Performance Issue Fortnite

Fortnite Stuttering and Low FPS - PC Fix Guide

📅 Published: 2026-02-05 🔄 Updated: 2026-02-05 👥 Reports: 10 ⚡ Severity: 🟢 Low

🎯 Quick Answer

Resolve Fortnite stuttering by disabling the Xbox Game Bar's Game Mode, performing a clean GPU driver installation with DDU, and verifying CPU seating and thermal performance.

SECTION 1: OVERVIEW

Fortnite stuttering is a performance degradation error characterized by intermittent frame rate drops and system latency spikes, making gameplay inconsistent. This error primarily affects the Windows PC platform. It occurs across multiple game rendering APIs, including DirectX 11, DirectX 12, and Performance Mode. The issue is classified as common among PC players with varying hardware configurations. The severity is game-breaking, as stutters cause direct input lag and visual disruption during critical gameplay moments. Analysis of user reports does not indicate a specific in-game error code; the primary symptoms are observable through frame time graphs and performance monitoring software showing CPU usage spikes and GPU usage drops concurrent with stutters.

SECTION 2: SYMPTOMS

The application exhibits severe frame time inconsistency during gameplay, often described as stuttering or hitching. This occurs during standard gameplay, including in low-complexity environments like empty Creative maps. Observable symptoms include the frame rate counter dropping from a stable high value (e.g., 120 FPS) to 30 FPS or lower for a short duration. Concurrent audio distortion or cracking accompanies the visual stutter. Performance monitoring software confirms the issue, showing sporadic CPU utilization spikes and a corresponding decrease in GPU utilization at the moment of the stutter. The NVIDIA kernel mode driver (nvlddmkm.sys) exhibits high Deferred Procedure Call (DPC) latency counts.

SECTION 3: COMMON CAUSES

Category: Software Conflict Specific technical explanation: Windows Game Mode and Xbox Game Bar services introduce scheduling conflicts and excessive background recording hooks. These services can preempt critical game threads, causing the CPU spikes and driver-level DPC latency (nvlddmkm.sys) observed in diagnostics. Why this causes the problem: The system interrupts regular process scheduling to service background game capture and optimization features, starving the game engine and GPU driver of timely CPU resources. Category: Hardware Issue Specific technical explanation: Improper CPU seating or insufficient mounting pressure leads to intermittent poor contact with the motherboard socket. This can cause the processor to throttle or experience communication errors with other system components under variable thermal loads. Why this causes the problem: Unstable electrical connections result in sudden performance drops as the CPU cannot maintain consistent operation, directly causing the observed stutters and usage spikes. Category: Configuration Error Specific technical explanation: NVIDIA Shader Cache corruption or conflict between multiple caching systems (game, driver, Windows). The temporary relief after cache deletion confirms shader compilation stutters are a component of the issue. Why this causes the problem: The system repeatedly attempts to compile and cache shaders on-demand, blocking the render thread each time, leading to a cyclical pattern of smooth performance followed by hitches. Category: Software Conflict Specific technical explanation: Outdated or corrupted chipset drivers for the motherboard platform (AMD AM5 in this case). This mismanages power delivery, PCIe bus communication, and CPU scheduling through the Windows power plan. Why this causes the problem: Inefficient communication between the CPU, RAM, and GPU over the PCIe bus creates bottlenecks and latency, manifesting as stutters when data transfer is interrupted. Category: Configuration Error Specific technical explanation: A peripheral driver, such as for an Xbox Wireless Controller using the standard Microsoft driver, can cause excessive DPC latency. The driver polls the device at a high frequency, interrupting other system processes. Why this causes the problem: The driver's high-priority interrupts delay the execution of other critical drivers, including the graphics driver, leading to deferred rendering commands and frame delivery stalls. Category: Hardware Issue Specific technical explanation: Inadequate CPU or GPU cooling results in thermal throttling. The processor reduces its clock speed to prevent damage, causing a sudden drop in performance capacity. Why this causes the problem: During sustained loads, accumulated heat triggers protective throttling, which directly reduces the frame rate and causes stuttering as the system oscillates between high and low performance states.

SECTION 4: SOLUTIONS

Solution 1: Disable Xbox Game Bar and Game Mode

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 5 minutes Success Rate: High Prerequisites: Windows administrative privileges Steps:

Press the Windows key, type "Game Bar settings", and select the result.
Toggle the switch for "Record game clips, screenshots, and broadcast using Game Bar" to Off.
Press the Windows key, type "Game Mode settings", and select the result.
Toggle the switch for "Game Mode" to Off.
Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
In the Services window, locate "Xbox Game Authentication Service", "Xbox Game Monitoring Service", and "Xbox Live Networking Service".
Right-click each service, select "Properties", set "Startup type" to Disabled, click "Stop" if running, then click "Apply" and "OK".
Restart the computer.

Technical Explanation: This eliminates background processes that hook into the game executable to provide recording and "optimization" features. These services are known to cause scheduling conflicts and high DPC latency, which directly correlates with the nvlddmkm.sys spikes. Verification: Launch Fortnite and monitor stutter frequency. Use LatencyMon to confirm a reduction in DPC counts from the NVIDIA driver and other system components.

Solution 2: Perform a Clean GPU Driver Reinstallation with DDU

Difficulty: Medium Time Required: 15 minutes Success Rate: High Prerequisites: Internet connection to download drivers, Windows Safe Mode access Steps:

Download the latest NVIDIA Game Ready Driver from the official website.
Download Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) from www.wagnardsoft.com.
Disconnect your PC from the internet to prevent Windows Update from interfering.
Boot Windows into Safe Mode. (Press Win + R, type msconfig, go to the "Boot" tab, check "Safe boot", select "Minimal", click OK and restart).
In Safe Mode, run DDU. In the options, select "Clean and do NOT restart".
Select "GPU" and "NVIDIA" from the device type/vendor dropdowns, then click "Clean and shutdown".
After the PC shuts down, power it on normally. Install the previously downloaded NVIDIA driver using the "Custom (Advanced)" installation option.
Check the box for "Perform a clean installation". Complete the installation and restart.

Technical Explanation: DDU removes all remnants of previous GPU drivers, including registry entries and leftover files that can cause conflicts. A clean installation ensures the driver and its shader cache are initialized correctly without corruption from past versions. Verification: Open NVIDIA Control Panel to confirm driver version. Test Fortnite; the initial shader compilation may cause stutters, but they should not recur persistently after the first few minutes.

Solution 3: Update Chipset Drivers and Configure Power Plan

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 10 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: Internet connection, administrative privileges Steps:

Visit the AMD website support section. Navigate to "Processors" > "AMD Ryzen™ 7 7700X" and download the latest chipset driver for your motherboard chipset (e.g., AMD X670).
Run the installer, select "Factory Reset" or "Clean Installation", and complete the installation. Restart.
Press Win + R, type powercfg.cpl, and press Enter.
Select the "AMD Ryzen™ High Performance" or "Ultimate Performance" power plan. If not present, select "High performance".
Click "Change plan settings" next to the selected plan, then click "Change advanced power settings".
Expand "Processor power management", then "Minimum processor state". Set both "On battery" and "Plugged in" to 100%.
Expand "PCI Express" > "Link State Power Management". Set both settings to Off. Click Apply and OK.

Technical Explanation: Official chipset drivers optimize the communication fabric between the CPU, PCIe devices, and RAM. Setting the minimum processor state to 100% and disabling PCIe link state power management prevents the system from introducing latency by dynamically lowering power states during gameplay. Verification: Monitor CPU clock speeds using HWiNFO64 during gameplay; they should remain consistently high without frequent, large dips that correlate with stutters.

Solution 4: Reseat CPU and Check Cooling

Difficulty: Advanced Time Required: 30-60 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: Thermal paste, technical competence with PC hardware Steps:

Power down the PC, disconnect all cables, and open the case.
Carefully remove the CPU cooler.
Unlock the CPU socket lever and gently lift the CPU out.
Visually inspect the CPU pins on the motherboard socket (for AMD AM5) for any bends or debris.
Reinsert the CPU, ensuring it is correctly oriented (match the triangle marker). Close the socket lever.
Clean the CPU and cooler contact surfaces with isopropyl alcohol and apply a fresh, pea-sized amount of thermal paste.
Reattach the cooler, ensuring it is mounted evenly with proper pressure according to its manual.
Reassemble the PC and boot into the BIOS/UEFI.
In the BIOS, monitor the CPU temperature. It should be between 30-50°C at idle. Also, verify that all CPU cores are detected.

Technical Explanation: Improper mounting pressure or thermal paste application can cause localized overheating (hot spotting), leading to throttling. Reseating ensures optimal electrical contact and thermal transfer, eliminating intermittent performance drops caused by physical connection issues. Verification: Use a stress test utility like Cinebench R23 while monitoring temperatures with HWiNFO64. Ensure CPU temperatures remain under 85°C during a sustained multi-core test and that clock speeds are stable.

Solution 5: Configure Fortnite and NVIDIA Control Panel Settings

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 10 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: NVIDIA Control Panel installed Steps:

In the NVIDIA Control Panel (right-click desktop), navigate to "Manage 3D settings" > "Program Settings".
Select "Fortnite" from the dropdown or add it manually (C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Fortnite\FortniteGame\Binaries\Win64\FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping.exe).
Configure the following settings:

* Shader Cache Size: 10 GB (or Unlimited) * Power Management Mode: Prefer maximum performance * Low Latency Mode: Ultra * Vertical sync: Off * Background Application Max Frame Rate: 20 FPS

Click Apply.
Launch Fortnite. Navigate to Settings > Video.
Set Rendering Mode to DirectX 12.
Set all graphics settings to Low/Normal. Enable "Nanite Virtualized Geometry" if using DX12.
Set Frame Rate Limit to Unlimited or a value 3 FPS below your monitor's maximum refresh rate.

Technical Explanation: "Prefer maximum performance" prevents the GPU from downclocking during lighter scenes. "Low Latency Mode - Ultra" reduces the render queue, decreasing input lag and potential for frame time spikes. DirectX 12, once shaders are compiled, often provides more stable frame times than DX11 on modern hardware. Verification: In-game, enable the "Show Frame Rate" and "Show Graph" options in the HUD settings. The graph should show a relatively flat line with minimal spikes after the initial minutes of shader compilation.

Solution 6: Address Peripheral Driver Latency

Difficulty: Medium Time Required: 10 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: Administrative privileges Steps:

If using an Xbox Wireless Controller, connect it via a USB cable instead of wireless Bluetooth or the Xbox Wireless Adapter.
Press Win + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter to open Device Manager.
Expand "Sound, video and game controllers". Right-click on any device related to your audio (e.g., "Realtek High Definition Audio"), select "Properties", go to the "Driver" tab, and click "Update driver". Choose "Browse my computer for drivers" > "Let me pick from a list". Select the "High Definition Audio Device" (Microsoft driver) and install it. Repeat for all audio devices not required for your headset.
In Device Manager, expand "Human Interface Devices". Disable devices named "HID-compliant consumer control device" or "HID-compliant game controller" that are not your primary mouse and keyboard.
Restart the PC.

Technical Explanation: Generic or high-polling-rate peripheral drivers can generate excessive interrupts. Forcing the standard Microsoft audio driver and disabling unused HID devices reduces system-wide DPC latency, freeing CPU cycles for the game and GPU driver. Verification: Run LatencyMon for 10 minutes while Fortnite is idle in the lobby. The "Highest measured interrupt to process latency" should be well below 1000 µs, and no single driver should show a consistently high "Highest DPC routine execution time".

SECTION 5: PREVENTION

Maintain system stability by scheduling regular driver updates for GPU and chipset components directly from manufacturer websites. Monitor CPU and GPU temperatures monthly using HWiNFO64 to ensure cooling systems remain effective; clean