Quick answer
The installer bundles RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS) and offers to install it, but it is optional. Decline it and Afterburner still works for overclocking, undervolting, fan curves and in-app monitoring — you just lose the in-game overlay. Download on the download page.
Download MSI Afterburner
MSIAfterburner466.exe · v4.6.6 · ~53 MB · free, from this site
Step-by-step guide
-
1
Run the installer
Start the Afterburner setup as normal from our download page. -
2
Uncheck RivaTuner
On the components screen, untick RivaTuner Statistics Server when it is offered. -
3
Finish setup
Complete the install. Only Afterburner is installed; RTSS is not. -
4
Already have RTSS?
Uninstall RivaTuner Statistics Server separately from Windows Installed apps — removing it does not remove Afterburner.
What you lose without RTSS
RTSS draws the on-screen overlay, so without it you cannot show the in-game FPS counter or stats overlay, and you lose RTSS frame-time data and Predator recording integration. Everything else — clock and voltage control, power and temp limits, custom fan curves and in-window monitoring — keeps working.
A common reason people ask
Usually it is because an overlay conflict with Steam, Discord or GeForce Experience made them think RTSS was the problem. More often the fix is to disable the other overlay rather than remove RTSS — see fixes before uninstalling.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Afterburner without RivaTuner? +
Yes. Overclocking, fan control and monitoring all work. You only lose the in-game overlay.
How do I remove RivaTuner later? +
Uninstall RivaTuner Statistics Server from Windows Installed apps. Afterburner stays installed.
Will the FPS counter still work? +
No — the FPS overlay needs RTSS. Keep RTSS if you want an in-game frame-rate display.
Is RivaTuner heavy on resources? +
No. It is lightweight and mostly active only while a game is running.