Windows 11 has no universal VSync switch. To disable vertical synchronization, turn it off in the game first. If necessary, also change the setting in your NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel graphics software. Windows display settings such as refresh rate, Dynamic Refresh Rate, VRR, and windowed-game optimizations are related to display behavior, but they do not directly disable VSync.
1. Turn off VSync in the game
Open the game’s graphics, video, or display settings and look for one of these names:
- V-Sync
- VSync
- Vertical Sync
- Vertical Synchronization
Set the option to Off or Disabled, then apply the change. The menu location and label vary by game; Windows does not impose a standard VSync setting.
For DirectX games, synchronization is part of how the application presents frames. For example, a DirectX application can present without vertical-blank synchronization when its swap-chain Present call uses a SyncInterval of 0. See Microsoft’s IDXGISwapChain::Present documentation.
#1 Best Overall
- Top Technology--8K@60HZ: This 8K Ultra-High Speed 2.1 HDMI Cable uses the most cutting-edge technology, which is compatible with 8K@60HZ,4K@240HZ and 4K@120HZ clearly displays every particle, and accurately processes every signal source.
- Upgrade Revolution: Highwings Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable 2.1 8K supports 48Gbps (6GB/s) which can will no longer be stuck or dropped frames when watching video. It is also backward compatible with HDMI 2.0b/2.0a/1.4/1.3/1.2/1.1 versions.
- For Game Enthusiasts: This 8K Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable 2.1 can achieve a super smooth picture of 4K@120HZ. Its latest game mode supports variable refresh rate, maximizes the value of the graphics card and CPU to obtain a smoother and more detailed picture.
- Reinforced high-quality materials: This 8K HDMI Cord uses Highwings' most popular classic style. The tail's anti-bending design has been upgraded to make it more durable. The military grade tensile nylon material also greatly extends its life.
- The ultimate perfectionist: Highwings every parts of the cable has been put through rigorous the performance tests in the laboratory. After we've combined every flawless part into a perfect 8K cable and it can be presented to you.
2. NVIDIA graphics cards
Disable VSync globally
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
- Open Manage 3D settings under 3D Settings.
- Stay on the Global Settings tab.
- Find Vertical sync in the settings list.
- Choose Off, then select Apply.
NVIDIA’s Off option disables the driver’s VSync behavior for applications using a display connected to the NVIDIA GPU. This is a global change, so a per-game profile may still override it. Refer to NVIDIA’s Manage 3D Settings guide.
Disable VSync for one game
- Open NVIDIA Control Panel and select Manage 3D settings.
- Open the Program Settings tab.
- Select the game from the program list. If it is missing, choose Add and select the game’s executable.
- Set Vertical sync to Off.
- Select Apply.
Use the per-game method when you want VSync disabled in one title without changing other games.
NVIDIA laptop warning
On a hybrid-graphics laptop, the internal screen may be physically connected to the integrated GPU rather than the NVIDIA GPU. In that case, changing NVIDIA’s profile may not affect the laptop panel or the game. Turn VSync off inside the game, test an external monitor separately, and check the application’s GPU assignment at Settings > System > Display > Graphics. That Windows page controls GPU preference and windowed-game features; it is not a Windows-wide VSync control.
Rank #2
- Certified HDMI Cable: The package has an official HDMI certification label. HDMI Officially Certified Fully compliant with the HDMI Forum’s strict requirements as specified in HDMI
- It supports the latest features: 0.01ms, low EMI, SBTM, 48Gbps Bandwidth, ALLM, VRR, QMS, QFT, Dynamic HDR, HDR10+, CEC, HDCP 2.2 & 2.3, VESA DSC 1.2a
- Resolution & Deep Color: 10k@60Hz 12-bit, 8K@60Hz 4:4:4 12-bit, 5k@144Hz 120Hz 90Hz 4:4:4 12-bit, 4K@240Hz 120Hz 144Hz 12-bit, 2k@360H 240Hz 165Hz,1080p@360Hz, 720p, 480p
- Digital Audio Video Format Support: The latest high-bitrate audio formats are supported including eARC, ARC, DTS Master, DTS:X, Dol-by TrueHD, Dol-by Vision, Dol-by Atmos and more
- Wide Compatibility: Gaming PC, FreeSync, G-SYNC, All GeForce RTX 40&30 series, Soundbar, PS5 PS4 PS3, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, All Apple TV+, All OLED TV, All Mac-book, laptop, Projector, Monitor, Netflix, Fi-re TV, Ro-ku TV, SHIELD TV
3. AMD Radeon graphics cards
Disable VSync globally in AMD Software
- Open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition from the Start menu.
- Search for Display and open Display Settings.
- Under Global Graphics, select Advanced if needed.
- Find Wait for Vertical Refresh.
- Choose Always Off.
AMD uses Wait for Vertical Refresh for the driver’s VSync-related setting. The available controls can vary by hardware and installation, so the option may not appear on every system. AMD’s instructions are available in its Adrenalin graphics-settings guide.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Disable VSync for one AMD game
- Open AMD Software and search for Game.
- Select Gaming, then open the game’s profile.
- Select Advanced.
- Set Wait for Vertical Refresh to Always Off.
If the game is not listed, open Gaming, select the vertical-ellipsis menu (⋮), choose Add A Game, then use Scan for Games or browse to the game executable.
AMD’s DirectX and Vulkan limitation
AMD documents Wait for Vertical Refresh as controlling OpenGL 3D applications. In DirectX and Vulkan games, VSync is generally controlled by the game itself. Therefore, setting AMD’s global option to Always Off may not override a DirectX or Vulkan game that forces synchronization internally. Disable the game’s own VSync option as well.
Rank #3
- CTS Version: 2.1/2.1a/2.0b/2.0a/2.0/1.4/1.3/1.2/1.1. CTS 2.1 is the most recent update of the HDMI specification.
- Resolution & Deep Color: 10k@60Hz 12-bit, 8K@60Hz 12-bit,5k@120Hz 90Hz 12-bit, 4K@120Hz 144Hz 12-bit, 2k@240H 165Hz,1080p@240Hz, 720p, 480p.
- It supports the latest features: 1ms, low EMI, SBTM, 48Gbps Bandwidth, ALLM, VRR, QMS, QFT, Dynamic HDR, HDR10, CEC, HDCP 2.2 & 2.3, VESA DSC 1.2a.
- Digital Audio Video Format Support: The latest high-bitrate audio formats are supported including eARC, ARC, DTS Master, DTS:X, Dol-by TrueHD, Dol-by Vision, Dol-by Atmos and more.
- Wide Compatibility: Gaming PC, FreeSync, G-SYNC, All GeForce RTX 30 series, Soundbar, PS5 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, All Apple TV+, All OLED TV, 2021 Macbook Pro, laptop, Projector, Monitor, Fire TV, Roku TV, SHIELD TV.
If global Always Off causes browser or video-playback stuttering, return to a per-game profile or use Off, Unless Application Specifies. AMD documented playback and driver-timeout issues associated with global Vertical Refresh settings on some Radeon RX 6000-series systems in its 22.10.2 release notes.
4. Intel graphics
Intel Graphics Command Center
- Open Intel Graphics Command Center.
- On Home, select the game or application under My Games.
- Select Custom.
- Find Vertical Sync.
- Choose Always Off.
Intel provides three choices: Always On, Always Off, and Application Controlled. Intel says these profile settings apply to full-screen games or applications. If the game is not shown under My Games, add it before creating the custom profile. See Intel’s VSync instructions.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallIntel’s older Graphics Control Panel does not provide a driver-level VSync switch for DirectX games. Use the game’s own graphics settings for those titles.
Rank #4
- 【HDMI 2.1 Certification】Only 1% of HDMI cables on the market have passed HDMI 2.1 certification. Scan with the QR code Scanner app for verification
- 【120Hz/144Hz Gaming Excellence】Elevate your gaming experience with smooth 4K@120Hz gameplay for PS5 and Xbox, and ultra-responsive 4K@144Hz for PC. Whether you’re pushing your console or PC to the limit, enjoy unparalleled performance across all platforms(Requires game to support 4K@120Hz)
- 【Exclusive "E-Braid" Technology】Experience unprecedented durability with our unique double-layer fishnet winding and nylon braiding techniques. Copper cores and ferrite magnetic beads ensure uninterrupted signals, eliminating black screens and flickering
- 【HDMI 2.1-48Gbps Bandwidth】Unleash the full potential of your devices with lightning-fast data transfer rates, ensuring seamless connectivity for all your high-definition needs
- 【Next-Level Resolution Support】Dive into the future with support for mind-blowing resolutions, including 10K 8K@60Hz, 12-bit; 5K@120Hz/90Hz, 12-bit; 4K@144Hz/120Hz, 12-bit; and 2K@240Hz/165Hz
Windows 11 settings that do not turn off VSync
Refresh rate
To change the monitor’s refresh rate, open Start > Settings > System > Display > Advanced display, then choose a value under Choose a refresh rate. This changes how frequently the display refreshes; it does not disable a game’s VSync setting. See Microsoft’s refresh-rate guide.
Dynamic Refresh Rate
On supported hardware, Dynamic refresh rate appears at Settings > System > Display > Advanced display. DRR changes the display refresh rate according to activity; it is not VSync. Microsoft says DRR requires a compatible variable-refresh-rate display and a refresh rate of at least 120 Hz. If DRR limits a game’s maximum refresh rate, disabling DRR can help, but it still does not directly disable VSync.
Variable refresh rate and G-SYNC/FreeSync
Windows VRR, NVIDIA G-SYNC, and AMD FreeSync are not the same as ordinary VSync. VRR changes the display’s timing to match frame delivery, while VSync synchronizes presentation to vertical blanking. Microsoft describes VRR support as requiring tearing to be enabled—also called VSync-off support—at the presentation/API level. Whether a game uses either behavior still depends on its graphics and driver configuration.
Best Value
- 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable: This HDMI cable supports 8K@60Hz and 4K@240Hz/120Hz/144Hz, with backward compatibility for 4K@60Hz, 2K and 1080p; delivers sharp, detailed visuals for TVs, monitors and projectors
- 48Gbps Ultra High Speed: This HDMI to HDMI cable delivers up to 48Gbps bandwidth for stable video and audio transmission; backward compatible with HDMI 2.0, 1.4, 1.3 and 1.2 devices
- Built for Gaming: This eARC HDMI cable supports 4K@240Hz and 8K@60Hz for PS5, Xbox Series X, gaming monitors and TVs; VRR helps reduce screen tearing on compatible devices for smoother gameplay
- eARC and Immersive Audio: Supports eARC/ARC, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos on compatible devices, This 8K HDMI cord is ideal for soundbars, home theaters, streaming devices and high-resolution displays
- Durable Braided Design: High-purity copper core, aluminum alloy shell and braided jacket help resist EMI, bending and daily wear; available for 3ft, 6ft and 10ft setups
Optimizations for windowed games
Settings > System > Display > Graphics > Optimizations for windowed games applies to compatible DirectX 10 and DirectX 11 games in windowed or borderless-windowed modes. It can enable features such as Auto HDR and VRR, but it is not a VSync toggle.
Why VSync may still appear to be enabled
- The game overrides the driver: DirectX and Vulkan titles commonly control VSync through their own presentation settings.
- A per-game profile takes priority: NVIDIA and AMD application profiles can override global settings.
- You configured the wrong GPU: Hybrid laptops may route the internal display through integrated graphics.
- A separate frame cap is active: An in-game limiter, launcher, engine setting, or NVIDIA Max Frame Rate cap can restrict FPS even with VSync off.
- Windowed mode behaves differently: Intel specifically describes its VSync profile controls for full-screen applications, so borderless and windowed results can differ.
- AMD Enhanced Sync is enabled: Enhanced Sync is a separate synchronization mode. Disable it separately if you want to allow unrestricted tearing; see AMD’s Enhanced Sync documentation.
What to do if you want higher FPS
- Set the game’s VSync option to Off.
- Remove or raise any separate FPS limiter.
- Set the monitor to its intended refresh rate in Advanced display.
- Check the correct GPU profile if the system has hybrid graphics.
- Test in exclusive full-screen mode if borderless mode does not change behavior.
Turning VSync off can allow frame rates above the monitor’s refresh rate, but it can also produce visible screen tearing. If tearing is worse than the input-latency benefit, use the game’s VSync setting or a compatible VRR mode instead.
Bottom line
There is no Windows 11 command or Settings switch that universally disables VSync. Start with the game’s own V-Sync setting, then use the matching NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel profile when appropriate. If the change has no effect, check the game’s graphics API, per-game overrides, GPU routing, display mode, separate FPS limiters, and alternative synchronization features.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
