- Screen tearing is caused by desynchronization between the GPU and the monitor.
- Enabling VSync, limiting FPS, and using technologies like G-Sync/FreeSync reduces tearing.
- The acceleration by hardware in browsers and frequency settings in Windows 11 They also help.
Have you noticed that the images in your games or videos appear broken, as if there were a kind of horizontal cut that "breaks" the image? You probably suffer from screen tear, a very annoying visual problem that affects many users of Windows 11, especially if you're someone who spends hours in front of the screen playing games. Finding the cause and, above all, the definitive solution can seem daunting, but with the number of options offered by both the system and modern graphics cards, you have several effective ways to overcome tearing.
This article explains in detail what causes screen tearing, how you can quickly identify it, and, most importantly, the most effective way to eliminate it on your Windows 11 PC. I'm not going to leave anything out: how VSync works, what role technologies like G-Sync or FreeSync play, how to limit frames to avoid the problem even in "unruly" games, and what settings you should definitely touch in the display settings and in the control panels. NVIDIA and AMD.
What is screen tearing and why does it occur?
Screen tearing is that unpleasant effect on the screen where it seems that the image is broken into several horizontal sections.This occurs when the graphics card (GPU) and monitor aren't perfectly synchronized: while the monitor is displaying one frame, the GPU is already displaying the next. The result is that you see two (or more) fragments of different frames at the same time.
This effect is not only visually annoying, it can also confuse you at key moments in a game or even when playing fast-paced videos. In the most extreme cases, you may see multiple broken lines across the entire screen.
Mainly, the problem arises from a desynchronization between your monitor's refresh rate and the FPS generated by the GPUIf your monitor is running at, say, 60Hz (i.e., refreshing the image 60 times per second), but your graphics card is sending 70, 100, or more FPS, the frames will be "stuck" and the dreaded tearing will appear. Of course, this phenomenon can depend on both the hardware (outdated monitor or graphics, for example) and the configuration of the games or the operating system itself..
When is tearing most common?
Tearing is especially common in games where fast movement predominates. (shooters, racing, etc.), but it can also appear when playing videos in streaming if hardware acceleration is not properly configured. In poorly optimized games or with problems of drivers, the risk of suffering from it also increases.
Furthermore, if the game developer has not done their homework and does not adjust the vertical synchronization, you as a user may suffer the consequences until a patch is released..
What is vertical synchronization (VSync) and what is it used for?
Vertical sync, or VSync, is a technology included in most current graphics cards and games. whose objective is very simple: adapt the amount of FPS generated by the GPU to the refresh rate of the monitor. So, if your display is 60Hz, VSync limits the maximum FPS to 60, effectively eliminating screen tearing.
Now, Enabling VSync also involves a small latency penalty. (input lag), as your graphics card has to wait for the monitor to align itself before sending the next frame. In most cases, this is barely noticeable, but there are competitive games where every millisecond counts, and it may be advisable to try alternatives.
Other technologies to combat tearing: FreeSync, G-Sync and Adaptive Sync
Nowadays, There are much more advanced solutions than the classic VSync. This is where technologies such as AMD FreeSync, NVIDIA G-Sync, and VESA's Adaptive Sync standard.
These systems allow the monitor to adjust its refresh rate in real time to match the FPS produced by your graphics card.. This way, both work at the same pace and tearing disappears completely. The toll: you need a compatible monitor and a relatively modern graphics card. Additionally, they tend to be more present in mid- to high-end gaming monitors.
- AMD FreeSyncWorks with AMD cards and increasingly with NVIDIA cards. Supports variable refresh rates.
- NVIDIA G-Sync: Exclusive to NVIDIA graphics cards and certified monitors, it delivers a much smoother experience by eliminating both tearing and stuttering.
- Adaptive Sync: Open standard supported by DisplayPort, compatible with many modern configurations.
What if my graphics card or monitor doesn't support these systems? Don't worry, there are manual methods that can save you even on older computers.
How can I fix screen tearing in Windows 11?
1. Enable VSync (vertical synchronization) in games and graphics control panel
The first: Go into your game settings and enable vertical syncMost modern titles have this option in the graphics or video settings. If you don't want to enable VSync in every game, you can do so globally from your graphics card's control panel:
- For NVIDIA: Open the NVIDIA Control Panel → 3D Settings → Vertical Sync → “On”.
- For AMD: Enter the Radeon Options → Games → Global Graphics → Vertical Sync → “Always On” or “Per App”.
Important tip: It's preferable to enable VSync in the control panel rather than in the game itself for greater compatibility and to force all titles to use it.
2. Limit the amount of FPS to match the monitor's refresh rate
Another very effective solution, especially if you notice input lag with VSync, is to manually limit the FPS so that it never exceeds the monitor's frequencyFor example, if your display is 60Hz, set the limit to 60 FPS (or even 2-5 FPS lower, i.e. 58, for optimal effect without tearing or input lag).
- NVIDIA: Go to Control Panel → 3D Settings → "Limit maximum frame rate." Enter the exact number you prefer.
- AMD: Go to Radeon Software → Graphics → FPS Limit.
- Universal alternative: Use applications like RivaTuner Statistics Server to set an FPS limit even in games that don't allow it natively.
What are the benefits of limiting FPS? In addition to eliminating tearing, You will reduce heat and load on the GPU and CPU, because they won't work overtime generating frames that you won't see. Ideal for portable or small PCs where temperature is an issue.
3. Adjust the monitor refresh rate in Windows 11
In some cases, tearing persists because the monitor's refresh rate is out of sync with the game's FPS.Windows 11 lets you change these settings very easily:
- press Win + I (Setting).
- Sign in System → Display.
- Click on Advanced display settings (very bottom).
- En Update frequency, select the rate you want (60 Hz, 75 Hz, 120 Hz…).
Try setting the value closest to the FPS you usually get in your games. Remember that you don't need to reboot for the change to take effect..
4. Reduce graphics quality and/or resolution of games
If your graphics card is not capable of supporting itself and is unable to maintain a stable high FPS rate, Lowering the graphics quality or resolution helps prevent the GPU from saturating and stay synchronized with the monitor.. To expand your knowledge on graphic optimization, also consult our guide dedicated to Emulators and their configuration on Windows.
You can sacrifice visual effects, shadows, textures, etc., to gain fluidity and avoid tearing. It's a balance: less quality, but a much less broken and more pleasing image..
5. Enable hardware acceleration in browsers and multimedia applications
The tearing It is not exclusive to games, can also appear when watching videos on YouTube, Netflix or other streaming services. In these cases, The key is to have hardware acceleration enabled in your browser.:
- Chrome/Edge/Brave: Go to Settings → System → "Use hardware acceleration when available." Enable it and restart your browser.
- Firefox: Go to Settings → General → Performance → "Use hardware acceleration when available." Toggle it on and restart.
If you had it disabled, you'll notice an immediate improvement and tearing should disappear from videos and websites with a lot of movement.
6. Enable hardware acceleration on players and streaming platforms
7. Use monitors with G-Sync, FreeSync or Adaptive Sync
The ultimate choice for those seeking maximum visual softness. Monitors with adaptive sync support eliminate tearing even at very low FPS. Yes, Take a good look at the compatibility of your graphics card before purchasing one..
Check the minimum and maximum refresh rates supported by your monitor: if your graphics card isn't capable of maintaining at least 48 FPS (or the model's minimum), the effect could be even worse than on monitors without this technology.
8. Additional optimization for NVIDIA cards with GeForce Experience
If you have NVIDIA and use GeForce Experience, you can let the tool automatically optimize your game settings based on your hardware. This saves time and ensures that the optimal settings are applied to prevent tearing..
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