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How to Fix Screen Tearing in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions That Work

Screen tearing can be an annoying issue when using Windows 11. It causes parts of the screen to display out of sync, making videos and games look choppy or broken. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can follow to fix this problem.

This guide will walk you through easy methods to stop screen tearing and improve your display experience. No technical knowledge is needed, and each step is explained clearly.

By following these solutions, you can enjoy smooth visuals on your Windows 11 PC. Let’s get started with some quick notes before diving into the fixes.

These methods work for most common screen tearing problems and help optimize your display settings.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Before trying any fixes, please check the following:

  • Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers often cause display issues.
  • Confirm your monitor’s refresh rate matches your settings. A mismatch can lead to tearing.
  • Close unnecessary applications. Running many programs can affect performance and cause tearing.
  • Make sure you have administrator rights. Some steps require changing system settings.

Step 1: Enable V-Sync in Your Graphics Settings

Vertical Synchronization (V-Sync) helps to sync your graphics card’s output to your monitor’s refresh rate, reducing screen tearing. Here’s how to enable it:

  1. Right-click on your desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Settings, depending on your graphics card.
  2. In the control panel, find the section for 3D Settings or Gaming.
  3. Look for Vertical Sync or V-Sync option.
  4. Turn it On or set it to Adaptive if available.
  5. Apply the changes and close the control panel.

Why This Helps: V-Sync forces your GPU to wait for the monitor’s refresh cycle before sending a new frame. This synchronization prevents parts of the screen from updating out of order.

Step 2: Adjust Display Refresh Rate in Windows 11

If your monitor and PC settings don’t match refresh rates, tearing is more likely. To check and adjust your refresh rate:

  1. Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings.
  2. Scroll down and click Advanced display settings.
  3. Under Refresh rate, select the highest rate supported by your monitor (e.g., 60 Hz, 120 Hz, 144 Hz).
  4. Click Apply to save changes.

Why This Helps: A higher or matching refresh rate means your monitor updates faster, which reduces tearing chances.

Step 3: Enable Game Mode on Windows 11

Windows 11 has a built-in Game Mode that optimizes system resources for gaming and can reduce screen tearing.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Click on Gaming in the sidebar.
  3. Select Game Mode.
  4. Toggle Game Mode to On.

Why This Helps: Game Mode prioritizes CPU and GPU resources for games, which can improve frame rendering and reduce screen tearing.

Step 4: Update or Reinstall Your Graphics Drivers

Graphics drivers connect your hardware with Windows 11. If they are outdated or corrupted, screen tearing can occur.

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Right-click your graphics card and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers. Follow prompts to install updates.
  5. If updating does not help, visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest drivers manually.

Alternative: If problems persist, uninstall the current driver and then reinstall the latest version from the official website.

Step 5: Use Windows Graphics Settings to Control GPU Scheduling

Windows 11 offers hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling which can improve performance and reduce tearing.

  1. Open Settings and go to System > Display > Graphics.
  2. Click Change default graphics settings.
  3. Toggle Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling to On.
  4. Restart your computer for changes to take effect.

Why This Helps: This feature reduces latency between your GPU and system, improving smoothness and reducing tearing.

Step 6: Try Third-Party Software or Advanced Sync Technologies

If basic steps don’t fully fix the issue, consider advanced options like:

  • NVIDIA G-SYNC or AMD FreeSync – These technologies sync your monitor’s refresh rate dynamically with your GPU’s output.
  • Third-party apps like RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS) allow frame rate limiting and better control over rendering.

Note: These options require compatible hardware and may need additional setup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What exactly causes screen tearing?

Screen tearing happens when the graphics card sends frames faster than the monitor can display them. This causes mismatched parts of different frames to appear on the screen simultaneously.

Is screen tearing harmful to my PC?

No, it does not damage your computer but can be distracting and reduce visual quality.

Does enabling V-Sync reduce gaming performance?

V-Sync can slightly reduce performance or increase input lag because it waits for the monitor’s refresh cycle. Adaptive Sync technologies are better alternatives if supported.

Can changing the refresh rate fix all screen tearing issues?

Not always, but matching the refresh rate to your monitor’s capability is a key step in reducing tearing.

Should I update my graphics driver regularly?

Yes, keeping drivers updated ensures compatibility and can fix known bugs including tearing issues.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the above steps and still face screen tearing, here are some final options:

  • Check for Windows updates and install any pending patches.
  • Visit your graphics card manufacturer’s support page for troubleshooting guides.
  • Consider contacting Microsoft Support or your PC manufacturer for deeper system diagnostics.
  • Test your monitor with another PC to rule out hardware defects.

Links to official resources:

Conclusion

Screen tearing in Windows 11 can be frustrating but is usually easy to fix. Start by enabling V-Sync, adjusting your refresh rate, and turning on Game Mode. Always keep your graphics drivers updated and consider using Windows’ built-in GPU scheduling.

If you want smoother visuals and better performance, exploring advanced sync technologies like G-SYNC or FreeSync can help. Remember, proper hardware and software settings work best together to avoid tearing.

Following these steps will make your viewing and gaming experience much more enjoyable on Windows 11.

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