Screen tearing happens when the GPU sends a new frame while the monitor is still drawing the previous one. You see a horizontal split where parts of two frames appear at once, usually during fast camera movement.
These steps apply to Windows PCs with any monitor, with or without G-Sync or FreeSync.
Does this affect you?
Use this if fast motion in games shows a split, misaligned, or torn image across the screen.
Turn on V-Sync
- Open the game’s Settings > Graphics or Display menu.
- Turn on V-Sync or Vertical Sync.
- If the game lacks the option, open NVIDIA Control Panel > Manage 3D settings and set Vertical sync to On.
- For AMD, open AMD Software > Gaming > Graphics and enable Wait for Vertical Refresh.
- Check Settings > System > Display > Advanced display and confirm Windows is using the monitor’s real refresh rate.
V-Sync works on any monitor, but it can add a little input lag. If that delay bothers you, test driver-level sync, Fast Sync, or Enhanced Sync where available.
Use G-Sync or FreeSync
- Check the monitor spec sheet for G-Sync, G-Sync Compatible, FreeSync, or Adaptive Sync.
- For NVIDIA, open NVIDIA Control Panel > Display > Set up G-SYNC and enable it.
- For AMD, open AMD Software > Display and enable AMD FreeSync.
- Turn on Adaptive Sync in the monitor’s own on-screen menu if needed.
- Set a frame cap a few FPS below the monitor’s maximum refresh rate.
Adaptive sync matches the monitor’s refresh behavior to the game’s frame rate and usually fixes tearing with less input lag than normal V-Sync.
Check fullscreen, cable, and port limits
Some games handle borderless windowed mode differently. If tearing remains, test true Fullscreen instead of Borderless or Windowed.
Many adaptive sync monitors require DisplayPort, while newer HDMI support depends on the monitor, GPU, cable, and port. An older HDMI path can silently limit refresh rate or disable adaptive sync.
If the GPU runs far above the monitor refresh rate, tearing can become more visible. A frame cap near the refresh rate often helps even before changing other settings.
Sources
- NVIDIA – G-SYNC and V-Sync Explained (2025)
- AMD – FreeSync Technology Overview (2025)
- Microsoft Support – Adjust Display Refresh Rate in Windows (2025)