How to Enable Variable Refresh Rate in Windows 11

Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) allows a compatible monitor to dynamically match its refresh rate to the frame rate generated by your graphics card. In Windows 11, enabling VRR globally helps eliminate screen tearing, reduce stutter, and lower input lag in games and windowed desktop applications that do not natively support adaptive sync. This guide provides the exact steps to enable this feature through Windows 11 settings and your graphics card control panel.

Prerequisites

Before enabling VRR, ensure: * Your monitor supports VRR, AMD FreeSync, or NVIDIA G-Sync. * Your display is connected using a compatible DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1 cable. * Your graphics drivers are updated to the latest version.

Step 1: Enable VRR in Windows 11 Settings

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Select System from the left sidebar, then click on Display.
  3. Scroll down to the Related settings section and click on Graphics.
  4. Click on Change default graphics settings (or Default graphics settings).
  5. Locate the Variable refresh rate toggle and switch it to On.
  6. (Optional) Enable Optimizations for windowed games on the same screen to improve latency and support Auto HDR/VRR in non-fullscreen apps.
  7. Restart your open applications or reboot your PC to apply the changes.

Step 2: Configure Your GPU Control Panel for Windowed Apps

To ensure VRR applies globally to windowed desktop applications and not just fullscreen games, configure your GPU driver settings:

For NVIDIA Users:

  1. Right-click your desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
  2. Under Display, select Set up G-SYNC.
  3. Check the box for Enable G-SYNC, G-SYNC Compatible.
  4. Select Enable for windowed and full screen mode.
  5. Click Apply.

For AMD Users:

  1. Right-click your desktop and select AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition.
  2. Click the Settings (gear icon) in the top-right corner, then select Display.
  3. Ensure AMD FreeSync is toggled to Enabled.
  4. Under the Gaming > Graphics tab, ensure Radeon Enhanced Sync or Radeon FreeSync is enabled globally.