- 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.
Do you notice that the images in your games or videos look broken, as if there's a horizontal cut that "breaks" the image? You're probably experiencing screen tearing , a very annoying visual problem that affects many Windows 11 users, especially if you spend hours in front of the screen playing games. Finding the cause and, above all, the definitive solution can seem complicated, but with the number of options offered by both the system and modern graphics cards, you have several effective ways to eliminate screen 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, the role of technologies like G-Sync and FreeSync, how to limit the frame rate to avoid the problem even in demanding games, and which settings you absolutely must adjust in your display settings and the NVIDIA and AMD control panels.
What is screen tearing and why does it occur?
Screen tearing is that unpleasant effect on the screen where the image appears to split into several horizontal sections . This occurs when the graphics card (GPU) and the monitor are not perfectly synchronized: while the monitor is displaying one frame, the GPU is already rendering the next. The result is that you see two (or more) fragments of different frames simultaneously.
This effect is not only visually annoying, but it can also be confusing at key moments in a game or even when playing fast-paced videos. In the most extreme cases, you might even see several broken lines across the entire screen.
The main problem arises from a mismatch between your monitor's refresh rate and the FPS generated by the GPU . If your monitor runs at, for example, 60 Hz (meaning it refreshes the image 60 times per second), but your graphics card is sending 70, 100, or more FPS, the frames will overlap, resulting in the dreaded screen tearing. Of course, this phenomenon can depend on both the hardware (an outdated monitor or graphics card, for example) and the game settings or the operating system itself.
When is tearing most common?
Screen tearing is especially common in games with fast-paced movement (shooters, racing games, etc.), but it can also occur when streaming video if hardware acceleration isn't properly configured. Poorly optimized games or those with driver issues also increase the risk of experiencing it.
Furthermore, if the game developer hasn't done their homework and hasn't adjusted the vertical sync, you as a user may suffer the consequences until they release a patch.
What is vertical synchronization (VSync) and what is it used for?
Vertical synchronization, or VSync, is a technology included in most current graphics cards and games. Its purpose is very simple: to adapt the number of FPS generated by the GPU to the monitor's refresh rate . So, if your screen has a 60Hz refresh rate, VSync limits the maximum FPS to 60, effectively eliminating screen tearing.
However, enabling VSync also involves a slight increase in latency (input lag), as your graphics card has to wait aligned with the monitor before sending the next frame. In most cases, this is barely noticeable, but there are competitive games where every millisecond counts, and it might be advisable to try alternative settings.
Other technologies to combat tearing: FreeSync, G-Sync and Adaptive Sync
Today, there are much more advanced solutions than the classic VSync . This is where technologies like AMD FreeSync, NVIDIA G-Sync, and the Adaptive Sync standard of VESA come into play.
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 speed, and screen tearing disappears completely. The trade-off: you need a compatible monitor and a relatively modern graphics card . Furthermore, they are more commonly found 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, because 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
First: go into your game's settings and enable vertical sync (VSync ). Most modern titles have this option in the graphics or video settings. If you don't want to enable VSync for each game, you can do it 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 refresh rate . For example, if your screen is 60 Hz, set the limit to 60 FPS (or even 2-5 FPS lower, i.e., 58, for optimal performance 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 advantages of limiting FPS? Besides eliminating screen tearing, you'll reduce heat and the load on your GPU and CPU , because they won't be working overtime generating frames you won't see. Ideal for laptops or small PCs where temperature is a concern.
3. Adjust the monitor refresh rate in Windows 11
In some cases, screen tearing persists because the monitor's refresh rate is out of sync with the game's FPS . Windows 11 lets you change this setting very easily:
- Balance 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 restart for the change to take effect.
4. Reduce graphics quality and/or resolution of games
If your graphics card is struggling and unable to maintain a stable high FPS, lowering the graphics quality or resolution will help prevent the GPU from overloading and keep it synchronized with the monitor . To expand your knowledge of graphics optimization, also consult our guide dedicated to emulators and their configuration in Windows.
You can sacrifice visual effects, shadows, textures, etc., to gain smoothness and avoid tearing. It's a balance: less quality, but a much less broken and more visually appealing image.
5. Enable hardware acceleration in browsers and multimedia applications
Screen tearing isn't exclusive to games ; it can also occur 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 the smoothest visuals. Monitors with adaptive sync support eliminate screen tearing even at very low FPS . However, be sure to check your graphics card's compatibility before buying 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 screen tearing.
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