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How to Force a Fullscreen Game to Play in Windowed Mode

Use the game’s Display or Graphics menu first. Alt+Enter and Steam launch flags work only when supported by the specific game.
WorldWindowed Mode Length2 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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Start in the game’s own Display or Graphics settings and change its display mode to Windowed. If that option is unavailable or the game is stuck in fullscreen, try Alt+Enter only if the title supports it. For Steam games, use a launch option only when official instructions confirm the specific flag for that game.

1. Change the display mode in the game

Open the game’s Settings or Options and look under Display or Graphics for a control named Display Mode or Screen Type. Select Windowed. Labels and menu paths vary by title.

For example, in the PC version of Red Dead Redemption, Rockstar’s documented path is Escape > Options > Graphics > Screen Type, where you can choose Windowed or Fullscreen. (Rockstar Support; last updated November 1, 2024.)

2. Try Alt+Enter if the game supports it

With the game active, press Alt+Enter. Bethesda documents this as a Windows shortcut for switching display modes, provided no text field or in-game menu is selected. It is not universal: Rockstar says the shortcut is disabled in Red Dead Redemption on PC. If nothing happens, check the game’s own support instructions rather than assuming the shortcut is broken. (Bethesda Support; Rockstar Support.)

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3. Use a documented Steam launch option only

A launch option can override a game’s internal video settings, but the flag must match the title. Steam lists -windowed and -sw for GoldSrc and Source engine games and cautions that its listed options do not apply to most third-party games. Do not assume either flag works in every Steam game. (Steam Support: Setting Game Launch Options.)

  1. In Steam, open Library and right-click the game.
  2. Choose Properties, then General.
  3. In Launch Options, enter only a flag that the game’s developer or platform documentation confirms for that title.

Garry’s Mod example

Facepunch’s instructions for Garry’s Mod startup problems specify -sw. Add it in the game’s Steam Properties > General > Launch Options field to start the game in a window. Remove -sw from that field to undo the override and return to the game’s normal mode selection. This instruction applies to Garry’s Mod, not unrelated games. (Facepunch Studios Support; updated October 12, 2022.)

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If the game still opens fullscreen

  • Look for another display control in the game’s Display or Graphics settings, such as Screen Type or Display Mode.
  • Check the game’s official support page for its supported display-mode setting or title-specific launch arguments.
  • Remove a launch argument you added if it causes problems; for Garry’s Mod, Facepunch specifically says removing -sw restores normal mode selection.

Avoid trying random flags or editing configuration files without instructions for that game. The official guidance cited here does not establish a universal flag or configuration-file location. These examples cover Windows PC games and Steam launch options; they do not establish one method for every game, launcher, operating system, or engine.

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