If a game starts running poorly after an update, treat the timing as a clue—not proof that the patch caused it. Shader processing, damaged game files, changed settings, driver changes, background apps, and system requirements can all affect performance. Work through the checks below in order, changing one thing at a time so you can identify what helps.
First, establish what changed
Before changing settings, note the game and its version, when the problem began, and whether a game patch or graphics driver update happened just beforehand. Also note whether low FPS or stuttering occurs everywhere or only in particular scenes. Check the game’s official support or status page for a known issue; broad troubleshooting guidance cannot identify a specific patch or driver regression without those details.
Let shader processing finish
Some games compile or preload shaders after a game or graphics-driver update. If the game shows a shader-processing progress indicator, let it finish before entering a match or deciding that performance is still poor. Intel says that on Intel Arc A-Series and B-Series graphics, shader processing after a driver update can cause brief pauses or stuttering; its guidance is to wait for processing to complete, after which performance should stabilize. Intel’s Arc stuttering guidance applies to those GPU families, not every PC or game.
Some games also provide their own shader compilation controls. Square Enix says the process described in its game-specific instructions may take 35 to 90 minutes, depending on PC specifications. That is an estimate for that title’s process, not a standard waiting time for all games. See Square Enix’s shader compilation instructions if they apply to your game.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Verify the game files
A patch can leave missing or damaged files. Use the repair or verification feature in the launcher where you own the game. On Steam:
- Open Steam and go to Library.
- Right-click the game and select Properties.
- Open Installed Files, then select Verify integrity of game files.
- Wait for the check to finish before launching the game again.
Steam notes that verification may take several minutes. Avoid running it alongside other intensive disk tasks. For other launchers, use their official repair or verify feature. 505 Games recommends platform file-integrity tools for post-update stuttering, crashes, or failure to launch. See 505 Games’ post-update troubleshooting guidance and Steam’s file verification steps.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Check graphics settings and system requirements
Compare your PC with the current requirements for the exact game, including its recommended—not just minimum—specifications. A PC that meets minimum requirements may run the game, but that alone does not guarantee high FPS. If your system falls short of recommended specifications, lower demanding graphics settings and test again.
Change one setting at a time, such as resolution, shadows, or effects, and compare performance in the same scene. That makes it easier to see whether a setting is responsible instead of masking several changes at once. Steam and Capcom both recommend checking requirements and adjusting settings when performance is poor. Consult Steam’s game performance troubleshooting and Capcom’s Steam game troubleshooting.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Reduce background load for a controlled test
Close unnecessary resource-heavy applications, including recording or capture software, and temporarily turn off performance overlays for a short retest. These can use system resources or interfere with performance. Keep the test simple: use the same game scene and graphics settings, with only the background apps changed. Steam also recommends stopping unnecessary applications and startup programs; Capcom specifically calls out recording applications and performance overlays.
Investigate driver changes carefully
Check the graphics-card vendor’s official driver page and the game’s support notes. If the stuttering began immediately after a driver update, record that timing rather than assuming a newer driver is automatically the fix. Driver recommendations can depend on the game, GPU, and timing of the problem, so consult official guidance for your specific hardware before changing drivers.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
When to contact the game’s support team
If shader processing has finished, file verification finds no lasting repair, and controlled settings and background-app tests do not help, send the game’s support team enough detail to investigate the specific case. Include:
- Game name, version, and launcher.
- Operating system and CPU, GPU, and RAM.
- Graphics-driver version, plus when it was installed.
- Graphics settings and the scenes or actions where the problem occurs.
- When the issue began and whether it followed a game patch or driver update.
- Steps already tried and what changed after each one.
These details help distinguish a game-specific issue from a system or driver problem. General troubleshooting advice does not establish a universal fix, and hardware upgrades should wait until there is evidence that the PC misses the game’s requirements or has a measured component bottleneck.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsQuick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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.
