Join the Discord! →

Join hundreds of racers just like you! We love to help answer questions and race together.


Default Iracing Graphics Settings

Stuck with default iRacing graphics settings? This guide shows iRacing drivers how to reset, auto-config, and optimize visuals for smooth FPS—fix it fast. Today.

If you’re dealing with default iracing graphics settings, the fast fix is to rerun Auto‑Config or reset the rendererDX11 config file. You’re in the right place to restore defaults and get stable FPS in minutes—without guesswork.

Quick Answer: default iracing graphics settings

Default settings are a safe baseline iRacing chooses for your PC. To restore them: run the Graphics Auto‑Config inside iRacing, or delete the rendererDX11 config file in Documents\iRacing and restart the sim. Then cap FPS and set a few key options for smooth performance.

What’s Really Going On

iRacing sets graphics based on your hardware the first time you run it. Over time, driver updates, new monitors, VR headsets, or tinkering can leave you with mismatched options—causing stutter, blurry textures, or low FPS. Resetting to defaults re-detects your hardware so you start from a clean, stable baseline.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Run Auto‑Config
  • In the iRacing UI, go to Settings > Graphics (or in-sim: Options > Graphics).
  • Click Auto‑Config/Auto (name may vary). Restart the sim when prompted.
  1. Hard reset the graphics config (if Auto‑Config isn’t available or didn’t help)
  • Close iRacing.
  • Go to Documents\iRacing.
  • Back up, then delete files that start with rendererDX11 (for example, rendererDX11.ini and rendererDX11Monitor.ini).
  • Launch iRacing; it will rebuild defaults and prompt to configure.
  1. Set display basics
  • Select your correct monitor/VR device and native resolution/refresh rate.
  • Fullscreen mode (recommended for lowest input lag).
  1. Cap your frame rate
  • In Options > Graphics, set Max Frame Rate to match or slightly below your display (e.g., 60/72/90/120/144). A cap reduces stutter and heat.
  1. Pick safe visual defaults
  • Start with medium textures, low shadows, medium particles, low mirror quality, and 20–30 Max Cars.
  • Turn off motion blur; use FXAA or 2x MSAA.
  1. Test in a busy session
  • Load a populated practice or AI race at night. If it’s smooth, nudge one setting up at a time (textures, then AA, then shadows).

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • VR baseline: PD/Render Scale at 1.0, ASW/Motion Smoothing on via headset software, 90 Hz cap if your HMD runs 90 Hz.
  • Rebuild shaders if visuals look odd: delete the Documents\iRacing\shaders folder; iRacing will regenerate it.
  • Avoid in-driver overrides (NVIDIA/AMD) while tuning. Let iRacing control AA and V-Sync.
  • If replays stutter, lower Replay Max Cars and Shadow settings; race-day settings can be higher than replay settings.
  • Reinstalls don’t usually reset Documents\iRacing—configs survive. Use the file reset above if needed.

FAQs

Q: How do I restore iRacing graphics to factory defaults?
A: Close the sim, delete rendererDX11*.ini files in Documents\iRacing, then relaunch. iRacing will rebuild defaults and re-run Auto‑Config.

Q: Where is the iRacing graphics settings file?
A: Documents\iRacing. Look for rendererDX11.ini (and a monitor-specific file). Back these up before deleting.

Q: What FPS cap should I use?
A: Match or slightly below your display/HMD refresh (e.g., 60/72/90/120/144). A small buffer (e.g., 141 for 144 Hz) keeps frame times stable.

Q: Do I need to change GPU control panel settings?
A: Not for baseline tuning. Start with app-controlled settings in iRacing. Tweak driver settings only after you’re stable in-sim.

Wrap-Up

Resetting default iracing graphics settings is simple: run Auto‑Config or rebuild the rendererDX11 files, then cap FPS and use conservative visuals. Once it’s smooth, increase one setting at a time before your next race.