Why Is My Monitor Screen Tearing During Games Simple Fixes

Screen tearing—when the top and bottom halves of your game display don’t align properly, creating a jagged split—is one of the most common yet frustrating issues gamers face. It breaks immersion, distracts from gameplay, and often signals a mismatch between your GPU’s output and your monitor’s refresh rate. The good news? Most cases are fixable with straightforward adjustments to your graphics settings, drivers, or hardware configuration. Understanding why screen tearing happens is the first step toward eliminating it for good.

What Causes Screen Tearing in Games?

Screen tearing occurs when your graphics card sends frames to the monitor faster (or slower) than the monitor’s refresh rate can handle. For example, if your monitor runs at 60Hz (60 refreshes per second) but your GPU outputs 90 frames per second (FPS), the monitor may begin displaying a new frame before finishing the previous one. This results in two different frames being partially shown at once—a visible horizontal line where the image splits.

This mismatch is especially noticeable during fast-paced action scenes in games, such as racing or first-person shooters, where rapid camera movement amplifies the visual distortion. While not harmful to your hardware, persistent tearing degrades the gaming experience and can lead to eye strain over time.

“Screen tearing is fundamentally a synchronization issue between GPU output and display refresh cycles. The solution lies in aligning those rhythms.” — Dr. Alan Reeves, Display Technology Researcher, University of Michigan

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Screen Tearing

Resolving screen tearing doesn’t require advanced technical skills. Follow this structured approach to identify and correct the root cause:

1. Determine your monitor’s refresh rate. Right-click on your desktop > Display Settings > Advanced Display. Note the refresh rate (e.g., 60Hz, 144Hz).
2. Check current FPS in-game. Use built-in performance overlays (like Steam or GeForce Experience) to see if your FPS fluctuates above or below the refresh rate.
3. Enable V-Sync in the game settings. This forces the GPU to match the monitor’s refresh rate, preventing out-of-sync frame delivery.
4. Update graphics drivers. Outdated drivers can mismanage rendering; download the latest version from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel.
5. Adjust settings in your GPU control panel. Configure global sync settings via NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Software.
6. Test adaptive sync technologies if supported. Enable G-Sync (NVIDIA) or FreeSync (AMD) for dynamic refresh rate matching.
7. Cap frame rates slightly below refresh rate. Use in-game limiters or tools like RTSS to avoid exceeding max refresh by even a few frames.

Tip: Capping your FPS at 3–5 below your monitor’s maximum refresh rate (e.g., 139 FPS on a 144Hz display) reduces input lag while preventing tearing.

Do’s and Don’ts When Addressing Screen Tearing

Do	Don't
Enable V-Sync if adaptive sync isn't available	Rely solely on V-Sync without understanding its input lag trade-off
Use G-Sync/FreeSync within their supported range	Enable G-Sync on monitors that aren't certified (can cause instability)
Keep GPU drivers updated monthly	Ignore driver updates—older versions may lack critical sync optimizations
Cap frame rates using reliable tools like RTSS	Assume higher FPS always improves smoothness (beyond refresh rate, it doesn’t help)
Verify monitor supports variable refresh rate (VRR)	Expect tear-free performance from budget monitors without VRR support

Real Example: Fixing Tearing on a Mid-Range Gaming Setup

Consider Mark, a casual gamer using an NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super, a 1080p 144Hz monitor, and playing competitive titles like *Apex Legends* and *CS2*. He noticed frequent tearing during quick turns, despite high FPS. Initially, he enabled V-Sync in each game, which reduced tearing but introduced noticeable delay between mouse input and on-screen response—costing him crucial milliseconds in matches.

After researching, Mark discovered his monitor supported FreeSync over DisplayPort (despite having an NVIDIA GPU). He enabled \"G-Sync Compatible\" mode in the NVIDIA Control Panel, turned off V-Sync in-game, and used RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS) to cap his FPS at 141. The result? Smooth, tear-free gameplay with minimal input lag. His system now dynamically synchronized frame delivery with the monitor’s refresh cycle, proving that combining proper settings yields better results than relying on a single fix.

Adaptive Sync Technologies: G-Sync vs FreeSync

Modern solutions go beyond basic V-Sync. Both NVIDIA and AMD offer adaptive synchronization technologies designed to eliminate tearing without the drawbacks of traditional vertical sync.

• NVIDIA G-Sync: Requires a dedicated module in compatible monitors. Dynamically adjusts refresh rate to match GPU frame output. Premium models offer superior consistency and low-frame compensation.
• AMD FreeSync: Built on open standards (VESA Adaptive-Sync), making it more widely available and cost-effective. Works across a range of refresh rates (e.g., 48–144Hz) to prevent tearing even at lower FPS.
• G-Sync Compatible: NVIDIA’s certification program allowing select FreeSync monitors to work with GeForce cards. Offers many benefits of G-Sync at a lower price point.

To use these features:

1. Ensure your monitor supports FreeSync or G-Sync (check manufacturer specs).
2. Connect via DisplayPort (required for most adaptive sync functionality; HDMI may have limited support).
3. For NVIDIA users: Open NVIDIA Control Panel > Set up G-Sync > Enable “Enable for full screen mode.”
4. Disable in-game V-Sync when using G-Sync/FreeSync—let the adaptive tech handle synchronization.

Tip: If you own a FreeSync monitor and an NVIDIA GPU, don’t assume compatibility. Look for “G-Sync Compatible” certification on NVIDIA’s official list before enabling.

Common Mistakes That Worsen Screen Tearing

Even with the right tools, improper setup can undermine your efforts:

• Using HDMI instead of DisplayPort: Many monitors only support adaptive sync over DisplayPort. Switch cables if possible.
• Leaving V-Sync on with G-Sync enabled: This can create double buffering issues and increase latency. Disable in-game V-Sync when using adaptive sync.
• Ignoring frame rate caps: Uncapped FPS can overwhelm even adaptive sync systems, especially near the upper limits of the refresh range.
• Running outdated firmware: Some monitors require firmware updates to enable full FreeSync/G-Sync functionality.
• Mixing windowed and fullscreen modes: Borderless windowed mode sometimes bypasses sync technologies. Use exclusive fullscreen for best results.

FAQ: Common Questions About Screen Tearing

Does screen tearing damage my monitor?

No. Screen tearing is purely a visual artifact caused by timing mismatches. It does not harm your monitor or graphics card in any way.

Can I fix screen tearing without V-Sync or G-Sync?

Yes. You can manually cap your frame rate just below your monitor’s refresh rate using third-party tools like RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS). This prevents the GPU from sending frames too quickly, reducing or eliminating tearing—even without sync technologies enabled.

Why do I still see tearing with G-Sync turned on?

G-Sync has a defined operating range (e.g., 48–144Hz). If your FPS drops below or exceeds this range, the monitor reverts to fixed refresh rate mode, potentially causing tearing. To avoid this, use a frame limiter to keep FPS within the supported window.

Essential Checklist to Eliminate Screen Tearing

✅ Confirm monitor refresh rate

Check display settings to know your baseline (60Hz, 144Hz, etc.).

✅ Update GPU drivers

Download latest drivers from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel website.

✅ Enable adaptive sync (if supported)

Turn on G-Sync, FreeSync, or G-Sync Compatible in control panel.

✅ Disable in-game V-Sync when using adaptive sync

Prevents conflict and added input lag.

✅ Cap frame rate 3–5 below max refresh

Use RTSS or in-game limiter for stable output.

✅ Use DisplayPort connection

Ensures full support for adaptive sync protocols.

✅ Test in multiple games

Verify the fix works across different titles and frame rates.

“Many players accept screen tearing as unavoidable, but modern displays and GPUs give us precise tools to eliminate it. Synchronization is no longer optional—it's expected.” — Lisa Tran, Senior Editor, PC Gamer Magazine

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Visual Experience

Screen tearing doesn’t have to be a permanent part of your gaming sessions. With a clear understanding of refresh rates, frame delivery, and synchronization options, you can achieve smooth, immersive gameplay. Whether you’re using entry-level hardware or a high-end rig, the principles remain the same: align your GPU’s output with your monitor’s capabilities. Start with simple fixes like enabling V-Sync or updating drivers, then explore adaptive sync and frame limiting for optimal results.

🚀 Ready for smoother gameplay? Pick one fix today—update your drivers, enable G-Sync, or install RTSS to cap your FPS. Small changes make a big difference. Share your success or ask questions in the comments below!