Enable or Disable VRR on Windows 11: Smooth Gaming Experience

In this article, we’ll dive into the world of VRR in Windows 11, exploring its benefits, how it works, and what you need to do to get started. Additionally, we’ll cover how to enable or disable VRR.

First, here is a quick step-by-step guide on how to enable or disable VRR in Windows 11:

• Click on the Start menu and select “Settings” (gear icon)

• In the Settings app, click on “System”

• Then, select “Display

• Look for the “Variable Refresh Rate” option. If it’s available, click on the toggle switch to enable or disable VRR

However, please note that this is just an overview of the steps. As you continue reading the blog, you’ll find more detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to enable or disable VRR in Windows 11.   

What is VRR and how it works ?

Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) is a technology that allows your monitor’s refresh rate to dynamically adjust to match your graphics card’s frame rate.

As a result, this eliminates the problem of screen tearing, which occurs when your monitor’s refresh rate and your graphics card’s frame rate are out of sync.

How VRR works ?

• Frame rate fluctuations: Firstly, in traditional monitors, the refresh rate remains constant. This can lead to inconsistent frame rates during gameplay, especially in demanding titles.

• VRR Synchronization: Secondly, VRR monitors, on the other hand, can adjust their refresh rate to match the frame rate your graphics card is outputting. This ensures that each frame is displayed at the exact moment it is rendered, eliminating screen tearing.

• Smoother gameplay: Lastly, VRR results in a smoother gaming experience as there are no sudden jumps or stutters in the image. This is particularly noticeable in fast-paced games or when playing at higher resolutions or frame rates.

Benefits of VRR

• Eliminates screen tearing: Primarily, VRR completely prevents screen tearing, providing a more eye-pleasing and immersive gaming experience.

• Reduces input lag: Additionally, VRR can also reduce input lag, making gameplay feel more responsive and improving overall performance.

• Improves visual quality: Furthermore, by matching the refresh rate to the frame rate, VRR can help improve the overall visual quality of your games.

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Compatibility and Optimization for VRR in Windows 11

To fully enjoy the benefits of VRR in Windows 11, you’ll need compatible hardware:

1. VRR-compatible monitor: Firstly, look for monitors with G-SYNC (NVIDIA) or FreeSync (AMD) technology. These displays can dynamically adjust their refresh rate to match your GPU’s output.

• Compatible graphics card: Secondly, ensure your graphics card supports VRR. NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10 Series or newer and AMD Radeon RX 480 or newer typically offer VRR compatibility.

Once you have the right hardware, follow these tips to optimize your VRR experience:

• Enable VRR: to begin with, go to “Settings” > “System” > “Display” and turn on “Variable Refresh Rate.”

• Check Compatibility: Next, ensure your games support VRR by looking for “G-SYNC Compatible” or “FreeSync Premium” labels.

• Adjust In-Game Settings: Additionally, explore options like “Low Latency Mode” or “Frame Rate Cap” for better performance.

• Update Drivers: Furthermore, keep your graphics card drivers current for optimal compatibility.

• Use a Quality HDMI Cable: Lastly, connect your PC to your VRR monitor with a high-quality HDMI 2.1 cable for the best results.

How to Enable VRR in Windows 11 ?

Enabling Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) in Windows 11 can enhance your gaming experience by providing smoother visuals and reducing screen tearing. Here’s a detailed guide on how to enable VRR using various methods:

Enable VRR in Windows Settings

Open Settings:

• First, click on the Start menu (Windows icon) on the taskbar.

• Then, select Settings (gear icon) or press Windows + I on your keyboard.

Navigate to Display Settings:

• Next, in the Settings window, click on System.

• After that, select Display from the right sidebar.

Enable Variable Refresh Rate:

• Now, scroll down to the Advanced display section.

• Subsequently, click on Display adapter properties for your display.

• In the new window, go to the Monitor tab.

• Then, check the box for Variable Refresh Rate (if available).

• Finally, click OK to apply the changes.

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Enable VRR in Graphics Control Panel

Depending on your graphics card, you may need to enable VRR through the graphics control panel (NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Software).

For NVIDIA Users:

Open NVIDIA Control Panel:

• To begin, right-click on the desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.

Navigate to Set Up G-SYNC:

• Next, in the left sidebar, click on Display and then select Set up G-SYNC.

Enable G-SYNC:

• After that, check the box for Enable G-SYNC, G-SYNC Compatible.

• Then, choose whether to enable it for full-screen mode or both full-screen and windowed mode.

• Lastly, click Apply to save the changes.

For AMD Users:

Open AMD Radeon Software:

• Firstly, right-click on the desktop and select AMD Radeon Software.

Navigate to Display Settings:

• Secondly, click on the Settings gear icon in the top right corner.

• Then, select the Display tab.

Enable Radeon FreeSync:

• After that, toggle the Radeon FreeSync option to On.

• Finally, adjust any additional settings as needed.

Method Enable VRR in Game Settings

Some games have their own VRR settings that you can enable:

Launch the Game:

• To start, launch the game you want to configure.

Access Game Settings:

• Then, go to the Options or Settings menu within the game.

Find VRR Settings:

• Next, look for options related to G-SYNC, FreeSync, or Variable Refresh Rate.

• Subsequently, enable these settings if available.

Adjust Additional Settings:

• Lastly, you may also find options like Low Latency Mode or Frame Rate Cap that can further enhance your VRR experience.  

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How to disable VRR in Windows 11 ?

Disabling Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) in Windows 11 can be useful if you encounter issues such as screen flickering or if you prefer a fixed refresh rate for certain applications.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to disable VRR using various methods:

Enable VRR through the Windows 11 Settings App

• Firstly, press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.

• Secondly, click on System.

• Then, click on Display.

• After that, scroll down to the Advanced display section.

• Subsequently, click on Refresh rate.

• Now, toggle the switch next to Variable refresh rate to the On position.

• Finally, if you have multiple monitors connected, select the monitor you want to enable VRR for from the dropdown menu.

Enable VRR through the NVIDIA Control Panel (for NVIDIA GPU users)

• To begin, right-click on an empty area of the desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.

• In the NVIDIA Control Panel, first click on Display.

• Then, click on Change resolution.

• Next, click on Refresh rate.

• After that, select the monitor you want to enable VRR for from the dropdown menu.

• Subsequently, check the box next to Enable G-Sync (this will enable VRR).

• Lastly, click Apply.

Enable VRR through the AMD Radeon Settings (for AMD GPU users)

• First, right-click on an empty area of the desktop and select AMD Radeon Settings.

• In the AMD Radeon Settings, next click on Display.

• Then, click on Display settings.

• After that, click on Refresh rate.

• Subsequently, select the monitor you want to enable VRR for from the dropdown menu.

• Now, check the box next to AMD FreeSync (this will enable VRR).

• Finally, click Apply.

Enable VRR through the Graphics Card Driver Settings

• To start, press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.

• In the Device Manager, first expand the Display Adapters section.

• Next, right-click on your graphics card and select Properties.

• In the Properties window, then click on the Driver tab.

• After that, click on Graphics Settings.

• Subsequently, select the monitor you want to enable VRR for from the dropdown menu.

• Now, check the box next to Variable refresh rate (this will enable VRR).

• Lastly, click Apply.

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How to check if VRR is working pc ?

Here are a few methods to verify if VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) is enabled and working on your Windows 11 PC:

Check Windows Settings

• Open Settings: First, click on the Start menu and select “Settings.”

• Navigate to Display: Next, go to “System” > “Display.”

• Verify VRR Status: Then, look for the “Variable Refresh Rate” option. If it’s toggled on, VRR is enabled.

Monitor Display Settings

• Access Monitor Menu: To begin, press the menu button on your monitor and navigate to the display settings.

• Check for VRR Indicator: After that, look for a setting or indicator related to VRR or adaptive sync. If it’s enabled, VRR is active.

Check Game Settings

• Launch a Game: First, start a game that supports VRR.

• Look for VRR Indicator: Then, check the game’s settings or display options. Some games have a VRR indicator or setting that you can enable.

Visual Inspection

• Observe Gameplay: Finally, pay attention to the gameplay. If you notice a smoother, more fluid experience without any screen tearing or stuttering, it’s likely that VRR is working.

Conclusion

Firstly, VRR technology in Windows 11 offers gamers a smoother, more immersive experience by eliminating screen tearing and reducing input lag.

Secondly, with the right hardware and proper configuration, you can easily enable VRR to enhance your gaming sessions.

Moreover, remember to check your monitor and graphics card compatibility, and follow the step-by-step guides provided to enable VRR through Windows Settings, graphics control panels, or in-game options.

While VRR can significantly improve your gaming experience, it’s important to note that you can always disable it if you encounter any issues or prefer a fixed refresh rate for certain applications.

By understanding how to enable, disable, and verify VRR functionality, you’re now equipped to optimize your Windows 11 gaming setup for the best possible performance.

Source: [ elevenforum, techysnoop, overclockers, blurbusters ]

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