Halloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix NowHalloween DealsAmazon USOctober picks are moving - compare before checkoutAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
Redmond desk4 min

Windows Update FPS: How to Check for a Change in Gaming Performance

Updating Windows may help when it fixes a relevant gaming or driver issue, but FPS gains are not guaranteed. Here’s how to judge an update on your own PC.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Sometimes—but updating Windows does not reliably increase FPS on every PC. A patch can help if it fixes a performance bug or driver problem affecting your system; an update can also leave frame rates nearly unchanged, or introduce a problem for particular hardware or games. Check the exact update and your own results rather than expecting a universal FPS gain.

Why a Windows update might change FPS

Windows updates can include fixes and performance improvements, but that general promise does not mean every game will run faster. A change matters to gaming only when it affects something relevant to the PC, game, graphics driver, or connected devices. Microsoft’s performance guidance recommends keeping Windows and software current as part of troubleshooting, alongside checking background activity, storage, and hardware limits.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The update type matters, too. A monthly quality or security update and a feature update are not interchangeable benchmarks: each has its own changes, and a version number alone is not a ranking of gaming performance. Look for a documented fix or known issue that matches your hardware or game.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What the available comparisons show

Windows 10 versus Windows 11 24H2 in seven games

Windows Central’s 2025 comparison tested seven games on one PC before and after an upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 24H2. The test system used a Ryzen 7 9800X3D, an RTX 5070 Ti, and 32 GB of DDR5 memory. Average performance was described as practically identical overall, though results varied between games; minimum frame rates were lower in several tested titles. This is a useful example of why an average alone may not describe perceived smoothness, but one machine cannot establish what will happen on other PCs. Read Windows Central’s test and results.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Logitech G305 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse - Black | 12,000 DPI, Lightweight, 6 Programmable Buttons, 250h Battery, On-Board Memory, Compatible with PC and Mac
  • The next-generation optical HERO sensor delivers incredible performance and up to 10x the power efficiency over previous generations, with 400 IPS precision and up to 12,000 DPI sensitivity
  • Ultra-fast LIGHTSPEED wireless technology gives you a lag-free gaming experience, delivering incredible responsiveness and reliability with 1 ms report rate for competition-level performance
  • G305 wireless mouse boasts an incredible 250 hours of continuous gameplay on just 1 AA battery; switch to Endurance mode via Logitech G HUB software and extend battery life up to 9 months
  • Wireless does not have to mean heavy, G305 lightweight mouse provides high maneuverability coming in at only 3.4 oz thanks to efficient lightweight mechanical design and ultra-efficient battery usage
  • The durable, compact design with built-in nano receiver storage makes G305 not just a great portable desktop mouse, but also a great laptop travel companion, use with a gaming laptop and play anywhere

Windows 11 25H2 versus 24H2 benchmarks

Tom’s Hardware’s September 2025 summary of Phoronix testing reported mixed outcomes across benchmark workloads rather than a consistent advantage for Windows 11 25H2. Those benchmarks are not a broad, game-by-game comparison, so they cannot tell every player which version will deliver higher FPS. They do reinforce that a feature update should not be assumed to improve performance across the board. See Tom’s Hardware’s summary.

Neither comparison supports a universal percentage increase—or decrease—in FPS from updating Windows. Treat measured results as specific to the hardware, workloads, and conditions tested.

Rank #2
Sale
Logitech G502 Hero Wired Gaming Mouse - Black | High performance, 25,600 DPI, RGB, adjustable weights, 11 programmable buttons, on-board memory, PC/Mac
  • HERO Gaming Sensor: Next generation HERO mouse sensor delivers precision tracking up to 25600 DPI with zero smoothing, filtering or acceleration
  • 11 programmable buttons and dual mode hyper-fast scroll wheel: The Logitech wired gaming mouse gives you fully customizable control over your gameplay
  • Adjustable weights: Match your playing style. Arrange up to five 3.6 g weights for a personalized weight and balance configuration
  • LIGHTSYNC technology: Logitech G LIGHTSYNC technology provides fully customizable RGB lighting that can also synchronize with your gaming (requires Logitech Gaming Software)
  • Mechanical Switch Button Tensioning: A metal spring tensioning system and metal pivot hinges are built into left and right computer gaming mouse buttons for a crisp, clean click feel with rapid click feedback

How to find out whether an update changed your FPS

  1. Record the setup. Note your Windows edition, version and build, the update identifier, game, graphics-driver version, and PC hardware. If you do not know the build, open Settings > System > About; Windows version details are also available by running winver.
  2. Compare like with like. Use the same game scene, resolution, graphics settings, and background workload before and after the update whenever possible. Restart the PC and close unnecessary apps and browser tabs so unrelated background activity is less likely to affect the result.
  3. Check more than average FPS. Record average FPS and, if your measurement tool provides them, low-frame metrics. Notice stutter, uneven frame pacing, and input or controller response as well: similar averages can still feel different.
  4. Check what changed at the same time. See whether the graphics driver or an optional driver update changed alongside Windows. Microsoft’s guidance includes optional driver updates among the troubleshooting steps for performance issues.
  5. Look up the exact update. Check Microsoft’s release-health information and the update’s change log for known problems or fixes relevant to your build, game, or device. The Windows 11 25H2 release history directs readers to current release-health information; availability and known issues can change.
  6. Repeat before drawing a conclusion. Recheck the same scene under comparable conditions. If a drop is reproducible and began with a specific update, follow Microsoft’s or the graphics-vendor’s instructions for that build and device rather than uninstalling updates solely because the timing coincided.

Why results may differ between updates and PCs

  • A targeted fix can help a limited set of systems. A patch addressing a relevant game, driver, or device problem may improve that situation without raising FPS elsewhere.
  • An update can affect smoothness without lifting average FPS. Frame-rate lows, stutter, and controller response are separate parts of the experience. Microsoft’s November 2025 KB5068861 notes, for example, listed handheld-device battery and controller-response fixes; those are not claims of higher FPS. See the KB5068861 notes.
  • Other performance limits may dominate. Microsoft identifies limited storage, startup apps and other background activity, outdated software, and hardware limitations as possible causes of a slow PC. An OS update cannot be assumed to resolve those bottlenecks.
  • A feature update is not an FPS promise. For Windows 11 25H2, Microsoft says some features previously held behind temporary controls in 24H2 are enabled by default. Feature availability does not establish a gaming-performance improvement. Read Microsoft’s 25H2 overview.

Windows 11 26H2 and the current update context

Microsoft announced Windows 11 version 26H2 on September 29, 2026. It is an enablement package for eligible Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 devices that share the underlying codebase and servicing branch. Microsoft describes a controlled rollout and says a compatibility safeguard may hold an update where a known issue is detected. The announcement describes delivery and availability—not an FPS uplift. Check Microsoft’s 26H2 announcement and release-health notices for current details.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, according to Microsoft’s performance guidance. That is relevant to support and upgrade decisions, but it is not evidence that Windows 11 produces higher gaming frame rates.

Rank #3
Sale
Logitech G305 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse - White | 12,000 DPI, Lightweight, 6 Programmable Buttons, 250h Battery, On-Board Memory, Compatible with PC and Mac
  • Next-gen 12,000 DPI HERO optical sensor delivers unrivaled gaming performance, accuracy and power efficiency
  • Advanced LIGHTSPEED wireless gaming mouse for super-fast 1 ms response time and faster than wired performance
  • Ultra-long battery life gives you up to 250 hours of continuous gaming on a single AA battery
  • Lightweight mechanical design and classic shape for maximum maneuverability, durability and comfort
  • Compact, portable design with convenient built-in storage for included USB wireless receiver
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Should you update Windows for gaming?

Keep Windows current for relevant fixes, security, compatibility, and support, but do not update solely on the assumption that it will raise FPS. Before installing a feature update on a PC where a particular game or device is critical, check its release-health notices and the game or device’s compatibility information. If FPS changes afterward, identify the exact build and any simultaneous driver changes, then test the same workload before deciding what to do next.

Best Value
Sale
Redragon M612 Wired RGB Optical Gaming Mouse 8000 DPI Remapping Keys | Stable Lag-Free Connection, Redefine Keybinding Macro, Vibing Backlight, Ergonomic Grip Body Comfort
  • Pentakill, 5 DPI Levels - Geared with 5 redefinable DPI levels (default as: 500/1000/2000/3000/4000), easy to switch between different game needs. Dedicated demand of DPI options between 500-8000 is also available to be processed by software.
  • Any Button is Reassignable - 11 programmable buttons are all editable with customizable tactical keybinds in whatever game or work you are engaging. 1 rapid fire + 2 side macro buttons offer you a better gaming and working experience.
  • Comfort Grip with Details - The skin-friendly frosted coating is the main comfort grip of the mouse surface, which offers you the most enjoyable fingerprint-free tactility. The left side equipped with rubber texture strengthened the friction and made the mouse easier to control.
  • 5 Decent Backlit Modes - Turn the backlit on and make some kills in your gaming battlefield. The hyped dynamic RGB backlit vibe will never let you down when decorating your gaming space, it would be better with other Redragon accessories with lights on.
  • Fatigue Killer with Ergonomic Design - Solid frame with a streamlined and general claw-grip design offers a satisfying and comfortable gaming experience with less fatigue even though after hours of use.
Rank #4
Sale
Razer Basilisk V3 Customizable RGB Wired Ergonomic Gaming Mouse, Black | Fastest Gaming Mouse Switch, Chroma RGB Lighting, 26K DPI Optical Sensor, 11 Programmable Buttons, HyperScroll Tilt Wheel
  • ICONIC ERGONOMIC DESIGN WITH THUMB REST — PC gaming mouse favored by millions worldwide with a form factor that perfectly supports the hand while its buttons are optimally positioned for quick and easy access
  • 11 PROGRAMMABLE BUTTONS — Assign macros and secondary functions across 11 programmable buttons to execute essential actions like push-to-talk, ping, and more
  • HYPERSCROLL TILT WHEEL — Speed through content with a scroll wheel that free-spins until its stopped or switch to tactile mode for more precision and satisfying feedback that’s ideal for cycling through weapons or skills
  • 11 RAZER CHROMA RGB LIGHTING ZONES — Customize each zone from over 16.8 million colors and countless lighting effects, all while it reacts dynamically with over 150 Chroma integrated games
  • OPTICAL MOUSE SWITCHES GEN 2 — With zero unintended misclicks these switches provide crisp, responsive execution at a blistering 0.2ms actuation speed for up to 70 million clicks

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.