Question:

How can I fix the issue of FreeSync causing desktop freezing and toolbar changes on Windows 11?

I have a problem with FreeSync on my Acer 31.5″ ED320QRPbiipx monitor connected to my Nvidia RTX 3080 ti via displayport cable. When I enable FreeSync, I cannot interact with any applications or folders on the desktop, even though they seem to be running in the background. Also, the toolbar icons for sound and internet disappear, and the toolbar looks different from normal. When I disable FreeSync, everything goes back to normal. I am using Windows 11 Build 22631. How can I solve this issue?

Answer:

How to Fix FreeSync Issue on Windows 11

FreeSync is a technology that allows your monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the frame rate of your graphics card, resulting in smoother and more responsive gameplay. However, some users have reported that enabling FreeSync on Windows 11 causes their desktop to freeze and their toolbar to change. This article will explain why this issue occurs and how to fix it.

The reason why FreeSync causes desktop freezing and toolbar changes on Windows 11 is likely due to a compatibility issue between your monitor, your graphics card, and the operating system. FreeSync is developed by AMD, and it works best with AMD graphics cards and monitors that support FreeSync. However, some Nvidia graphics cards and monitors can also use FreeSync, as long as they are certified as G-Sync Compatible by Nvidia. G-Sync is Nvidia’s equivalent of FreeSync, and it requires a special hardware module in the monitor to work. G-Sync Compatible monitors do not have this module, but they can still use FreeSync with some limitations.

Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft, and it has some new features and requirements that may affect the performance and compatibility of FreeSync. For example, Windows 11 requires a TPM 2.0 chip and a UEFI Secure Boot for security reasons, which may interfere with the communication between your monitor and your graphics card. Windows 11 also has a new user interface and a new display driver model, which may cause some glitches and bugs with FreeSync.

How to fix FreeSync issue on Windows 11?

There are several possible solutions to fix the FreeSync issue on Windows 11. You can try the following methods one by one until you find the one that works for you.

Method 1: Check if your monitor is FreeSync compatible

The first thing you should do is to check if your monitor is FreeSync compatible. You can do this by visiting the [official website] of AMD and searching for your monitor model. If your monitor is listed as FreeSync compatible, then you can proceed to the next method. If your monitor is not listed, then you may need to buy a new monitor that supports FreeSync or G-Sync Compatible.

Method 2: Try different ports

The next thing you should do is to try different ports on your monitor and your graphics card. Sometimes, the port you are using may be faulty or incompatible with FreeSync. You should use a DisplayPort 1.2 or higher cable to connect your monitor and your graphics card, as HDMI may not support FreeSync properly. You should also make sure that the cable is not damaged or loose.

Method 3: Update graphics drivers

Another possible solution is to update your graphics drivers to the latest version. Graphics drivers are software that control how your graphics card interacts with your monitor and your operating system. Updating your graphics drivers can fix some compatibility and performance issues with FreeSync. You can update your graphics drivers by following these steps:

• If you have an AMD graphics card, you can use the [AMD Radeon Software] to update your drivers. You can download and install the software from the [official website] of AMD. Then, you can open the software and click on Gaming > Games. Then, click on Global Display and enable FreeSync.
• If you have an Nvidia graphics card, you can use the [Nvidia Control Panel] to update your drivers. You can download and install the software from the [official website] of Nvidia. Then, you can open the software and click on Display > Set up G-SYNC. Then, check the box that says Enable G-SYNC, G-SYNC Compatible and choose whether you want to enable it for full screen mode or windowed and full screen mode.

Method 4: Disable fullscreen optimizations

Another possible solution is to disable fullscreen optimizations for the applications that you want to use with FreeSync. Fullscreen optimizations are a feature of Windows 10 and Windows 11 that aim to improve the performance and compatibility of games and apps that run in fullscreen mode. However, fullscreen optimizations may also cause some issues with FreeSync, such as desktop freezing and toolbar changes. You can disable fullscreen optimizations by following these steps:

• Right-click on the shortcut or the executable file of the application that you want to use with FreeSync and select Properties.
• Click on the Compatibility tab and check the box that says Disable fullscreen optimizations.
• Click on Apply and OK to save the changes.

Method 5: Set the default GPU

The last possible solution is to set the default GPU for the applications that you want to use with FreeSync. This is especially useful if you have a laptop or a desktop with multiple graphics cards, such as an integrated GPU and a discrete GPU. Sometimes, Windows 11 may not use the correct GPU for the application that you want to use with FreeSync, resulting in poor performance and compatibility. You can set the default GPU by following these steps:

• Open the Settings app and click on Display.
• Then, click on Graphics and select the application that you want to use with FreeSync or use high graphic resources and click on Options.
• You will see the Graphics preference window. Select the performance mode which is backed by your AMD or Nvidia graphics card and click on Save.

Conclusion

FreeSync

is a great technology that can enhance your gaming experience by eliminating screen tearing, stuttering, and input lag. However, FreeSync may also cause some issues on Windows 11, such as desktop freezing and toolbar changes. You can fix these issues by following the methods mentioned in this article, such as checking your monitor compatibility, trying different ports, updating your graphics drivers, disabling fullscreen optimizations, and setting the default GPU. We hope this article was helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below..