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For smoother, tear-free gaming, first set Windows to the highest refresh rate available at your chosen resolution, then enable variable refresh rate (VRR) in both the monitor and the relevant graphics software. For compatible games, Windows 11 also offers a windowed-game optimization; its Dynamic Refresh Rate feature is separate and is not a universal gaming fix.
1. Set the display’s refresh rate in Windows
- Open Settings > System > Display > Advanced display.
- If more than one display is connected, select the monitor you intend to use for gaming.
- Choose the highest refresh rate offered at the resolution you want to play.
- Check the selected resolution and refresh rate in the display information panel. A starred refresh-rate option can change the resolution, so confirm both values after selecting it.
The available choices depend on the display and its current mode; an advertised maximum is not necessarily the rate Windows is using. The same panel reports whether the selected display supports VRR. For model-specific refresh-rate, port, and menu details, check the monitor manual. Microsoft’s refresh-rate instructions explain the Windows controls and starred modes.
2. Enable VRR on the monitor and in the graphics software
VRR lets a compatible display adjust its refresh timing to match changing game frame rates. Windows reporting VRR support does not, by itself, confirm that the monitor’s VRR mode or the graphics driver’s corresponding feature is enabled. Use the path that matches your graphics hardware and display.
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- Confirm that the monitor is a G-SYNC or G-SYNC Compatible display and that the graphics hardware and application support the feature.
- In the monitor’s on-screen menu, enable its G-SYNC/Adaptive-Sync option if required by the model.
- Open NVIDIA Control Panel, set the display as the primary display, and use the Set up G-SYNC page to enable G-SYNC.
- Under Manage 3D Settings, confirm that Monitor Technology is set to G-SYNC or G-SYNC Compatible, and set the refresh rate to the highest available value.
NVIDIA’s help page describes these prerequisites and controls, but its interface guidance is older; labels can vary with driver versions. If your installed driver presents different names, use its current controls and the display’s documentation rather than assuming every VRR monitor is compatible. NVIDIA’s G-SYNC help lists its setup guidance.
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- Install the AMD display driver and confirm that the display is FreeSync-capable.
- Enable FreeSync in the monitor’s on-screen menu, if the model provides that setting.
- Open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition, go to Display, and verify FreeSync status for the display you will use.
AMD says compatible systems may enable FreeSync automatically, but check the status for your actual display. Names and availability of monitor-menu settings vary by model. AMD’s setup instructions were updated March 3, 2025. AMD’s FreeSync setup guide covers display-menu and software checks.
3. Configure Windows 11 for compatible windowed games
Optimizations for windowed games applies to compatible DirectX 10 and DirectX 11 games running windowed or borderless. Microsoft says it moves supported games from the legacy blt presentation model to the newer flip model, which can reduce frame latency and enable VRR on supported displays.
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- Open Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
- Turn on Optimizations for windowed games.
- Restart the game before comparing its behavior.
This is not a setting for every game or graphics API. Microsoft also says Auto HDR turns this optimization on automatically. See Microsoft’s windowed-games documentation for compatibility details and per-app options.
4. Treat Dynamic Refresh Rate as a separate setting
Windows 11 Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) adjusts refresh rate based on activity; it is not the same as choosing a fixed high refresh rate or enabling G-SYNC/FreeSync. Microsoft says DRR requires a VRR-capable display and a refresh rate of at least 120 Hz. It should not affect games designed for VRR, but it can limit the maximum refresh rate of some other games.
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If a game’s refresh rate seems capped after you enable DRR, disable DRR and compare. Find the setting under Settings > System > Display > Advanced display when it is available for your device. Requirements and the limitation are described in Microsoft’s refresh-rate guidance.
5. Choose a response when game FPS exceeds refresh rate
VRR does not remove every cause of tearing in every circumstance. AMD advises enabling V-Sync or capping frame rate when a game’s FPS regularly exceeds the display’s refresh rate. This is a conditional starting point, not a universal instruction for every game or GPU.
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- Look first in the game’s video or graphics settings for V-Sync or a frame-rate limit.
- If you use a vendor control for either setting, check how it behaves with your game and graphics API. AMD notes that V-Sync behavior can depend on the API.
- There is no single cap value established for all displays and systems. Choose a limit based on the display’s selected refresh rate and the game’s available controls, then assess the result in that game.
AMD’s FreeSync technology overview gives the FPS-above-refresh recommendation.
6. Diagnose what is missing or not working
Windows does not offer the expected refresh rate
- Check that the intended display is selected in Advanced display.
- Confirm the resolution: a starred rate can require a resolution change.
- Check the monitor manual for model-specific mode and connection requirements; the Windows list reflects the modes available to the display.
VRR appears unsupported or inactive
- Check the Advanced display information panel for VRR support.
- Verify that the monitor’s own VRR setting is enabled where applicable.
- Confirm the exact monitor and graphics hardware meet the requirements for G-SYNC/G-SYNC Compatible or FreeSync, then verify status in the corresponding graphics software.
A game still tears or runs below expectations
- Confirm the game is running on the display whose refresh rate and VRR status you checked.
- For windowed or borderless DirectX 10/11 games on Windows 11, try Optimizations for windowed games and restart the title.
- If FPS regularly exceeds refresh, compare the game’s V-Sync and frame-cap options. If a lower maximum refresh coincides with DRR, disable DRR and compare.
Compatibility is specific to the display and system
G-SYNC/G-SYNC Compatible and FreeSync are distinct vendor paths with their own hardware, display, and software requirements; their names should not be treated as interchangeable certifications. Before choosing a VRR display, verify its exact supported range and certification, compatibility with your graphics hardware, connection, and the resolution and refresh rate you plan to use. No single setting guarantees perfectly even frame pacing across every monitor, game, and system.
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These current setup steps center on Windows 11. Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025; Windows 10 menus and feature availability may differ. Microsoft’s refresh-rate page includes its Windows 10 support notice.
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