Screen tearing can ruin an otherwise smooth gaming or viewing experience. Because once you notice it, you can’t unsee it. If you’ve ever spotted jagged horizontal lines or mismatched frames on your display, you’re not alone.
This guide focuses on how to fix screen tearing across different setups, whether you’re gaming, watching videos, or using high-refresh-rate monitors. We’ll break down practical solutions for AMD and NVIDIA GPUs, explain how to fix screen tearing without VSync, and even cover Fortnite-specific fixes—all in plain, easy-to-follow language.
What Is Screen Tearing and Why Does It Happen?
Screen tearing happens when your monitor displays parts of multiple frames at the same time. This usually occurs because the GPU and monitor aren’t synced.
Common causes include:
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GPU frame rate exceeding monitor refresh rate
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Disabled or misconfigured sync settings
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Outdated graphics drivers
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Incompatible display or cable settings
Because modern games push high frame rates, screen tearing has become more noticeable—especially on fast monitors.
How to Fix Screen Tearing on a Monitor
Before tweaking game settings, start with your monitor itself. Many screen tearing issues originate here.
1. Check Your Monitor’s Refresh Rate
Make sure your monitor is running at its maximum supported refresh rate.
On Windows:
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Go to Display Settings
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Click Advanced Display
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Select the highest refresh rate available
This alone can significantly reduce tearing.
2. Use DisplayPort Instead of HDMI
DisplayPort generally handles higher refresh rates and adaptive sync better than HDMI.
Best practice:
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Use DisplayPort for gaming monitors
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Ensure the cable supports your monitor’s specs
How to Fix Screen Tearing Without VSync
VSync works, but it can introduce input lag. If that’s a dealbreaker, you still have options.
Enable Adaptive Sync (FreeSync or G-Sync)
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AMD users: Enable FreeSync
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NVIDIA users: Enable G-Sync Compatible
These technologies dynamically sync your monitor and GPU without the latency VSync adds.
Limit Frame Rate Manually
Use tools like:
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NVIDIA Control Panel
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AMD Radeon Software
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RivaTuner Statistics Server
Because matching FPS slightly below your monitor’s refresh rate reduces tearing without lag.
How to Fix Screen Tearing in Games
Sometimes the issue is game-specific rather than system-wide.
Recommended In-Game Settings
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Set display mode to Fullscreen (Exclusive)
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Disable in-game VSync if using FreeSync or G-Sync
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Match resolution to native monitor resolution
Because borderless windowed mode often causes tearing, exclusive fullscreen is usually safer.
How to Fix Screen Tearing on AMD GPUs
AMD users have powerful built-in tools that often go unused.
Steps in AMD Radeon Software
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Open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition
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Enable FreeSync
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Turn on Enhanced Sync
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Set Frame Rate Target Control
Enhanced Sync is especially useful if you want smoother visuals without heavy input lag.
How to Fix Screen Tearing on NVIDIA GPUs
NVIDIA offers precise control through its driver panel.
NVIDIA Control Panel Settings
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Enable G-Sync (or G-Sync Compatible)
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Set Vertical Sync to On (Control Panel only)
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Enable Low Latency Mode
This combination balances smooth visuals and responsive gameplay.
How to Fix Screen Tearing in Fortnite
Fortnite players often experience tearing due to fluctuating FPS.
Best Fortnite Settings
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Enable Performance Mode (if on lower-end PCs)
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Cap FPS slightly below monitor refresh rate
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Use Fullscreen mode
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Disable in-game VSync if using adaptive sync
Because Fortnite updates frequently, keeping GPU drivers updated is critical.
Additional Tips That Actually Help
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Update GPU drivers regularly
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Keep Windows display scaling at 100%
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Avoid running background overlays
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Match game FPS to monitor refresh rate
Small changes add up more than people realize.
FAQs
Can screen tearing damage my monitor?
No. Screen tearing is a visual sync issue and does not physically harm your display.
Is VSync bad for gaming?
Not always. It prevents tearing but may add input lag, which competitive players dislike.
Does higher refresh rate reduce screen tearing?
Yes. Higher refresh rates make tearing less noticeable and improve overall smoothness.
Why does screen tearing happen even with VSync on?
This can happen due to driver conflicts, incorrect fullscreen modes, or unstable frame pacing.
Is FreeSync better than VSync?
For most users, yes. FreeSync reduces tearing with minimal input lag.
Conclusion
Screen tearing is frustrating, but it’s also fixable. Because the solution depends on your setup, the best results usually come from combining the right monitor settings, GPU controls, and in-game tweaks.
Whether you’re trying to learn how to fix screen tearing on a monitor, optimize AMD or NVIDIA settings, or fine-tune Fortnite gameplay, the steps above will help you get smoother visuals fast.
