Cyberpunk 2077 PC Performance: Fix Stuttering and Low FPS

Updated 9 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

If Cyberpunk 2077 runs slowly, stutters, or crashes on your PC, work through these checks to identify whether the cause is settings, drivers, heat, or background activity. The steps start with simple, reversible changes and help you balance image quality against smooth performance.

What You’ll Need

A Windows PC that meets the game’s current system requirements, with the game installed.
Internet access if you need to update the game or graphics driver.
About 20–30 minutes to test changes in the same game location.
Optional: a way to monitor GPU and CPU temperatures and usage, such as your graphics driver’s overlay or a reputable hardware-monitoring utility.

Step-by-Step

Check the game and PC requirements. Confirm that the game is installed on a supported Windows system and that your processor, graphics card, memory, and storage meet the requirements listed by the game publisher. Requirements can change with updates, and ray tracing has higher demands than standard rendering. If your hardware is below the relevant requirement, lower settings or disable ray tracing before trying more complex fixes.
Update the game, then restart the PC. Install available game updates through the store or launcher where you own the game. Restart Windows after updates, especially if a driver or system component was installed. If the problem began immediately after a game update, note that fact; a new patch can alter performance or reset graphics settings.
Update the graphics driver from its official source. Use the graphics card maker’s official driver software or support site, selecting the correct card and Windows version. Avoid third-party driver download sites. Restart after installation. If performance became worse directly after a driver update, use the driver’s supported rollback option or install a known stable release from the official source.
Set a reasonable display mode and resolution. In the game’s Settings, open Video. Choose the monitor’s native resolution for a sharp image, or try a lower resolution if frame rate is the priority. Use fullscreen or borderless windowed mode and compare performance. Check that the game is using the intended display and refresh rate in Windows Settings > System > Display > Advanced display. Menu wording may vary with the game version.
Reduce the settings that cost the most. In Settings > Graphics, turn off ray tracing as a first test; it can sharply reduce frame rate, particularly on less powerful hardware. Reduce demanding options such as volumetric effects, reflections, shadows, and crowd density one at a time. Presets are a quick starting point, but check each setting afterward. Restart the game if it asks you to apply a change that way.
Use upscaling carefully, if available. The game may offer an upscaling option supported by your GPU. Select the compatible option in the graphics settings, then compare image quality and frame rate in a repeatable scene. Performance modes generally look softer than quality modes. Frame generation, when available, can make motion appear smoother but does not fix slow input response or low underlying rendering performance.
Check the frame-rate limit and synchronization. Look for a maximum frame-rate setting in the graphics options and remove an accidentally low cap. Try enabling or disabling V-Sync to see whether it reduces tearing or stutter on your setup. A stable cap below the rate your PC can sustain can feel smoother than a frame rate that fluctuates widely; avoid changing several sync options at once.
Close background workloads and check power settings. Exit unnecessary applications, browser tabs, recording or streaming tools, and downloads before testing. On a laptop, connect the charger and select an appropriate performance mode in Windows power settings or the manufacturer’s control utility. Do not disable security software or essential Windows services as a performance shortcut.
Check heat, memory, and storage. If performance falls after playing for a while, check CPU and GPU temperatures and whether clocks are dropping because of heat. Keep vents unobstructed and clean dust only using safe, manufacturer-recommended methods. Ensure Windows has adequate free storage and virtual memory; do not fill the drive or turn off the paging file. Installing the game on an SSD can help loading and asset streaming where supported, though it will not make every GPU-bound scene faster.
Verify the installation and retest methodically. Use the launcher’s built-in option to verify or repair game files. Temporarily disable mods, overlays, and custom graphics tools, since updates can make them incompatible. Test the same save and location after each change, and record the result. Once performance is stable, raise settings gradually rather than restoring everything at once.

Common Mistakes

Changing many graphics options at once, making it impossible to tell which change helped.
Assuming a high average frame rate means there is no stutter; sudden frame-time spikes can still make play feel uneven.
Enabling ray tracing or an expensive preset without checking whether the graphics card can handle it.
Using unofficial driver downloads, “optimizer” utilities, or registry tweaks that may cause new problems.
Deleting saves or configuration files before backing them up. If you reset settings, preserve save data and check cloud-sync behavior first.

Tips

Change one setting at a time and test in a repeatable scene, such as a busy area that previously stuttered.
Watch GPU and CPU usage while playing. A GPU near full use often points to graphics settings or resolution; a busy CPU may point to crowd density, background tasks, or a CPU limit. These are clues, not definitive diagnoses.
Use a frame-rate cap your PC can maintain consistently, and prioritize stable frame times over a higher but erratic peak.
Keep a note of your original settings so you can undo changes. Update drivers and game files through their official channels.

Troubleshooting

The game still stutters after lowering settings: Check temperatures, background downloads, and whether the game is installed on a drive with enough free space. Temporarily disable overlays and mods, then verify game files. If the stutter occurs only while entering new areas, asset loading or storage activity may be involved.

Frame rate is low even on the lowest preset: Confirm the game is using the intended graphics card, especially on a laptop. Check Windows display and graphics preferences, power mode, and current driver. Compare your hardware with the game’s current requirements; settings cannot overcome a major hardware limitation.

The game crashes or graphics look corrupted: Remove mods and custom overclocks, restore default graphics-card settings, and verify the installation. Install the latest stable driver from the official source. If crashes began after a driver change, try its supported rollback. Save any error details before contacting the publisher’s support team.

Performance gets worse over time: Monitor temperatures and check for blocked vents, fan problems, or power-saving behavior. Stop playing if the PC overheats, shuts down, or behaves abnormally; consult the PC or component manufacturer’s support guidance rather than forcing continued use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I turn ray tracing off to improve FPS?
Yes, it is a useful first test if frame rate is low. It can be demanding, and the performance gain depends on your hardware and other settings.

Will an SSD increase my frame rate?
An SSD can improve loading and may help with asset streaming, but it does not necessarily raise average FPS. The graphics card or processor may be the limiting component.

Which settings should I lower first?
Disable ray tracing, then reduce demanding effects such as volumetrics, reflections, and shadows. Test one change at a time because the best trade-off varies by PC.

Can mods cause performance problems?
Yes. Mods may conflict with game updates or each other. Disable them temporarily and test the unmodified game before reinstalling compatible mods individually.

Why does the game stutter despite a good average FPS?
Average FPS hides brief slowdowns. Background tasks, asset loading, heat, or an unstable frame rate can cause visible stutter. Check frame-time behavior and test the same scene after closing unnecessary apps.

Should I use frame generation?
Try it only if your system and game version support it. It can improve perceived smoothness, but may add latency and does not replace a solid underlying frame rate.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.