How To Adjust Full Screen Optimization Settings In Windows 11 Advanced App Properties

How to Access App Properties in 🪟 Windows 11

You can access app properties in Windows 11 by right-clicking any program shortcut or executable file and choosing Properties from the menu. This opens a window where you can click the Compatibility tab to view advanced display settings like full-screen optimizations for that specific game or program.

Most traditional desktop programs have a main file ending in .exe that you can click on easily. However, apps downloaded from the store are hidden deep inside your system folders to keep them secure. Here are the steps to find and open the properties window for a standard desktop app:

1. Find the shortcut icon for your game or app on your desktop, or open the file explorer 📁.
2. Right-click the app icon or its main program file.
3. Select Properties from the menu that pops up on your screen.
4. Click on the Compatibility tab at the top of the properties window.

The Compatibility tab contains several checkboxes and options for managing how Windows runs the app. This is where you can tell Windows how to handle your app.

Step-by-Step: Disabling Full-Screen Optimizations for Specific Apps

You can disable full-screen optimizations for specific apps in Windows 11 by opening the app properties window, clicking the Compatibility tab, and checking the box that turns off this feature. This quick change forces the game to run in traditional exclusive full-screen mode, which often fixes stuttering, input lag, and frame drops.

Follow these simple steps to change the setting for an individual app:

1. Open the folder where your game or app is installed, or right-click its desktop shortcut.
2. Click on Properties.
3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
4. Look for the section containing various checkboxes.
5. Check the box next to Disable fullscreen optimizations.
6. Click the Apply button at the bottom right.
7. Click OK to close the window.

The next time you open that app, Windows will bypass its modern display tricks and run the program using older, traditional methods. If this fixes your stuttering or lag, you can leave the box checked.

Handling Microsoft Store Apps

You must use in-game video settings to handle full-screen optimizations for Microsoft Store apps because these programs are hidden inside secure system folders. Unlike regular desktop games, you cannot right-click a Microsoft Store app icon on your desktop to find a compatibility tab.

If you experience full-screen optimization problems with a Microsoft Store app, you cannot use the standard properties menu. Instead, you must rely on global system settings or use specialized tools to locate the hidden program files. Switching global display settings is the safest way to resolve store app issues without compromising system security.

Managing Global Windowed Game Optimizations

You can manage global windowed game optimizations in Windows 11 by opening the main Settings app, going to System, clicking on Display, and opening the Graphics menu to find the default settings. This lets you turn display tweaks on or off for every app and game on your computer at the same time.

You can turn full screen optimizations on or off for all apps on your Windows 11 computer by opening the Windows Settings app, going to the System menu, and selecting the Display settings. Full screen optimizations help games and apps run better by making them run directly on your screen without extra steps, but you can turn the feature off if you notice stuttering or lag.

1. Click the Start button and open the Settings app.
2. Click on System in the left-hand menu.
3. Click on Display.

   

4. Scroll down and click on Graphics.

   

5. At the top of the graphics page, click on Change default graphics settings.
6. Find the option labeled Optimizations for windowed games.
7. Set the toggle to On or Off depending on your setup.

Turning this global setting off helps if you experience widespread display issues across multiple games. However, leaving it on generally provides smoother alt-tabbing and better power efficiency for laptops.

Expert Tips for Better Gaming Performance in 🪟 Windows 11

You can improve gaming performance in Windows 11 by combining display tweaks with built-in system features like Game Mode and up-to-date graphics drivers. Turning on Game Mode tells your computer to prioritize your game over background tasks so you get smoother gameplay and fewer frame drops.

Always enable Game Mode in Windows 11. You can find this by opening your Settings, clicking on Gaming, and selecting Game Mode. Turning this feature on tells Windows to give your game top priority over background apps and tasks.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager, and check which programs run silently in the background while you play games. Closing unnecessary web browsers, chat apps, and utility programs frees up valuable memory and processing power.

Summary

Full-screen optimizations in Windows 11 are built-in display features designed to help games switch quickly between windowed and full-screen modes. While they help with multitasking, they can sometimes cause lag or stuttering in certain games, which you can fix by turning them off in the app properties menu.