bethesda also points to checking the DirectX runtime files when performance or launch problems persist. Follow the repair or reinstall option supplied by the game or Windows rather than downloading an unknown “DirectX fixer” from a third-party site.
9. Test a clean Windows profile or Selective Startup
The final steps on Bethesda’s troubleshooting page include testing a new Windows user profile and using Selective Startup. These tests help separate a damaged profile or a conflicting background program from a Starfield-specific problem. Record which services you disable, restart, and restore the normal startup configuration after the test so other applications continue to work.
Rank #4
- ALL‑NEW STORY EXPANSION — Continue your Starfield journey with a narrative‑driven DLC where a ruthless faction of military deserters threatens humanity using a powerful robot army.
- EXPLORE NEW LOCATIONS — Venture into previously unseen regions of space, uncovering dangerous new environments, hidden facilities, and story‑rich areas shaped by conflict and betrayal.
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND WEAPONS — Discover cutting‑edge technologies and unlock powerful new weapons designed to counter robotic enemies and shift the balance of combat.
- HIGH‑STAKES SCI‑FI COMBAT — Face heavily armed robotic forces and elite enemies in intense encounters that test your loadout, tactics, and mastery of Starfield’s combat systems.
- SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE SETTLED SYSTEMS — Your actions in this story DLC influence the outcome of a hostile takeover and help determine the fate of humanity among the stars.
These actions are troubleshooting procedures, not guaranteed frame-rate boosts. If none changes the behavior, note the exact symptom, the GPU being used, the drive type, and which step you completed before seeking further support.
Full sequence: Bethesda’s Starfield PC performance troubleshooting guide.
Use Starfield’s upscaling and frame-generation options correctly
Bethesda supports built-in upscaling options rather than publishing one universal “best settings” preset. Open Display Settings > Upscaling and choose the option appropriate for your hardware and image-quality preference. Upscaling changes how the game renders and reconstructs the image; it does not replace the CPU, GPU, RAM, operating-system, or SSD requirements.
FSR 3 on PC
Bethesda Game Studios announced FSR 3 support on February 7, 2024. Its guidance says to use FSR 3 with VSync on and a variable-refresh-rate (VRR) monitor for the best experience: “It is also recommended to use FSR 3 with VSync ON and with a VRR monitor for the best experience.” This is an official setup recommendation, not a measured frame-rate result.
Enable FSR 3 from Display Settings > Upscaling, turn VSync on when following Bethesda’s FSR 3 advice, and use a VRR display if you already own one or are deciding whether that optional accessory fits your setup. A VRR monitor is not a Starfield system requirement.
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DLSS features on compatible NVIDIA cards
Bethesda says compatible NVIDIA graphics cards can use DLSS Super Resolution, DLAA, NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency, and DLSS Frame Generation. Availability depends on the GPU and the game’s supported feature path.
DLSS Frame Generation has a separate VSync instruction: Bethesda says VSync must be off while DLSS Frame Generation is active to see its benefit, and notes that it was working to automate that setting in a future update. Do not copy the FSR 3 VSync-on advice into a DLSS Frame Generation setup, or reverse it; choose the instruction for the feature you enabled.
Feature details: Bethesda’s NVIDIA DLSS support page.
| Feature path | Bethesda’s VSync guidance | Optional hardware or condition |
|---|---|---|
| FSR 3 | VSync on | VRR monitor recommended for the best experience; not required |
| DLSS Frame Generation | VSync off while Frame Generation is active | Compatible NVIDIA graphics card |
| DLSS Super Resolution, DLAA, or Reflex | No single VSync instruction stated in the cited DLSS guidance | Compatible NVIDIA graphics card |
When an upgrade is justified
Separate a requirement-driven fix from an upgrade chosen for a higher visual target. The official pages support the following decision framework, but they do not identify a modern “best value” graphics card or prove that a particular upgrade will deliver a specific frame rate.
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| Situation | What the published guidance establishes | Practical response |
|---|---|---|
| Game is installed on an HDD | SSD storage is required, and Bethesda advises moving the game from an HDD when troubleshooting. | Move or reinstall to an SSD with at least 125 GB free before buying other parts. |
| GPU is below the minimum example | The machine does not match Bethesda’s minimum graphics example. | Compare the complete PC and consider a GPU upgrade; check power supply, case clearance, CPU balance, and current benchmarks before selecting a model. |
| GPU is between the minimum and recommended examples | The requirements do not translate that position into an FPS or preset. | Test with the supported upscaling options and decide whether the result meets your own resolution and image-quality goal. |
| CPU is below the minimum example | The processor does not match the published minimum CPU class. | Investigate the complete platform before changing the GPU alone; a graphics upgrade cannot correct every CPU limitation. |
| RAM is below 16 GB | Both listed configurations specify 16 GB. | Bring system memory up to at least the published amount before judging graphics settings. |
| System meets the recommended examples | Bethesda still gives no guaranteed resolution, preset, or frame rate. | Use the troubleshooting sequence and select FSR 3 or DLSS according to the GPU and display setup. |
| You want smoother presentation with FSR 3 | Bethesda recommends a VRR monitor with FSR 3. | Consider a VRR display as an optional pairing, not as a replacement for meeting the PC requirements. |
For a graphics-card purchase, check the card’s power connector and supply capacity, physical length, cooling, driver support, and the processor already in the machine. Those compatibility checks are necessary because Bethesda’s requirement page names example GPUs but does not evaluate current models, thermals, or value.
How to compare two PCs fairly
When deciding between a desktop, laptop, or two existing systems, compare the same seven items in the same order:
- CPU tier: Compare the exact processor models with Bethesda’s minimum and recommended examples.
- GPU tier: Record the exact Radeon or GeForce model, not only the amount of video memory or a marketing family name.
- RAM capacity: Confirm that the system has at least 16 GB and note whether other applications consume a large portion of it.
- SSD capacity and location: Make sure the game library is on the SSD and that at least 125 GB is free before installation.
- Operating system and DirectX: Verify the Windows version and DirectX 12 support.
- Laptop power state: Compare both machines while plugged in and using the intended high-performance profile.
- Active adapter: On systems with integrated and dedicated graphics, confirm that Starfield is actually using the dedicated GPU.
A laptop’s listed GPU model is not enough by itself: power limits and the selected adapter can change which component is doing the work. Likewise, a desktop with a recommended-class GPU can still be limited by its processor, storage configuration, driver state, or background software.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Confusing storage with RAM: 125 GB is available drive space; the memory requirement is 16 GB RAM.
- Installing on a large HDD: Capacity alone does not satisfy Bethesda’s SSD requirement.
- Assuming recommended means 60 FPS: Bethesda publishes component examples, not a frame-rate or resolution guarantee.
- Applying the wrong VSync advice: FSR 3 uses Bethesda’s VSync-on recommendation with VRR; DLSS Frame Generation uses VSync off while that feature is active.
- Upgrading the GPU first: Check the CPU, power supply, case, cooling, and dedicated-GPU selection before spending money.
- Changing every setting at once: Run the troubleshooting sequence one step at a time and retest so the cause remains identifiable.
- Leaving security exceptions broad: Use a narrowly scoped, temporary antivirus exclusion only when necessary, then restore normal protection.
- Testing on battery: A laptop’s battery profile can obscure the result; Bethesda advises keeping it plugged in while using a high-performance profile.
A practical pre-launch and troubleshooting checklist
Before the first launch
- Windows meets the listed version requirement and is updated.
- The processor, graphics card, RAM, and DirectX support have been identified.
- The game library is on an SSD with at least 125 GB free.
- A laptop is connected to AC power and has the dedicated GPU selected.
- Graphics drivers are current for the installed GPU.
If frame rate or performance is poor
- Confirm the requirements and SSD location again.
- Update the graphics driver and restart if requested.
- Disable Steam Overlay and Xbox Game Bar for the test.
- Verify the game files.
- Check the active GPU and high-performance power profile.
- Try the permissions, antivirus, DirectX-runtime, new-profile, and Selective Startup checks if the earlier steps fail.
- Choose FSR 3 or DLSS in Display Settings > Upscaling, applying the matching VSync instruction.
The practical verdict
Start with Bethesda’s published baseline: 16 GB RAM, DirectX 12, 125 GB of free SSD storage, and at least the listed minimum CPU and GPU examples. If the game is slow or unstable, an SSD installation, current driver, disabled overlays, verified files, correct GPU selection, and a plugged-in high-performance profile are the most defensible first actions. Only then decide whether the whole PC needs an upgrade. FSR 3 and DLSS can provide additional rendering options, but their VSync guidance differs and neither changes the underlying system requirements.
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