How to Turn Off Full-Screen Optimization in Windows 10: Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Performance Issues

Full-screen optimization is a feature in Windows 10 designed to improve gaming and app performance. However, sometimes it can cause slowdowns or other issues instead. Disabling full-screen optimization can help fix these problems and improve your system’s responsiveness.

This guide will walk you through the process of turning off full-screen optimization step by step. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow along, as each instruction is explained in simple terms.

By the end of this article, you will know how to disable this feature and understand why it might help with performance issues. Let’s get started.

Follow these easy steps to troubleshoot and turn off full-screen optimization on your Windows 10 computer.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Before disabling full-screen optimization, here are a few things to check:

Make sure Windows 10 is up to date. Sometimes, performance issues are fixed by system updates.
Know which program or game is having issues. You will need to adjust settings for that specific application.
Have administrator access. You must be logged in as an administrator to change these settings.
Back up important files. While this process is safe, it’s always good to have a backup.

What is Full-Screen Optimization?

Full-screen optimization is a Windows 10 feature that tries to improve the performance of full-screen apps by handling how they access your display. For some users, this can cause stuttering, lag, or crashes.

Turning off this feature can help especially when playing games or running software that doesn’t work well with it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Turn Off Full-Screen Optimization

Step 1: Locate the Program File

You need to find the main executable file (.exe) of the program or game causing issues. This file is what you will change settings for.

Right-click the shortcut icon of the program on your desktop or Start menu.
Select Open file location. This will take you to the folder where the executable is stored.

If you don’t have a shortcut, you can manually find the folder, usually under C:Program Files or C:Program Files (x86).

Step 2: Open the Properties Window

Now that you have found the executable file:

Right-click the program’s executable (.exe) file.
Click on Properties at the bottom of the menu.

This opens a new window where you can change settings related to the file.

Step 3: Navigate to the Compatibility Tab

Within the Properties window:

Click on the Compatibility tab at the top.
This tab contains options related to how Windows runs the program.

Step 4: Disable Full-Screen Optimization

In the Compatibility tab:

Look for the checkbox labeled Disable fullscreen optimizations.
Click the box to check it.

This action tells Windows not to apply full-screen optimization to this program.

Step 5: Apply the Changes

To save your settings:

Click the Apply button at the bottom right of the window.
Then click OK to close the Properties window.

You have now disabled full-screen optimization for that specific program.

Step 6: Test the Program

Launch the program or game as you normally would and observe if the performance issues persist.

If problems continue, you may want to try additional troubleshooting steps below.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

Using Registry Editor (Advanced Users)

If you want to disable full-screen optimization system-wide, you can modify the Windows registry. This is for advanced users, and it’s recommended to back up your registry first.

Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog.
Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSystemGameConfigStore
Find the value named GameDVR_FSEBehaviorMode.
Double-click it and change the value data to 2 to disable full-screen optimizations.
Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

This method disables the feature for all applications but should be used with caution.

Turn Off Game Mode

Sometimes, disabling Game Mode in Windows 10 can also help with performance issues:

Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
Go to Gaming > Game Mode.
Toggle Game Mode off.

This setting can interfere with how games and apps run, so turning it off may improve stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is full-screen optimization in Windows 10?

It is a feature that aims to improve the performance of full-screen applications by managing how Windows handles display output and resources.

Why should I turn off full-screen optimization?

If you experience lag, stuttering, crashes, or other performance issues with games or apps, disabling this feature can help resolve those problems.

Will turning off full-screen optimization affect all programs?

No. When you disable it through the program’s Properties, it only affects that specific application. System-wide disabling requires advanced steps.

Can I turn off full-screen optimization for multiple programs?

Yes, you can repeat the steps for each program you want to modify.

Is it safe to disable full-screen optimization?

Yes, it is safe. It simply changes how Windows manages the display for specific apps and can improve compatibility.

What if I don’t see the “Disable fullscreen optimizations” option?

Make sure you are right-clicking the executable (.exe) file, not a shortcut. Also, check that you have administrator permissions.

When Nothing Works

If disabling full-screen optimization does not solve your performance issues, consider the following options:

Update your graphics drivers. Outdated drivers are a common cause of performance problems.
Check for Windows updates. Microsoft regularly releases fixes that can improve system stability.
Use the Windows Troubleshooter. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot and run the relevant troubleshooter.
Contact the software developer. Sometimes the program itself needs patches or updates.
Visit the official Microsoft support page: https://support.microsoft.com

Conclusion

Full-screen optimization in Windows 10 can sometimes cause performance issues with games and applications. By following this detailed, step-by-step guide, you can easily disable the feature for any program causing trouble.

Starting with simple adjustments like changing the program’s compatibility settings is the best approach. For advanced users, system-wide options are also available but should be used carefully.

Remember to keep your system and drivers updated, and use the troubleshooting tips provided if problems persist. Disabling full-screen optimization is a handy fix that can make your Windows 10 experience smoother and more enjoyable.