How to Enable or Disable Fullscreen Optimizations for Games in Windows 11
Fullscreen optimizations in Windows 11 version 23H2 change how games run by letting your PC manage hardware resources for better frame rates. This built-in Windows feature gives games top performance priority, though it sometimes causes screen tearing or lag.
You can turn fullscreen optimizations on or off for individual games through the compatibility settings to fix stuttering or boost speed.
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
Fullscreen optimizations in Windows 11 manage system resources dynamically by giving your game top priority when it runs as the primary window. Windows keeps fullscreen optimizations turned on by default to improve frame rates and performance. Turning the feature off can fix stuttering, graphical glitches, or input lag in specific games.
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)
You can turn off fullscreen optimizations for a single game on your user account by opening the properties of the game's executable file (.exe). Open the Compatibility tab in the properties window, check the box next to Disable fullscreen optimizations, and save your changes. This applies the setting only to your user profile without affecting other accounts.
- 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)
You can change fullscreen optimizations for all users on your Windows 11 PC by accessing the game properties with administrator permissions. Open the executable file properties, select the Compatibility tab, and click Change settings for all users. Check the box to disable the feature so the setting applies to every account on the computer.
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 to fix stuttering, input lag, or crashing in older games. However, turning it off can slow down alt-tabbing between windows and block screen overlays.
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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