Display settings

Fullscreen vs. windowed gaming

Fullscreen, borderless and windowed modes describe how a game presents its image within the Windows desktop.

QUICK EXPLANATION

Test the mode that best fits your display setup

Presentation behavior can depend on the game, Windows version, graphics API and display features. One mode is not universally faster or lower-latency.

Switching modes may change refresh-rate selection, overlays, HDR or VRR behavior.

Result: The game's selected mode and Windows display settings should remain compatible with the monitor's supported mode.

How to check it

Try another mode only when investigating a specific symptom, and keep resolution, refresh rate and other settings unchanged.

Check: Check for the original symptom and confirm VRR, HDR or refresh behavior still matches your needs.

Sources & page details

Microsoft: DXGI flip model ↗

Reviewed

These are general explanations; available features and results vary by game, graphics hardware, driver and display.