How to Fix Minecraft Lagging Issues with the 8 Best Tips

Arsalan Rathore

The Minecraft video game franchise is massively successful. The original version came out on October 7th, 2011. Since then, the game’s popularity has skyrocketed, with 150 million players all around the world.
Lag and disconnects are common concerns in online games. Yet, most players are unaware that Minecraft lag can be eliminated. Understand what causes Minecraft to lag the most and solutions for Minecraft stuttering in this comprehensive blog.
Table of Contents
Why is my Minecraft so laggy
Lag in Minecraft can turn an otherwise immersive experience into a frustrating one, especially when your game stutters during intense builds, combat, or multiplayer sessions. But to effectively solve lag, it’s essential to understand why it’s happening. Minecraft lag can generally be broken down into three main categories: FPS (frames per second) lag, network (ping) lag, and server lag (TPS drop). Each has different causes and requires a specific fix.
1. FPS Lag (Client-Side Performance)
FPS lag is typically experienced as stuttering visuals, frame drops, or slow rendering of chunks and textures. This usually stems from:
- Insufficient system hardware (e.g., outdated CPU, GPU, or limited RAM)
- High in-game graphics settings, such as render distance or fancy lighting
- Background processes consume system resources.
- Poor Java configuration, including low memory allocation to Minecraft
2. Network Lag (High Ping or Latency)
If your Minecraft character teleports, blocks break with a delay, or you frequently get disconnected, you’re likely dealing with network lag. This occurs due to:
- Unstable or slow internet connection.
- Wi-Fi interference or weak signal strength.
- High latency to game servers, especially if you’re connecting across continents.
- Bandwidth congestion from other devices or applications on the same network.
3. Server Lag (TPS Drops)
Server lag happens when the server is overwhelmed and can’t keep up with the tick rate (measured as TPS—ticks per second). Common causes include:
- Too many entities or mobs in one area
- Redstone contraptions are running constantly.
- Poorly optimized plugins or mods
- Hosting on low-performance hardware
Types of lagging
Here are the main types of lag you can experience when playing online games:
1. Frames per second (FPS)
The number of frames displayed/ second, or FPS, is determined by the device being used by the player. The Processing unit, graphics processing unit (GPU), motherboard (MOBO), and random access memory (RAM) all play a role. If your system specs aren’t up to snuff, expect a significant decline in your FPS and noticeable lag whenever you play online.
Increasing your frame rate per second (FPS) while playing games online is directly proportional to the quality of your computer hardware.
2. Ticks per second (TPS)
TPS, or Ticks Per Second, is a server-side lag that varies in accordance with the server’s processing power and pace. By reducing the stress on the server, TPS can be increased.
Increasing the server’s (RAM) or installing a more powerful CPU are two examples of hardware upgrades that can do this. When that’s done, you may boost Minecraft’s memory allocation and give the game the resources it needs to run smoothly.
3. Latency or internet lagging
Internet lag, or latency, occurs when a player is separated from the game server. Whenever you turn on a game, it links you to the service’s remote servers. As a result, the server to which you are instantly connected may be located at a very distant place.
If you do not have the optimal Internet speed for gaming, you will face lags. Because it takes more time for data to go from the server to your device and back again, the latency you feel will increase. Your screen’s gameplay will lag behind other players’ screens and vice versa. To maintain a constant connection with external servers, some players try opening ports for Minecraft.
Read Also: How to Port Forward Minecraft Server Easily
Diagnose Performance Bottlenecks
Before you try to fix Minecraft lag, it’s important to find out what’s actually causing it. Is it your computer? Your internet? Or the game server itself? Let’s go step by step to figure it out.
1. Notice the Type of Lag
Start by identifying what kind of lag you’re experiencing:
- Low FPS (frames per second): Game feels choppy or slow to respond. This is usually a problem with your device.
- Delay in actions or rubber-banding: You break a block, but it breaks seconds later. That’s often a network or ping issue.
- Whole server slowing down: Everyone on the server experiences lag. This points to server issues.
2. Use Minecraft’s F3 Debug Screen
On Java Edition, press F3 to open the debug screen. You’ll see:
- FPS (frames per second): Shows how smooth your game is running
- Memory usage: If it’s almost full, Minecraft may need more RAM
- Ping (on servers): High ping means network delay
3. Check Your Device Performance
Open Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) and check:
- Is your CPU or GPU running at 100%?
- Is Minecraft using most of your RAM?
- Are other apps (like browsers or downloads) using up resources?
4. Test Your Internet
If you’re playing online:
- Use a speed test site to check your ping, download, and upload speeds
- Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi if possible
- Pause large downloads or streaming on your network
5. If You’re on a Server
Playing on a multiplayer server? Lag might not be your fault.
- Too many mobs or redstone machines can slow down the server
- Some plugins or mods may be causing issues
- Low server TPS (Ticks Per Second) means the server is struggling
How to fix Minecraft lagging
If your PC is up to snuff, but the game is still lagging, try one of the solutions below and see how to stop lag on Minecraft. You can also identify the best solution if you know exactly what type of issue you are having while playing Minecraft.
1. Change your Video Setting
High-definition (HD) gaming is notorious for being hard on computer resources. Therefore, you can notice significant lag when playing games online.
As for Minecraft, its default video settings tend to be quite high. Ensure your computer fits Minecraft’s system requirements before tinkering with the settings.
If you’ve checked off all the boxes, but Minecraft is still sluggish, try optimizing your video settings and see if that helps.
- Open Minecraft, and go to options.
- Open the Video Menu.
- Tweak the Graphics to Fast speed.
- Smooth Lighting must be turned OFF.
- Disable VSync.
- Make a 50% reduction in the Distortion Effects.
- Reduce the Maximum Framerate to 30 FPS.
- Adjust the Render Distance (12 chunks).
- Decrease the Particle count.
- If there are Clouds, turn them off.
- Turn View Bobbing to OFF.
- Lower FOV Effects to 75%.
- Try firing up Minecraft and see if the sluggishness persists.
If you want to play Minecraft at its best, use these preferences. Even if the quality suffers a bit when you make the changes, the improved performance is well worth it.
2. Consider Java a Top Concern
One of the most asked things on many social spaces is why is Minecraft java so laggy.
Since Java is the programming language behind Minecraft, the JRE (Java Runtime Environment) could potentially slow down your gameplay. Java’s performance could be improved by making it a higher priority. So, here’s how it goes down:
- Choose the Task Manager by clicking Windows
- Proceed to Details in Task Manager.
- Look for Java > Right-click > Mark as High-Priority
3. Clean up/ Free up your disk space
The central processing unit (CPU) and the graphics processing unit (GPU) are heavily utilized during gameplay. Some games place a heavier burden on the computer’s central processing unit than others do. The Task Manager is where you can get an accurate read on how much of your computer’s processing power is being used at any given time.
If your computer’s processor or graphics processing unit is heavily taxed, your gaming performance may suffer severely. There could be several applications and processes operating in the background, each of which could be using up precious resources. How to resolve this issue is as follows.
- Choose the Task Manager by clicking Windows.
- Select the app you want to quit and press the End Task button.
Also, clean up your disk space by following the below steps:
- Type “Disk Cleanup” into the Windows search bar.
- Find the fields you want to remove and click the delete button.
- Select All > Clean up system files > OK in the bottom left.
If you declutter the hard drive and shut down any extraneous background processes, your RAM and CPU can devote more resources to the game.
4. Use a VPN
A VPN can greatly enhance your time playing online games. A VPN designed for optimal gaming allows you to select a server in any location you like. For instance, it will enable you to play from Sydney while in New York.
Connecting to a location where the Minecraft server is located or nearby areas is possible because of the widespread availability of virtual reality technology. In most instances, latency and lag can be greatly reduced by connecting from a region close to the game server.
AstrillVPN lets you unleash your full gaming capabilities. Games that are restricted by your ISP or unavailable in your region can still be played through AstrillVPN.
Using a VPN, you can access content from any place in the world and even benefit from the promotions or discounts that VPN service providers offer.
5. Reinstall your Minecraft
If Minecraft is still giving you difficulties, try removing and reinstalling it. If you have a Windows computer, use these steps to accomplish your goal:
- Uninstall the game by selecting “Control Panel” under “Start” to access this.
- Select the Programs and Features, and then look for Minecraft among the available software. To remove it, just right-click on it and uninstall it.
- The Minecraft installation can be obtained directly from the official Minecraft website.
- To set up Minecraft, simply run the app installer and stick to the on-screen prompts.
- Launch Minecraft once it’s done downloading, then enter your account details.
Last but not least, if still notice your Minecraft lagging on a good PC and Internet connection, there are several tools available that can aid in reducing lag. You can get these through the internet or your game system. Although lag is annoying, it can be mitigated by some straightforward measures.
6. Update OS
Make sure you’re using the most recent version of Windows before continuing. Find the “Windows Update” section in “Settings” and see if any updates are available. Older versions of Windows will need more resources to run the game fluently, and it may also contain some bugs that may cause Minecraft lagging on a good pc. Therefore, updating the Windows version is always the first solution to resolve Minecraft ping issues.
7. Update Graphics drivers
If updating the Windows OS doesn’t work, you should immediately update your graphic drivers to reduce Minecraft lag. Regular updates to graphics drivers include optimizations specific to particular games and general performance enhancements.
Update your drivers and apply optimal settings using the proprietary software that comes with your GPU. On the other hand, you may go to the manufacturer’s website and manually download the most recent drivers.
8. Use Performance Mods & Tools
If Minecraft still feels laggy even after adjusting settings, performance mods and optimization tools can make a big difference—especially for Java Edition players. These tools help reduce lag, improve frame rates, and make the game run more smoothly without changing gameplay.
Step#1. Install OptiFine
OptiFine is the go-to mod for better performance. It allows you to:
- Control graphics settings in more detail
- Reduce lag by adjusting render distance, animations, and textures
- Enable features like Dynamic Lights and FPS Boost
- Use shaders (optional, for more advanced visuals)
Step#2. Try Sodium (For Fabric)
If you’re using the Fabric mod loader, Sodium is another powerful performance mod. It’s designed for newer versions of Minecraft and offers:
- Better FPS than OptiFine (in many cases)
- Modern rendering engine for smoother gameplay
- Improved chunk loading and memory usage
Step#3. Use Minecraft Launchers with Built-In Tweaks
Some third-party launchers like ATLauncher or MultiMC let you:
- Allocate more RAM easily
- Pre-load performance mods
- Customize game versions with fewer conflicts
Step#4. Allocate More RAM (But Not Too Much)
Sometimes Minecraft lags because it doesn’t have enough memory. You can increase the RAM allocation from your launcher settings (especially in Java Edition), but don’t overdo it:
- 4GB to 6GB is usually ideal
- Too much RAM can slow things down, especially on low-end PCs
Step#5. Use Resource Packs with Lower Resolution
High-res textures look good but can cause FPS drops. Try switching to a 16x or 8x texture pack, they use less power and load faster. Some lightweight packs are designed specifically for performance.
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System Compatibility
It’s recommended that you ensure your computer is compatible with Minecraft before proceeding with the solutions. Since the game might be demanding on your PC, you’ll want to ensure it’s up to the task. See if your computer meets the minimum specs needed to play Minecraft:
Minimum system requirement for Minecraft
- CPU: AMD A8-7600 APU 3.1 GHz/ Intel Core i3-3210 3.2 GHz or equivalent
- RAM: 2 GB- 4 GB
- Screen resolution: 1024 x 768 or better
- Operating System: Windows 7 (64-bit) or higher
- Video Card: Discrete (AMD Radeon HD 7000 series with OpenGL 4.4 or Nvidia GeForce 400 Series); Integrated (AMD Radeon R5 series, Kaveri line with OpenGL 4.41 or Intel HD Graphics 4000, Ivy Bridge)
- Required disk space: 180 MB to 1 GB
However, it is important to note that meeting the above-mentioned prerequisites is not a guarantee of smooth online gameplay in Minecraft.
The quality of your Minecraft experience may suffer if other software is using too much of your computer’s resources while you’re using it. Still, stricter regulations are always preferable.
Recommended system requirement for Minecraft
- CPU: AMD A10 7800/ Intel Core i5 4690 or equivalent
- RAM: 8 GB
- Screen resolution: 1024 x 768 or better
- Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit) or higher
- Video Card: AMD Radeon Rx 200 Series, NVIDIA GeForce 700 Series
- Required disk space: 4 GB with SSD
Minecraft with Ray Tracing Technical Requirements
For the best ray tracing experience in Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, make sure you have the following requirements:
- Windows 64-bit
- GPU: DirectX hardware ray tracing capable GPU like NVIDIA GeForce® RTX 20 Series and higher, and AMD Radeon RX 6000 Series and higher
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or equivalent
- At least 8 GB of RAM
- Minecraft: version 1.16.200 or higher
FAQs
How much RAM do I need for Minecraft?
Having 2 GB to 4 GB RAM is enough for running Minecraft.
Why is Minecraft having FPS lagging issues?
Hardware factors (GPU, CPU, RAM, and MOBO) affect frames per second. If your computer doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, you can experience serious frame rate drops and lag.
Does OptiFine resolve FPS issues?
Optifine nearly doubles the number of frames per second players receives in Minecraft without the mod. Furthermore, it reduces lag spikes inside the game and smooths out the overall gameplay experience.
Does autosave create a lag in Minecraft?
The game autosaves every 5 minutes, which results in lagging.
Does Minecraft 1.19 version require a new world?
No, When you install the Minecraft 1.19 update, it uploads new features to the old world without causing any disruptions why is my Minecraft so laggy
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