Fullscreen optimizations is a Windows feature that runs “exclusive fullscreen” games in a special borderless mode, so you can switch apps faster and see overlays like the Xbox Game Bar. For most games it works well, but some older titles stutter, show input lag, drop frames or flicker with it on. Windows 11 lets you turn it off for individual programs. This guide shows how, when it is worth trying, and how to check whether it made a difference.
Quick answer
Right-click the game’s .exe file (not the shortcut’s target folder), choose Properties, open the Compatibility tab, tick Disable fullscreen optimizations, and click Apply and OK. Restart the game.
What fullscreen optimizations actually does
In classic exclusive fullscreen, a game takes over the display completely. That gives it direct control, but switching to another window is slow and can cause the screen to go black for a moment. With fullscreen optimizations, Windows runs the game in a borderless window that looks exactly like fullscreen while letting the desktop compositor manage the screen. The benefits are faster alt-tab, working notifications and overlays, and smoother handling of multiple monitors. The downside is that a small number of games do not cooperate with this mode, which is when turning it off helps.
Step 1: Find the game’s .exe file
- Desktop shortcut: right-click the shortcut and choose Open file location.
- Steam: in your Library, right-click the game and choose Manage > Browse local files.
- Epic Games, EA app, Ubisoft Connect and others: look for an option such as Manage or Open install location.
- Start menu: right-click the game, choose More > Open file location, then right-click the shortcut there and choose Open file location again.
Some games use a launcher plus a separate game executable. Apply the setting to the file that actually runs the game, often in a bin or Binaries folder.
Step 2: Disable fullscreen optimizations
- Right-click the game’s .exe file and choose Properties. (In Windows 11’s compact menu, you may need Show more options first.)
- Click the Compatibility tab.
- Under Settings, tick Disable fullscreen optimizations.
- To apply it for every user on the PC, click Change settings for all users and tick the same box there.
- Click Apply, then OK.
Step 3: Test the game
Launch the game in fullscreen mode and compare it with before. Look for smoother frame pacing, fewer stutters and lower input lag. A frame rate counter helps; see how to check FPS on Windows 11. If nothing improves, or the game behaves worse, untick the box again; the change is completely reversible.
When should you disable it?
- Older DirectX 9 or DirectX 11 games that stutter in fullscreen.
- Games where alt-tabbing causes black screens or crashes.
- Competitive games where you notice extra input lag.
- Apps that flicker or show the wrong resolution in fullscreen.
Modern games, especially those using DirectX 12 or offering a borderless window mode, usually run best with fullscreen optimizations left on.
Is there a global switch?
Windows 11 has no Settings toggle to disable fullscreen optimizations for every app at once; it is set per program. There is a separate setting, Settings > System > Display > Graphics > Change default graphics settings > Optimizations for windowed games, which improves latency for games running in windowed or borderless mode. That is a different feature, and leaving it on is fine for most people.
Other settings that help games
- Game Mode: keep it on in Settings > Gaming > Game Mode. See how to enable Game Mode.
- Graphics drivers: update to the latest version from NVIDIA, AMD or Intel.
- Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling: in the same Graphics settings page, try turning it on or off if you have stutters.
- Taskbar showing over games: see how to hide the taskbar in fullscreen on Windows 11.
Related: Stop games minimizing on dual monitors in Windows 11.
Frequently asked questions
Does disabling fullscreen optimizations increase FPS?
Sometimes, slightly, but the bigger benefit is usually smoother frame pacing and lower input lag in older games. Many games see no difference.
Why is the checkbox missing?
You may have opened the properties of a shortcut to a launcher or a Microsoft Store app. Store and Xbox app games often do not show the option; use the game’s own display settings instead.
Summary
- Find the game’s .exe file.
- Right-click it, choose Properties, and open Compatibility.
- Tick Disable fullscreen optimizations and click Apply.
- Test the game and undo the change if it does not help.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.