Variable refresh rate keeps your monitor in sync with your GPU so frames appear the instant they are ready, eliminating tearing without the input-lag penalty of traditional VSync. G-Sync and FreeSync handle this at the hardware level, but Windows 11 adds its own VRR toggle that helps windowed and borderless games that historically could not use adaptive sync. Here is how to turn it on and confirm it is actually working.
Prerequisites for VRR
You need a monitor that supports adaptive sync (marketed as G-Sync, G-Sync Compatible or FreeSync), a cable and port that carry it (DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1 on modern panels), and a current GPU driver. First enable adaptive sync in your monitor on-screen menu, then enable G-Sync or FreeSync in the NVIDIA or AMD control panel for full-screen games.
The Windows 11 VRR setting is an extra layer specifically for DirectX games running in windowed and borderless modes, which the driver-level sync historically ignored. It does not replace G-Sync or FreeSync; it complements them.
Turning on the Windows toggle
Open Settings, go to System then Display, then Graphics, and click Change default graphics settings. There you will find Variable refresh rate and, on newer builds, Optimizations for windowed games. Enable both. The VRR toggle lets windowed and borderless DirectX titles use your monitor adaptive sync range.
Also confirm your refresh rate is set to the panel maximum under Advanced display, because VRR operates within a range (for example 48 to 144Hz) and you want the full window available. If a game runs below the low end of the range, low framerate compensation should keep it smooth.
| Layer | Where to enable | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Monitor adaptive sync | On-screen menu | Hardware sync range |
| G-Sync / FreeSync | GPU control panel | Fullscreen games |
| Windows VRR | Settings > Graphics | Windowed/borderless DX games |
| Optimizations for windowed games | Settings > Graphics | Lower latency windowed |
Confirming it works
Use your monitor built-in refresh-rate counter if it has one, or an on-screen frame-rate overlay, and watch the reported refresh change with your frame rate instead of sitting fixed. Tearing should disappear while your frame rate fluctuates below your cap. If it stays locked, recheck the cable, the monitor menu and the driver sync setting.
For the smoothest result, cap your frame rate a few frames below your maximum refresh so you stay inside the VRR range rather than bumping the ceiling, where tearing or a VSync fallback can creep back in.
Getting the smoothest VRR result
Variable refresh rate works best when your frame rate stays within the monitor sync window, so pair it with a frame cap set a few frames below your maximum refresh. Bumping the ceiling repeatedly can reintroduce tearing or trigger a VSync fallback that adds latency, which defeats the purpose. A cap of 141 on a 144Hz panel, or 237 on a 240Hz panel, keeps you comfortably inside the range.
If your frame rate ever drops below the low end of the VRR window, low framerate compensation should kick in on modern monitors, repeating frames to stay smooth. Enable your GPU low-latency mode alongside VRR, and confirm the effect with your monitor built-in refresh counter or an overlay that shows the display refresh tracking your frame rate rather than sitting locked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need G-Sync or FreeSync if I enable Windows VRR?
Yes. Driver-level G-Sync or FreeSync handles fullscreen games, while the Windows VRR toggle adds support for windowed and borderless DirectX titles. Enable both for full coverage.
Why is tearing still visible after enabling VRR?
Usually the monitor adaptive sync is off in its menu, the cable or port does not carry it, or your frame rate exceeds the VRR range. Cap frames just under your max refresh and verify each layer.
Should I still use VSync with VRR enabled?
Generally no in-game VSync, but enabling VSync at the driver level while inside a frame cap below your max refresh can act as a safety net against tearing at the top of the range. Cap frames just under your maximum refresh for the cleanest result.
Bottom line
Variable refresh rate gives you tear-free gaming without VSync latency. Enable adaptive sync in the monitor menu, turn on G-Sync or FreeSync in your GPU control panel, and flip the Windows 11 VRR and windowed-optimization toggles for borderless titles. Cap your frame rate just under your maximum refresh, and you get smooth, tear-free frames across fullscreen and windowed games alike.
