If you’re a gamer who wants smoother, faster gameplay, learning how to turn off VSync in Windows 11 can make a big difference. While VSync (Vertical Synchronization) helps prevent screen tearing, it can also introduce input lag — and that’s the last thing you want in competitive games.
In this comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide, we’ll explain what VSync does, when you should turn it off, and how to disable it across your GPU control panel, in-game settings, and Windows system.
Let’s dive in and help you unlock your monitor’s true performance potential! 🎮
🎯 What Is VSync in Windows 11?
VSync (Vertical Synchronization) is a display technology that synchronizes your game’s frame rate with your monitor’s refresh rate.
When your GPU produces frames faster than your monitor can display them, you’ll see screen tearing — horizontal lines or split frames. VSync fixes this by capping the GPU output to match your monitor’s refresh rate (usually 60Hz, 120Hz, or 144Hz).
✅ Benefits of VSync:
- Eliminates screen tearing.
- Keeps frame rate stable and synchronized.
- Improves visual smoothness for non-competitive games.
❌ Downsides of VSync:
- Adds input lag, making controls feel less responsive.
- Can cause stuttering when frame rates drop.
- Reduces performance flexibility in fast-paced games.
That’s why many gamers prefer to turn off VSync — especially for shooters, racing games, or eSports titles where quick reactions are key.
⚙️ How to Turn Off VSync in Windows 11 (6 Methods)
There are several ways to disable VSync, depending on whether you want to do it globally or for specific games. We’ll walk through each option step by step.
🧩 Method 1: Turn Off VSync in NVIDIA Control Panel
If you’re using an NVIDIA GPU, you can disable VSync at the driver level. This applies to all games unless a game-specific setting overrides it.
Steps:
- Right-click on your desktop.
- Select NVIDIA Control Panel from the context menu.
- In the left sidebar, expand 3D Settings → click Manage 3D settings.
- Under the Global Settings tab, scroll down to Vertical sync.
- Click the dropdown → choose Off.
- Click Apply at the bottom right.
💡 Tip: To disable VSync only for a specific game, go to the Program Settings tab → select your game → set Vertical sync: Off → click Apply.
💻 Method 2: Disable VSync in AMD Radeon Settings
AMD users can also toggle VSync directly from the Radeon Software interface.
Steps:
- Right-click on your desktop → select AMD Radeon Settings (or AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition).
- Go to the Gaming tab.
- Select the game you want to modify.
- Click Wait for Vertical Refresh → set it to Always off.
- Alternatively, you can adjust it globally under Settings → Graphics → Wait for Vertical Refresh → Off, unless application specifies.
✅ Result: You’ve now turned off VSync system-wide or for your chosen game.
🎮 Method 3: Turn Off VSync in Intel Graphics Command Center
If your system uses Intel integrated graphics, here’s how to disable VSync:
Steps:
- Right-click your desktop → choose Intel Graphics Command Center.
- Click Display in the sidebar.
- Go to the General or Custom tab (depending on version).
- Locate Vertical Sync → toggle it Off.
- Click Apply to save changes.
💡 Note: If you have hybrid graphics (Intel + NVIDIA), your discrete GPU settings (NVIDIA Control Panel) will usually take precedence.
🕹️ Method 4: Turn Off VSync Inside Game Settings
Most modern games include an in-game option to enable or disable VSync. This method overrides global GPU settings.
Steps (Generic Example):
- Launch your game.
- Go to Settings → Graphics → Display or Advanced Options.
- Find VSync or Vertical Sync.
- Set it to Off or Disabled.
- Save and restart your game (if required).
💡 Pro Tip: Combine this with frame rate caps or adaptive sync technologies (like G-SYNC or FreeSync) for the best performance balance.
🧠 Method 5: Use NVIDIA G-SYNC or AMD FreeSync Instead of VSync
If you’re turning off VSync because of lag or stutter, you can use G-SYNC (NVIDIA) or FreeSync (AMD) — modern adaptive sync technologies that fix tearing without adding delay.
Enabling G-SYNC:
- Open NVIDIA Control Panel.
- Go to Display → Set up G-SYNC.
- Check Enable G-SYNC, G-SYNC Compatible.
- Apply the settings.
Enabling FreeSync:
- Open AMD Radeon Software.
- Go to Display tab → AMD FreeSync → Enable.
✅ These technologies dynamically sync frame rates, offering the benefits of VSync without input lag.
⚡ Method 6: Turn Off VSync Using Game Config Files (Advanced)
Some older or modded games don’t include a VSync toggle in their settings. You can manually edit the configuration files to disable it.
Steps:
- Navigate to the game’s configuration folder — usually found in:
Documents\[Game Name]\config.ini- or
AppData\Local\[Game Name]\settings.cfg
- Open the file using Notepad.
- Search for lines like:
VSync=1 VerticalSync=True - Change values to:
VSync=0 VerticalSync=False - Save the file and restart your game.
⚠️ Caution: Always back up your configuration file before editing.
🧩 How to Verify That VSync Is Disabled
Not sure if VSync is really off? You can check using performance overlays or benchmark tools.
Method 1: Use In-Game FPS Counters
Enable Show FPS in your game’s settings. If your FPS exceeds your monitor’s refresh rate (e.g., >144 FPS on a 144Hz screen), VSync is likely off.
Method 2: Use MSI Afterburner or NVIDIA Overlay
These tools show frame pacing and frame rate in real time. Uneven or fluctuating frame delivery usually indicates that VSync is disabled.
⚔️ Should You Turn Off VSync? (Pros and Cons for Gamers)
| Scenario | Recommended Setting | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive FPS games (Valorant, CS2, Apex) | Off | Reduces input lag for faster reactions |
| Casual single-player titles | On | Prevents screen tearing for smoother visuals |
| VR or motion-sensitive games | Adaptive Sync | Balances visuals and performance |
| Low-end hardware | Off | Allows maximum frame rate output |
In short — turn VSync off if you value speed and responsiveness over perfect visual smoothness.
🧠 Troubleshooting: VSync Won’t Turn Off?
If you’ve turned off VSync but still see lag or capped frame rates, try these fixes:
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| FPS still capped at 60 | Frame cap or VSync in-game still active | Disable frame limiter in game settings |
| No performance improvement | G-SYNC/FreeSync overriding settings | Temporarily disable adaptive sync |
| Screen tearing persists | Monitor refresh rate mismatch | Ensure refresh rate is set to native (Settings → Display → Advanced Display) |
| Settings reset on restart | Driver or game config conflict | Reapply changes after updating drivers |
🧰 Bonus Tip: Lock FPS Without VSync
If screen tearing bothers you but you don’t want input lag, try capping FPS slightly below refresh rate (e.g., 141 FPS on 144Hz monitor) using tools like:
- RTSS (RivaTuner Statistics Server)
- NVIDIA Frame Rate Limiter
- AMD Chill
This approach smooths out gameplay without the downsides of traditional VSync.
🔋 Optimize Game Performance After Disabling VSync
When you turn off VSync, you may experience higher frame rates — but also increased GPU usage and heat. To balance performance and stability:
- Keep drivers updated (NVIDIA/AMD/Intel).
- Use High Performance power mode in Windows.
- Enable Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling in Settings → System → Display → Graphics → Change Default Settings.
- Monitor temps using MSI Afterburner.
🏁 Conclusion
Turning off VSync in Windows 11 gives you full control over performance, responsiveness, and visual smoothness.
For most competitive gamers, disabling VSync means faster reaction times and lower input latency — at the small cost of occasional screen tearing. If visuals matter more than speed, you can always toggle it back on or use adaptive sync alternatives like G-SYNC or FreeSync.
Experiment with these settings, test your frame rates, and find the perfect balance for your setup. 🎮⚡
❓ FAQs About Turning Off VSync in Windows 11
1. Is it safe to turn off VSync?
Yes — it won’t harm your system. You might notice screen tearing, but it’s purely visual and doesn’t damage hardware.
2. Does VSync affect FPS?
Yes. VSync limits your FPS to your monitor’s refresh rate, so turning it off allows your GPU to output its maximum frame rate.
3. Should I use VSync with G-SYNC or FreeSync?
No. G-SYNC and FreeSync already handle synchronization dynamically, making traditional VSync unnecessary.
4. Why is my FPS stuck at 60 even after disabling VSync?
Your monitor may have a 60Hz refresh rate, or a frame limiter may still be active. Check both game and GPU settings.
5. What’s the best VSync alternative for smooth gameplay?
Use G-SYNC (NVIDIA) or FreeSync (AMD) if your monitor supports them — they provide smooth visuals without lag.
🧾 Summary: Key Takeaways
| Setting | Recommended For | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| VSync Off | Competitive gaming | Maximum responsiveness |
| VSync On | Casual/single-player | Tear-free visuals |
| Adaptive Sync (G-SYNC/FreeSync) | Mixed gaming styles | Smooth visuals + low input lag |
| Frame Rate Limiter | Performance tuning | Reduces screen tearing without lag |
Final Thought:
Now that you know how to turn off VSync in Windows 11, you can fine-tune your gaming experience for speed, responsiveness, and precision. Try experimenting with different sync modes to find what feels best for your setup — and enjoy your games at their true potential! 🚀🎮