Why Choose Windowed Mode?
Playing in fullscreen can cause several issues, like a complete black screen when switching to another application. Additionally, fullscreen mode can lead to screen tearing and input lag, especially if you have multiple monitors. Windowed mode can help solve these problems by allowing quicker alt-tab switching and reducing the risk of display issues. For multitaskers, windowed mode is a game-changer. It enables you to easily switch between the game and other applications like browsers, chat programs, or productivity tools. This comes in handy when you need to look up a guide, chat with a friend, or monitor other software while gaming.
How to Enable Windowed Mode Without Launching the Game?
If your game is not launching in fullscreen mode at all and you want to test if it will launch or at least be playable in windowed mode, then there are two options you have.
Option 1. Use Steam Launch Options
If your game doesn’t support windowed mode directly through its in-game settings, you can use Steam’s launch options to force it into windowed mode. Note: This method may not work for all games and is mostly supported by games using Source or Goldsrc Engines.
Option 2. Use Configuration Files (Advanced Users)
For games not built on the Source or Goldsrc Engines, it is often possible to launch them in windowed mode by directly modifying their configuration files. This method is particularly useful for games developed on platforms like Unreal Engine, where specific settings control the display modes in detail. These settings typically control the fullscreen mode in a more detailed manner. Here’s what these values usually represent:
FullscreenMode=1: Indicates the current display mode. Common values include:0: Windowed mode 1: Fullscreen mode 2: Borderless windowed modeLastConfirmedFullscreenMode=1: Reflects the last successful display mode the game launched in, ensuring stability in the game’s display settings.PreferredFullscreenMode=1: Represents the user’s preferred display mode, which the game will attempt to use when launching.
By modifying these values, you can control how the game launches and ensure it runs in your desired display mode, such as windowed mode.
How to Switch to Windowed Mode After Launching the Game?
Option 1. Press Hotkey for Windowed Mode
Switching your game from fullscreen to windowed mode can be easily done by pressing the Alt and Enter keys simultaneously. That’s it! Just press Alt+Enter to quickly switch any application into windowed mode.
Option 2. Use In-Game Settings
The simplest step is to go to the game’s settings and change the settings so that the game launches in windowed mode.
Option 3. Third-Party Software
Winexp is a software you can use to play any game in windowed mode. It is also useful for players with multiple monitors, making it easier to adjust the game settings.
