Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) is a display technology that reduces screen tearing and stuttering by allowing your monitor to dynamically match its refresh rate with the frame rate output of your graphics card. This is especially useful for smoother gameplay in DirectX 11 full-screen games, but it's not enabled by default on most devices and is supported on even fewer. So, follow along as we show you how to enable VRR on Windows 11.

Takeaways:

  1. What's the difference between VRR, G-Sync vs and FreeSync
  2. How do you enable VRR on Windows 11
  3. What's better Windows VRR G-Sync or FreeSync

VRR vs. G-Sync vs. FreeSync

All these terms are kind of confusing, so here's a quick look at the differences between all of them. Though it's primarily just in the name.

Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) is a general display technology that allows a monitor to adjust its refresh rate in real-time to match the GPU’s frame output. This helps eliminate screen tearing and stuttering during gameplay.

G-Sync is Nvidia’s implementation of VRR. It requires a compatible Nvidia GPU and a G-Sync-certified monitor. G-Sync offers strict quality control and features like variable overdrive and low framerate compensation, but it's usually limited to DisplayPort and comes at a higher cost.

FreeSync is AMD’s VRR solution, based on the open VESA Adaptive-Sync standard. It’s more widely supported across monitors and GPUs (including some Nvidia cards) and typically more affordable, though feature quality can vary between models.

While G-Sync and FreeSync are brand-specific, Windows 11’s VRR setting adds an OS-level fallback for games that don’t automatically use either technology, especially DirectX 11 titles in full-screen mode.

System Requirements

Before trying to enable VRR, make sure you read the following.

  • Your monitor supports VRR (G-Sync, FreeSync, or Adaptive-Sync).
  • Your graphics card is VRR-compatible.
  • The appropriate technology (G-Sync or FreeSync) is enabled in the GPU control panel.
  • You are using Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 2.6 or later.

How to Enable Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) on Windows 11

  • Open Settings.
  • Navigate to System > Display > Graphics > Advanced graphics settings.
  • Turn on the Variable refresh rate toggle.

Optional:

  • Under Display > Advanced display, you can check if VRR is supported by your monitor in the “Display information” section.

How to Enable Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) on Windows 11

If the VRR toggle is missing, your hardware may not support the feature or it may be disabled in your GPU’s control panel.

Enable VRR with G-Sync (NVIDIA)

If you’re using an Nvidia graphics card, VRR may need to be enabled through G-Sync:

  • Open the Nvidia Control Panel.
  • Go to Display > Set up G-Sync.
  • Select your monitor and check Enable G-Sync, G-Sync Compatible.
  • Apply the changes.

After enabling G-Sync, Windows should recognise VRR support and display the option in Settings.

Compatibility of VRR on Windows 11?

  • VRR on Windows complements technologies like G-Sync and FreeSync. It can improve performance in games that do not natively support VRR.
  • This setting does not replace driver-level VRR but extends compatibility in specific cases.
  • VRR is different from Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR), which adjusts refresh rates based on-screen content to conserve battery on laptops.

If VRR is not available:

  • Update your GPU drivers.
  • Ensure your monitor is connected via DisplayPort or a compatible HDMI port. Check the monitor’s on-screen menu to verify VRR is enabled.