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DirectX 12 Exclusive Full Screen: 7 Ways to Get the Best Out of it
Apply the solutions below to play games in fullscreen without issues
4 min. read
Published onJune 21, 2024
published onJune 21, 2024
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Getting your game to run in true DirectX 12 exclusive full screen mode can be a bit tricky, but it’s well worth the effort. Many gamers have reported issues like input lag and stuttering when games default to borderless fullscreen mode. Let’s see how we can unlock that true exclusive fullscreen experience.
How do I optimize the DirectX 12 Exclusive Full Screen?
1. Disable fullscreen optimizations
Disabling fullscreen optimizations forces the game to run in a more traditional exclusive fullscreen mode, similar to the one from DirectX 11. This can help reduce input lag and stuttering that might be occurring due to borderless fullscreen in DirectX 12.
2. Kill Windows Explorer Process
To restore the Windows Explorer process:
This method forces the game into true exclusive fullscreen by removing the Windows Explorer interface, which can prevent overlays from appearing. This will reduce the input lag and other issues related to borderless fullscreen.
3. Use the DirectX 11 mode
Switching to DirectX 11 can resolve issues with exclusive fullscreen since DirectX 11 supports it natively, ensuring lower input lag and potential improvements in frame pacing.
4. Utilize game-specific commands
For some games, you can use launch commands to force exclusive fullscreen mode.
Using launch options can help ensure the game starts in exclusive fullscreen mode, bypassing default settings that might force borderless fullscreen.
5. Update the graphics drivers
Updating your graphics drivers ensures compatibility with the latest DirectX features and can help mitigate performance issues when running games in fullscreen mode.
6. Use the Registry Editor (for advanced users)
Editing the registry can enforce system-wide fullscreen optimization settings, helping to achieve true exclusive fullscreen mode even for DirectX 12 titles.
7. Use the Game Bar settings
Disabling the Xbox Game Bar prevents unnecessary overlays and can help reduce input lag and performance issues in fullscreen games.
Implementing any of these solutions can help achieve a more immersive and responsive gaming experience by enforcing true exclusive fullscreen mode, even in DirectX 12 games that default to borderless fullscreen.
Some users reported thatDirectX 12 is not using the GPU. If you’re facing the same problem, the highlighted link will help you fix that.
Remember to keep your system and drivers updated, and always check for game-specific tweaks that might help you get the best performance. Happy gaming!
More about the topics:DirectX,gaming
Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, Claudiu is focused on whatever comes new from Microsoft.
His abrupt interest in computers started when he saw the first Home Computer as a kid. However, his passion for Windows and everything related became obvious when he became a sys admin in a computer science high school.
With 14 years of experience in writing about everything there is to know about science and technology, Claudiu also likes rock music, chilling in the garden, and Star Wars. May the force be with you, always!
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Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, with 14 years of experience in writing on everything there is to know about science, technology, and Microsoft
