In most modern Windows PC games, you'll notice that you have the option to run a game in "exclusive fullscreen" or "borderless windowed." While this may seem like it makes no difference, choosing the right mode for your needs is very important and can sometimes even resolve issues in specific games. 🔍
The Difference Between the Modes
In exclusive fullscreen mode (sometimes simply called "full screen"), all visual and GPU resources are dedicated to the game. Other applications remain in the background and have low priority. 🖥️
On the other hand, in borderless full-screen mode, you're just looking at another window on the desktop, except it takes up the entire screen without the usual window frame. 📏
Switching Between Apps is Easier in Borderless Mode
Since you never really leave the desktop Windows In borderless mode and you're playing in a normal window, switching to other apps on your desktop is quick and easy. If you use the task switcher (with the Alt+Tab shortcut key), your transition to another application should be instant and seamless. ⚡
Trying to switch tasks in exclusive full-screen mode, on the other hand, can be a real challenge. It can take anywhere from seconds to almost a minute on modern computers to get back to the desktop from full-screen mode. You have to move things in and out of memory, reallocate resources, and then you can check your email or look up a game guide. 💼
Some Functions Only Work in Full Screen
NVIDIA
Depending on the game, some graphical features only work properly in dedicated fullscreen mode. In fullscreen mode, a game has control over the screen's resolution and refresh rate, while in borderless mode it may be locked to your desktop settings. Some technologies, such as V-sync, NVIDIA G-sync or similar features may not work or work properly in borderless mode. ⚙️
Modern games and the latest versions of these features tend to be more compatible, and some recent games don't even offer fullscreen mode, but older PC games can be tricky to run in borderless mode. 🕹️
Some Games Work Better in One Mode or the Other
Personally, I've found that one mode or the other solves problems with individual games. So these days, if I'm having trouble with a game does not work properly, I change it between the two modes to see if that makes a difference. It works more often than you think, and even in the same game on different computers, the best mode can be different. 🔄
I have one gaming laptop NVIDIA-based laptop and an AMD-based laptop, and some of my Steam games run better in borderless mode on one and fullscreen on the other. So drivers and GPU brand can play a role here. 🖥️
Full Screen Performance Is Generally Better
While this is less true for newer games using modern game engines, for most games in the vast PC catalog, game performance will be better in fullscreen mode. 🌟
How much better depends on your system, the specifics of your game, and its software environment, but you may notice a few extra frames. Perhaps more importantly, quality-of-life issues like stuttering and tearing may be more noticeable in borderless mode than in fullscreen mode. 🔍
Multi-monitor setups work best with borderless windows
Many people use multiple monitor setups on their gaming PCs, and the second monitor can have apps like your Discord window or game streaming tools. If you want to seamlessly switch from your game to an app on your second monitor, borderless mode is ideal. Plus, many games will automatically pause if their window loses focus, making it easier to address things on your second monitor and return to your gameplay. 🎮💻
There's no right or wrong choice between these modes, but be sure to try both in your games to see which offers the best combination of features, flexibility, and performance. 🔄💪
Many people use multiple monitor setups on their gaming PCs, and the second monitor can have apps like your Discord window or game streaming tools. If you want to seamlessly switch from your game to an app on your second monitor, borderless mode is ideal. Plus, many games will automatically pause if their window loses focus, making it easier to address things on your second monitor and return to your gameplay. 🎮💻
