How to Enable G-Sync or FreeSync on a Gaming PC

What G-Sync and FreeSync Do

Variable refresh rate (VRR) technology lets a monitor adjust its refresh rate to match the signal your graphics card outputs, instead of refreshing at a fixed rate. This reduces screen tearing, which is the horizontal split you see when the display shows parts of two frames at once. VRR also helps avoid the stutter that can occur when the frame rate changes quickly, such as in scenes with heavy detail.

G-Sync is NVIDIA's VRR implementation. It is a listed feature on GeForce RTX 50 Series graphics cards, and NVIDIA's product pages describe it as a display technology for gaming. FreeSync is AMD's VRR implementation, used on AMD Radeon graphics cards. Both aim to deliver the same core benefit: a clearer image and a more consistent feel during gameplay.

The key difference is compatibility. G-Sync requires an NVIDIA GPU and a G-Sync or G-Sync Compatible monitor. FreeSync requires an AMD GPU and a FreeSync monitor. Some monitors carry both labels, which gives you flexibility if you switch graphics cards later.

For a deeper comparison, see the article on G-Sync vs. FreeSync vs. VRR.

Check That Your Monitor and GPU Support VRR

Before you change any settings, verify that both your monitor and your graphics card support the technology you want to enable. G-Sync works with NVIDIA GPUs, while FreeSync works with AMD GPUs. Some monitors are labeled G-Sync Compatible, which means they work with NVIDIA GPUs even if they originally supported only FreeSync.

Look for VRR support in your monitor's specifications. The manufacturer's product page will usually state whether the monitor is G-Sync Compatible, FreeSync, or both. On the GPU side, check the box or the NVIDIA or AMD website for your card model. The NVIDIA compare page lists G-SYNC as a supported technology across GeForce RTX 50 Series cards, so most recent NVIDIA cards include it.

If you are buying a prebuilt gaming PC, the product listing often mentions the GPU model and whether the included monitor supports VRR. See the gaming monitor connectivity guide for port details, and the variable refresh rate explanation for more on how VRR works.

Use the Correct Cable and Port

The cable and port carrying the video signal matter for VRR. DisplayPort is the recommended connection for G-Sync and FreeSync on most monitors, as it carries the bandwidth needed for variable refresh rate. Some monitors also support VRR over HDMI, depending on the HDMI version. For example, HDMI 2.1 can support VRR on many displays, but the support varies by manufacturer.

Connect your monitor to the graphics card using a DisplayPort cable, and plug it into a port on the back of the GPU, not the motherboard. The motherboard's video ports are for integrated graphics, and they will not deliver the same signal when a discrete GPU is installed. After connecting, check the monitor's on-screen menu to make sure the correct input is selected.

If your monitor is older and lacks DisplayPort, HDMI may work, but you should confirm that the monitor's HDMI port supports VRR. Many monitors with HDMI 2.0 do not support VRR, so DisplayPort remains the safer choice.

Turn On Variable Refresh Rate in Windows

In Windows, the setting that enables VRR is part of the display settings. Open Settings, go to System, then Display, and select Advanced display. Look for the option to turn on variable refresh rate and set it to On. Also set the refresh rate to the highest value your monitor supports. This is important because VRR works within the monitor's refresh rate range, and setting it to the maximum gives you the widest window.

Windows 11 also includes optimizations for windowed games, which can help when you run games in a window or borderless mode. These optimizations are separate from VRR, but they work alongside it to keep the display output consistent. They also reduce latency for games that are not in exclusive full screen.

If the variable refresh rate setting is missing or grayed out, the display or GPU may not support VRR, or the cable may not be connected correctly. See the how to set monitor refresh rate guide for the refresh rate steps.

Enable G-Sync in the NVIDIA Control Panel

For an NVIDIA GPU, open the NVIDIA Control Panel. Go to Display, then Set up G-SYNC. Select the monitor you want to use, check the box to enable G-SYNC, and choose whether to enable it for full screen or windowed mode. You can also manage this through the NVIDIA App, which is the current hub for GeForce drivers and settings.

If the G-SYNC option is missing, confirm that your monitor supports G-Sync, that you are using DisplayPort, and that your graphics drivers are up to date. NVIDIA lists G-SYNC as a supported feature on GeForce RTX 50 Series cards, so it should appear on those GPUs. On older cards, check the NVIDIA website for G-SYNC support.

After enabling, you can verify the setting by opening a game that shows its frame rate. The monitor's refresh rate should change to match the frame rate, which you can confirm by checking the monitor's OSD or by moving a window quickly across the screen to see if tearing is gone. See the NVIDIA Control Panel configuration guide for other display settings.

Enable FreeSync in AMD Radeon Software

On an AMD GPU, open AMD Radeon Software and go to the Display tab. Look for the FreeSync setting and toggle it to On. The exact location can vary between software versions, but it is usually under Display or Gaming settings. Some versions use the term AMD FreeSync Premium or FreeSync Premium Pro, but the toggle is the same.

Like G-Sync, FreeSync requires a compatible monitor and a cable that supports the feature. If FreeSync does not appear, check the monitor's on-screen menu, verify the cable connection, and update your graphics drivers. FreeSync is also supported over DisplayPort, and some monitors allow it over HDMI depending on the version.

Refer to the AMD Radeon Software configuration guide for more detail.

Troubleshoot When VRR Does Not Work

If you have enabled the setting and still see screen tearing, check the monitor's on-screen menu for a VRR or adaptive sync toggle. Some monitors have this setting disabled by default, so you need to turn it on in the monitor's OSD. The OSD may label it as G-Sync, FreeSync, or Adaptive Sync.

Update your graphics drivers from the NVIDIA or AMD website, and make sure you are using a cable that meets the bandwidth requirements. A poor connection can disable VRR, so try a different cable or port. For example, a long or low-quality DisplayPort cable may not carry the signal reliably.

Also confirm that your game is running in a mode that allows VRR. Some games ignore the refresh rate setting in windowed mode unless you turn on the Windows optimizations for windowed games. If you are using exclusive full screen, VRR typically works, but some games have a built-in frame rate cap that can interfere. Check the game's display settings for a vertical sync option and set it to Off or to the VRR mode.

See the variable refresh rate article and the G-Sync vs. FreeSync for NVIDIA GPUs for additional tips.

What to pick for your play

Questions

Do I need a special monitor for G-Sync or FreeSync?

Yes. The monitor must support the technology, either as a G-Sync display, a G-Sync Compatible display, or a FreeSync display. Check the specifications before buying.

Can I enable G-Sync on a FreeSync monitor?

Some FreeSync monitors are also G-Sync Compatible and work with NVIDIA GPUs. Look for the G-Sync Compatible label in the monitor's specs.

Should I use DisplayPort or HDMI for VRR?

DisplayPort is the recommended connection for G-Sync and FreeSync on most monitors. HDMI can work on newer versions, but DisplayPort gives the most reliable VRR support.

Why is the VRR option grayed out in Windows?

The option may be grayed out if the display and GPU do not both support VRR, if the cable does not support the bandwidth, or if the monitor's OSD has VRR disabled. Check those first.

Do G-Sync and FreeSync work with all games?

They work with most full-screen games. For windowed or borderless games, enable the Windows optimizations for windowed games, and check the game's display settings.