How to Force Games Into Windowed Mode on Windows 10 & 11

Playing games in windowed mode, rather than full-screen mode, offers several advantages. It allows for multitasking, easier access to applications like chat clients or web browsers, and can improve system performance on certain hardware configurations. If you’re playing a game that defaults to full-screen or won’t allow windowed mode, forcing it into a windowed state can be a useful workaround. Below, we’ll discuss various methods you can use to force games into windowed mode on Windows 10 and 11.

Understanding Windowed Mode vs. Full-Screen Mode

Before diving into the methods to force games into windowed mode, it’s essential to understand the differences between windowed and full-screen modes.

Full-Screen Mode: The game occupies the entire screen, making it more immersive. However, it can be challenging to switch to other applications as the game often takes priority over other running tasks.
Windowed Mode: The game runs in a window that allows you to access other applications easily. It’s particularly helpful for streaming, messaging, or browsing while playing games.

Method 1: In-Game Settings

Most modern games come with options that allow you to change display settings, including toggling between full-screen and windowed modes. Here’s how you can do that:

Launch the Game.
Access the Options Menu: This is typically found in the main menu.
Navigate to Display/Graphics Settings: Look for a section labeled “Display,” “Graphics,” or similar.
Change the Display Mode: There should be dropdown options for Full Screen, Windowed, and Borderless Windowed. Select “Windowed” or “Borderless Windowed” as per your requirement.
Apply Changes: Make sure to save changes before exiting the menu.

Method 2: Keyboard Shortcuts

If changing settings from within the game is not possible or the game refuses to allow windowed mode, you can try using keyboard shortcuts.

Alt + Enter: This common keyboard shortcut can toggle between full-screen and windowed mode for many games. Simply press Alt and Enter simultaneously while the game is running.

Method 3: Editing Game Configuration Files

Some games store configuration settings in a text file that you can edit to force windowed mode.

Locate the Game’s Installation Directory: This can usually be found in the C:Program Files (x86) or C:Program Files path if you are using Steam, Epic Games Store, etc.
Find the Configuration File: Look for files with extensions like .ini, .cfg, or similar. The file may be named after the game or something like "settings".
Open with Notepad or Other Text Editor: Right-click the file and select "Open with" > "Notepad."
Look for Display Settings: Search for lines labeled Windowed, Fullscreen, or DisplayMode.
Modify the Settings: Change the value next to these settings. For example, change Fullscreen=1 to Fullscreen=0 or change Windowed=0 to Windowed=1.
Save Changes: After making the required changes, save the file and close the text editor.

Method 4: Using Compatibility Mode

Windows has a built-in compatibility mode that can sometimes resolve issues with games regarding their display settings.

Locate the Game’s Executable File: Right-click the game’s shortcut or the .exe file in the installation directory.
Select Properties: Click on the “Properties” option.
Navigate to the Compatibility Tab: Here, you can set compatibility modes for older versions of Windows.
Run in Compatibility Mode: Check the box for “Run this program in compatibility mode for” and select an older version of Windows (like Windows 7 or 8). Sometimes, this can force games to behave differently including starting in windowed mode.
Disable Full-Screen Optimizations: Check the option to “Disable fullscreen optimizations.”
Apply Changes: Click “Apply” and then “OK.”

Method 5: Using Third-Party Applications

If the previous methods do not work, there are several third-party applications that can manage how games are displayed.

Borderless Gaming: This program allows you to run any game in a borderless window mode. After downloading and installing, launch the application, start your game, and use Borderless Gaming to enforce windowed mode.
Windowed Borderless Gaming: Similar to Borderless Gaming, this tool allows you to run many games in a borderless window, providing a full-screen experience with easy application switching.
Freesync or G-Sync: If your monitor supports FreeSync (AMD) or G-Sync (NVIDIA), enabling these can help maintain fluid motion while in windowed modes.

Method 6: Steam Launch Options

If you are playing your game through Steam, you can set launch options that may force the game into windowed mode.

Open Steam and go to your Library.
Right-click the Game: Select “Properties.”
In the General Tab, Find Launch Options: You’ll see a text field here.
Enter Windowed Launch Option: Type in -windowed or -window or -w (the specific command can depend on the game).
Close the Properties Window: The next time you launch the game, it should open in windowed mode.

Method 7: Using Resolution Settings

Some players have found success by changing their screen resolution before launching the game.

Right-click on the Desktop: Click “Display settings.”
Adjust the Resolution: Change the resolution to a lower setting temporarily (for example, 1280 x 720).
Launch the Game: Start the game; some games may automatically start in windowed mode when they detect a lower resolution.
Reset the Resolution: After launching, you can revert to your original screen resolution.

Method 8: Graphics Card Control Panel

Graphics card manufacturers provide their own control panels where you can configure how games behave, including display modes.

NVIDIA Control Panel:
1. Right-click on the Desktop and select "NVIDIA Control Panel."
2. Under "Display," look for "Adjust desktop size and position."
3. Select your game from the dropdown and attempt to adjust the settings to see if windowed mode can be forced.
AMD Radeon Settings:
1. Right-click on the Desktop and select "AMD Radeon Settings."
2. Navigate to the Display tab. Here, you can configure certain options that might affect how games display.

Final Thoughts

Forcing games into windowed mode can vastly improve your gaming experience, especially for multitasking or when you are encountering performance issues in full-screen. The methods outlined above provide multiple alternatives ranging from built-in game settings to more advanced configurations using third-party applications.

Always remember to create backups of configuration files before making changes, and ensure that any third-party applications are downloaded from reputable sources. Ideally, games should provide users with the option to toggle between display modes easily, but when they don’t, these techniques can be invaluable. Happy gaming!