How to Enable or Disable Fullscreen Optimizations for Games in Windows 11
Fullscreen optimizations in Windows 11 help games run smoother by letting your PC manage hardware resources better. This built-in feature gives games a performance boost when they run on your screen, though it occasionally causes stuttering or visual glitches in Windows 11 version 23H2.
You can turn fullscreen optimizations on or off for individual games through the Compatibility tab in any game’s properties window. Keeping the setting on gives your game top performance priority, while turning it off often fixes annoying game lag.
To enable or disable fullscreen optimizations for a game, right-click its executable file and select Properties. Navigate to the Compatibility tab and check or uncheck the “Disable fullscreen optimizations” box. Click OK to apply the changes.
How It Works
This feature gives your game top priority when it runs as the primary window, helping system resources focus where they matter most. While enabled by default for good reason, turning the setting off occasionally fixes stuttering or glitches in specific titles. Windows manages the system dynamically for a smoother gaming experience overall.
Fullscreen optimizations remain enabled out of the box in Windows 11. Efficiency in resource usage typically improves game performance while the feature stays active. Disabling fullscreen optimizations can improve performance for some specific games, offering a performance boost.
Reference: Demystifying Fullscreen Optimizations – DirectX Developer Blog
This article explains the difference between Fullscreen Exclusive and Fullscreen Optimizations.
Option 1
Enable or Disable Fullscreen Optimizations for One App or Game (Your Account Only)
Personal user accounts can toggle fullscreen optimizations for a specific game by adjusting its executable file properties in Windows 11. Right-click or press and hold the executable file (.exe) of your game and select Properties. Head over to the Compatibility tab, then check the box next to Disable fullscreen optimizations to turn the feature off. Click OK to save the changes.
- Right click or press and hold on the EXE file of the app or game. Click on Properties.
- Click on the Compatibility tab. (see screenshot below)
- Check the box (to disable) or uncheck the box (to enable - default) next to Disable fullscreen optimizations.
- Click on OK.
Option 2
Enable or Disable Fullscreen Optimizations for One App or Game (All Users)
Applying this change for everyone on the PC requires administrator permissions to modify the game files. Right-click the game executable file, choose Properties, and open the Compatibility tab. Clicking Change settings for all users applies adjustments affecting everyone using the PC.
Follow these steps to change fullscreen optimizations for everyone on your computer:
- Right click or press and hold on the EXE file of the app or game. Click on Properties.
- Click on the Compatibility tab. Then click on Change settings for all users.
- Check the box (to disable) or uncheck the box (to enable - default) next to Disable fullscreen optimizations. Then click on OK.
- Click on OK.
Summary
Fullscreen optimizations help games run faster and keep features like overlays functional, though disabling them for specific games remains an option when issues arise.
What does disable fullscreen optimizations do in 🪟 Windows 11?
Disabling fullscreen optimizations forces your game to run in traditional Fullscreen Exclusive (FSE) mode (a display state that gives the game direct access to your graphics card). This bypasses Windows' hybrid display management, which can resolve compatibility issues, stuttering, or input lag in certain titles. However, users lose the ability to use overlays or alt-tab between windows as quickly.
What do fullscreen optimizations do?
Fullscreen optimizations combine the benefits of Fullscreen Exclusive mode and borderless windowed mode. They allow games to run with the performance and low latency of exclusive fullscreen while maintaining the convenience of borderless windows, such as faster alt-tab switching and seamless support for overlays like the Windows Game Bar.
Should I tick disable fullscreen optimizations?
Turning off fullscreen optimizations makes sense only when experiencing problems like screen tearing or stuttering in a specific game.
Does disabling full screen optimization increase FPS?
Disabling fullscreen optimization doesn't automatically boost FPS for most people. In certain cases, performance drops or instability occurs instead. Disabling the feature works best only when encountering specific technical glitches or input latency, as the setting targets optimized performance while maintaining system responsiveness.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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