Last updated: July 9, 2026
League of Legends can run on relatively modest hardware, but that does not mean every PC will deliver stable frame rates. The game may start with low FPS, feel uneven despite showing a high FPS number, or lose performance during large team fights.
Before reducing every graphics option, separate low FPS, network lag, and input stutter. A graphics setting cannot repair high ping, and changing the network will not fix a CPU bottleneck or an incorrect monitor refresh rate.
Use Fullscreen mode → disable Shadows → lower Environment and Effects Quality → disable V-Sync → set an FPS cap that your PC can maintain → enable Low Spec Mode → enable Close Client During Game → close overlays, recording tools, and stat applications.
Low FPS makes the entire image appear rough or delayed. If champions teleport, abilities activate late, or movement suddenly jumps forward, check ping, jitter, packet loss, and background network activity.
- Identify FPS, ping, and input problems
- Display FPS and ping with Ctrl+F
- Recommended graphics settings
- FPS limits for 144 Hz and 240 Hz monitors
- Low Spec Mode and client settings
- Low FPS on a high-end PC
- Stuttering while moving the mouse
- Windows 11 performance checks
- Graphics-driver update and rollback
- RAM, storage, and temperature
- Reset settings and repair the game
- Final checklist
- Frequently asked questions
Identify the Type of League of Legends Lag
| Symptom | More likely cause | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| The game starts with low FPS | Graphics settings, integrated GPU, power mode, or CPU limitation | Resolution, active GPU, power, and FPS cap |
| FPS drops only during team fights | CPU load, effects, overlays, recording, or temperature | Effects Quality, CPU usage, and background tools |
| FPS is high but the game feels uneven | Frame-time variation, refresh rate, FPS cap, or overlay conflict | Monitor Hz, frame limit, and recording features |
| FPS drops only while moving the mouse | High polling rate, mouse software, overlay, or CPU input load | Polling-rate comparison and background software |
| Champions teleport or abilities activate late | Ping, jitter, packet loss, or server connection | Ping display and network activity |
| The client is slow but the match runs normally | Client animation, memory usage, or browser-based content | Low Spec Mode and client restart |
| FPS becomes worse after playing for a while | Thermal throttling, power limits, or increasing memory use | Temperatures, clock speeds, and RAM usage |
Change one or two options, repeat the same test, and record the result. Large groups of simultaneous changes make it difficult to identify which setting helped.
Display FPS and Ping With Ctrl+F
Use a Practice Tool or custom match to create a performance baseline. Press Ctrl+F during the match to display the current FPS and ping.
- Restart the computer.
- Close browsers, downloads, recording applications, and stat overlays.
- Enter Practice Tool.
- Press Ctrl+F to display FPS and ping.
- Move through the same lane and use the same abilities.
- Record FPS during normal movement and multiple effects.
- Change one or two settings.
- Repeat the same route.
Use the same map, resolution, display mode, FPS cap, and route. Comparing a menu FPS number with an active match does not produce a useful result.
.png)
Recommended League of Legends Graphics Settings
The following settings provide a useful starting point at 1920 × 1080. Low-end systems should begin with the performance column. Midrange and high-end systems can use the balanced values and adjust from there.
| Setting | Performance starting value | Balanced starting value | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window Mode | Fullscreen | Fullscreen | Creates a consistent baseline |
| Resolution | 1920 × 1080 or one step lower | Native monitor resolution | Balances GPU load and image clarity |
| Character Quality | Low | Medium | Maintains champion visibility |
| Environment Quality | Very Low or Low | Low | Reduces map-object load |
| Effects Quality | Low | Low or Medium | Reduces load during ability-heavy fights |
| Shadows | Off | Off | One of the simplest performance reductions |
| Anti-Aliasing | Off | Compare Off and On | Depends on available GPU headroom |
| V-Sync | Off | Off for the first test | Removes one input and FPS variable |
| Character Inking | Off | Personal preference | Removes a small visual-processing option |
| Frame Rate Cap | A value the PC can maintain | Based on monitor refresh rate | Reduces large FPS swings |
First lower Shadows, Environment Quality, and Effects Quality. Reduce the resolution only when GPU usage remains high and the frame rate is still below the target.
Set the FPS Limit for 144 Hz, 165 Hz, and 240 Hz Monitors
A high-refresh-rate monitor can still run at 60 Hz when Windows is configured incorrectly. Check the current refresh rate before changing the League of Legends frame cap.
| Monitor refresh rate | First FPS-cap test | When FPS is unstable |
|---|---|---|
| 60 Hz | 60 or 120 FPS | Compare a stable 60 FPS cap |
| 120 Hz | 120 FPS | Use a stable value between 100 and 120 |
| 144 Hz | 144 FPS | Use a stable value between 120 and 144 |
| 165 Hz | 165 FPS | Use a stable value between 144 and 165 |
| 240 Hz | 240 FPS | Use a stable value between 200 and 240 |
If FPS constantly moves between 180 and 300, a lower stable cap can produce more consistent frame delivery while reducing heat, power use, and fan noise.
Enable Low Spec Mode and Close Client During Game
The League client displays animated content and uses memory before and during a match. Low Spec Mode reduces some client visual activity, while Close Client During Game reduces the resources used by the client while a match is running.
Enable Low Spec Mode
- Open the League client.
- Select the gear icon in the upper-right corner.
- Open the General settings.
- Enable Low Spec Mode.
- Restart the client.
Enable Close Client During Game
- Open the client settings.
- Stay in the General section.
- Find Close Client During Game.
- Enable it on systems with limited RAM or high client resource use.
- Wait for the client to reopen after the match ends.
Low Spec Mode mainly targets the client interface. In-game graphics settings must still be adjusted from inside a match.
Low FPS on a High-End Gaming PC
When graphics performance is more than sufficient, low League of Legends FPS can be caused by a CPU limitation, an incorrect GPU assignment, background overlays, client activity, or a restrictive frame cap.
| Observed result | Possible explanation | First action |
|---|---|---|
| GPU usage is low and FPS is also low | CPU, client, overlay, or frame-limit issue | Check CPU cores, cap, and background tools |
| A laptop uses only the integrated GPU | Incorrect graphics preference | Assign the game executable to High Performance |
| FPS becomes lower over time | Temperature, power, or increasing memory usage | Check temperatures, clock speeds, and RAM |
| Stuttering begins after Alt+Tab | Display-mode or overlay conflict | Compare Fullscreen and Borderless modes |
| FPS falls when a stat application is active | Overlay or browser-rendering load | Exit the application completely |
Assign the high-performance GPU on a laptop
- Open Windows Settings.
- Go to System → Display → Graphics.
- Add the League of Legends game executable.
- Select Options.
- Choose High performance.
- Connect the laptop power adapter.
- Restart the game and check GPU usage.
The GPU is probably not the main bottleneck. Check CPU-core load, client activity, overlays, FPS limits, power settings, and mouse polling rate.
FPS Drops While Moving a High-Polling-Rate Mouse
Only test the mouse polling rate when the stutter appears specifically while moving the mouse. There is no reason to change it when the frame drop occurs without mouse movement.
- Compare 8,000 Hz with 1,000 Hz.
- Compare 4,000 Hz with 1,000 Hz.
- If stuttering continues, compare 1,000 Hz with 500 Hz.
- Exit the mouse configuration and macro software.
- Close Discord, graphics overlays, recording tools, and stat applications.
- Repeat the same camera-movement test.
If the cursor movement is visible but the frame rate falls, investigate performance. If clicks and key presses also fail, check USB ports, device software, key conflicts, and simultaneous-input problems.
.png)
Windows 11 Performance Checks
Enable Game Mode
- Open Settings.
- Go to Gaming → Game Mode.
- Enable Game Mode.
- Restart the computer.
- Repeat the Practice Tool test.
Close recording and overlay features
- Xbox Game Bar background recording
- Discord Overlay
- NVIDIA or AMD Instant Replay
- OBS and other recording applications
- OP.GG, Blitz, Porofessor, and similar overlays
- RGB and hardware-monitoring applications
- Browser video and game downloads
Compare Fullscreen and Borderless modes
Use Fullscreen as the first baseline. If the issue appears only after Alt+Tab or only in Fullscreen mode, compare Borderless mode. Windows 11 includes an optimization option for compatible DirectX 10 and DirectX 11 games running in windowed and borderless modes.
Update or Roll Back the Graphics Driver
An old or damaged graphics driver can contribute to low FPS, stuttering, and display problems. A new driver can also introduce a system-specific issue, so compare the date the problem began with the driver installation date.
- Record the current driver version.
- Use NVIDIA App, AMD Software, Intel Driver and Support Assistant, or the PC manufacturer’s support page.
- Restart the PC after installing the driver.
- Repeat the same Practice Tool test.
- If performance became worse immediately after an update, compare the previous stable version.
- Avoid unofficial automatic driver-download programs.
See the graphics-driver update, rollback, and clean-install guide for NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel instructions.
Check RAM, Storage, and Temperatures
RAM usage
League of Legends itself is not unusually memory-heavy, but browsers, Discord, recording tools, and stat applications can raise total RAM usage. Close unnecessary programs when memory usage remains near 85% to 90%.
Storage activity
Moving League to an SSD does not normally create a large average-FPS increase. It can improve client loading, updates, and delays caused by a drive remaining at 100% activity.
CPU and GPU temperature
- Compare temperatures immediately after launch and after 20 minutes.
- Check whether CPU or GPU clock speeds fall as temperatures rise.
- Connect the laptop power adapter.
- Use the manufacturer’s performance or fan mode.
- Inspect vents and cooling fans.
- Return overclocking and undervolting settings to default values.
Use the correct power adapter and compare the Windows power mode. Battery mode can reduce CPU and GPU clock speeds even when the hardware is capable of a higher frame rate.
Reset Settings and Repair League of Legends
If performance became worse after several graphics and configuration changes, return to a clean baseline before reinstalling the entire game.
- Restore the in-game graphics options to their defaults.
- Exit the Riot Client completely.
- Restart the PC.
- Open the Riot Client.
- Use the available repair function for League of Legends.
- Test Practice Tool without overlays.
- Apply only the necessary settings one at a time.
Removing local configuration data can reset graphics, hotkeys, interface options, and other personal settings. Record the current setup before performing a complete reset.
League of Legends FPS Checklist
- Press Ctrl+F and separate FPS from ping.
- Use Fullscreen mode as the first baseline.
- Disable Shadows.
- Lower Environment and Effects Quality.
- Disable V-Sync for the first comparison.
- Check the Windows refresh rate.
- Set a stable FPS cap.
- Enable Low Spec Mode.
- Enable Close Client During Game when memory is limited.
- Close stat overlays, Discord Overlay, and recording tools.
- Check that a laptop uses the high-performance GPU.
- Compare the mouse polling rate only when mouse movement triggers the problem.
- Update or roll back the graphics driver.
- Check RAM, storage usage, temperature, and clock speeds.
- Reset settings and repair the game before reinstalling.
The best League of Legends FPS fix is not setting every option to the minimum. Separate FPS, network, and input problems first. Lower Shadows and Effects Quality, match the FPS cap to a stable target, reduce client and overlay usage, and then check the active GPU, drivers, memory, power, and temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which League of Legends setting increases FPS the most?
On a low-end PC, disabling Shadows and lowering Environment and Effects Quality are useful first steps. When the GPU remains fully loaded, reduce the resolution afterward.
Why does FPS drop only during team fights?
Large fights increase the number of effects, animations, calculations, and visible units. Check Effects Quality, CPU load, overlays, recording software, and temperature.
What FPS cap should I use with a 144 Hz monitor?
Begin with 144 FPS. If the system cannot maintain it during real matches, compare a stable value between 120 and 144 FPS.
Why is League FPS low on a powerful PC?
Check the active GPU, CPU-core load, client activity, stat overlays, recording software, FPS cap, power mode, and mouse polling rate. Lower graphics settings may not help when the GPU is not the bottleneck.
Why does the game stutter even when FPS is high?
The average FPS can be high while frame delivery remains uneven. Check the monitor refresh rate, FPS cap, overlays, background recording, temperature, and CPU load.
Why does FPS fall only when I move the mouse?
When using a 4,000 Hz or 8,000 Hz mouse, compare the result at 1,000 Hz. Also close mouse software, overlays, stat applications, and recording tools.
Does Low Spec Mode reduce in-game graphics?
Low Spec Mode mainly reduces client-interface activity. The in-game graphics settings must be changed separately after entering a match.
Should I always install the newest graphics driver?
A current driver can fix bugs, but a specific release may perform poorly on some systems. If the issue began immediately after an update, compare the previous stable version.
.png)