Updated Aug 19, 2026· 6 min read· Hands-on tested

Key takeaways

  • Enable G-Sync or FreeSync in the GPU driver software.
  • Enable Adaptive-Sync or FreeSync in the monitor’s OSD menu.
  • Set the monitor to its full refresh rate in Windows display settings.

What's inside

  1. Watch: How to Enable G-Sync or FreeSync — Video Review
  2. Confirm Your Monitor and GPU Support It
  3. Use the Right Cable and Port
  4. Enable It in Your GPU Control Panel
  5. Cap Your Frame Rate for the Best Feel
  6. Verify That It Is Actually Working
  7. Tips for a Flawless Variable Refresh Setup
  8. Frequently Asked Questions
  9. Conclusion
  10. Related Articles

Nothing undermines an expensive GPU quite like screen tearing, that ugly horizontal split where the top and bottom of your image show two different frames. Variable refresh rate technology, marketed as NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, fixes this by syncing your monitor’s refresh rate to your GPU’s frame output in real time. The result is buttery-smooth, tear-free motion without the input lag penalty of old-school V-Sync. But it only works if you enable it correctly.

Table of Contents

This guide walks you through turning on G-Sync or FreeSync step by step, confirming it is actually working, and pairing it with a frame rate cap for the best possible experience. Many gamers own a variable-refresh monitor without ever switching the feature on, leaving smoothness on the table, so let us make sure yours is set up right.

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Watch: How to Enable G-Sync or FreeSync — Video Review

Confirm Your Monitor and GPU Support It

Most gaming monitors sold today, from the ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM5A to the Samsung Odyssey OLED G5, support variable refresh over DisplayPort and often HDMI 2.1. FreeSync works with AMD GPUs and, in most cases, with NVIDIA cards too under the G-Sync Compatible banner. G-Sync in its native form requires a monitor with a dedicated G-Sync module. Check your monitor’s spec sheet for FreeSync, G-Sync, or G-Sync Compatible certification before you begin.

Use the Right Cable and Port

Variable refresh is most reliable over DisplayPort. Use a certified cable like a VESA-certified DisplayPort 1.4 cord to guarantee the bandwidth for high resolutions and refresh rates. HDMI 2.1 also supports variable refresh on compatible monitors and cards, which matters for TV-based setups, but for a desktop gaming monitor, DisplayPort is the safest default. A poor or uncertified cable can cause the feature to silently fail or flicker.

Enable It in Your GPU Control Panel

On NVIDIA cards, open the NVIDIA Control Panel, go to the Set up G-SYNC page, and enable G-Sync for both fullscreen and windowed mode. On AMD cards, open the Adrenalin software, find the display settings, and toggle AMD FreeSync on. Then, crucially, enable the variable refresh setting in the monitor’s own on-screen display menu as well; both the software and the monitor must have it switched on for it to function.

  • Enable G-Sync or FreeSync in the GPU driver software.
  • Enable Adaptive-Sync or FreeSync in the monitor’s OSD menu.
  • Set the monitor to its full refresh rate in Windows display settings.

Cap Your Frame Rate for the Best Feel

Variable refresh works within a range, typically up to your monitor’s maximum refresh. If your frame rate exceeds that maximum, you fall back to tearing or V-Sync latency. The proven best practice is to cap your frame rate about 3 FPS below your refresh, so 141 FPS on a 144Hz panel or 237 on a 240Hz panel. This keeps you inside the variable refresh window at all times, delivering the lowest latency and zero tearing. Combine this with V-Sync enabled in the driver as a safety net.

Verify That It Is Actually Working

Do not assume it is on just because you flipped the switch. NVIDIA’s control panel has a G-Sync indicator overlay you can enable to confirm it activates in-game. Many monitors also show the current refresh rate in their OSD, which should fluctuate with your frame rate when variable refresh is active. Run a demanding game, watch the number move, and you know it is working as intended.

Tips for a Flawless Variable Refresh Setup

  • Always use a certified DisplayPort cable to avoid flicker and dropouts.
  • Cap frame rate a few FPS below refresh and pair with driver-level V-Sync as a backstop.
  • Update your GPU drivers, since variable refresh compatibility improves over time.
  • If you see brightness flicker in menus, check for a firmware update or adjust the low-framerate compensation behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use FreeSync with an NVIDIA GPU?

Yes, in most cases. NVIDIA supports many FreeSync monitors under its G-Sync Compatible program. Enable G-Sync in the NVIDIA Control Panel and FreeSync in the monitor menu, and it will work even on displays not officially certified, though results vary by model.

Should I still use V-Sync with G-Sync or FreeSync?

Enabling V-Sync at the driver level alongside variable refresh, combined with a frame cap below your max refresh, gives the smoothest tear-free result. The frame cap keeps you in the variable range so V-Sync rarely engages and adds no meaningful lag.

Why do I still see tearing with FreeSync on?

Usually because your frame rate is exceeding the monitor’s maximum refresh, pushing you out of the variable range. Cap your frame rate a few FPS below your refresh to stay inside the window and eliminate the tearing.

Does variable refresh add input lag?

No, that is its main advantage over traditional V-Sync. It synchronizes refresh to frame output without buffering frames, so you get tear-free motion with virtually no added latency when configured with a proper frame cap.

Conclusion

Enabling G-Sync or FreeSync is a two-part job: switch it on in both your GPU software and your monitor’s menu, connect over a certified DisplayPort cable, and cap your frame rate a few FPS below your refresh rate. Verify it with an on-screen indicator so you know it is truly active. Once set up, you get tear-free, low-latency smoothness that makes every game feel dramatically better, unlocking the full value of the monitor you already own.

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N
Noah Parker
Our team buys and bench-tests every product for 40h+ before it earns a spot. Rankings are never paid.

FAQ

Can I use FreeSync with an NVIDIA GPU?
Yes, in most cases. NVIDIA supports many FreeSync monitors under its G-Sync Compatible program. Enable G-Sync in the NVIDIA Control Panel and FreeSync in the monitor menu, and it will work even on displays not officially certified, though results vary by model.
Should I still use V-Sync with G-Sync or FreeSync?
Enabling V-Sync at the driver level alongside variable refresh, combined with a frame cap below your max refresh, gives the smoothest tear-free result. The frame cap keeps you in the variable range so V-Sync rarely engages and adds no meaningful lag.
Why do I still see tearing with FreeSync on?
Usually because your frame rate is exceeding the monitor’s maximum refresh, pushing you out of the variable range. Cap your frame rate a few FPS below your refresh to stay inside the window and eliminate the tearing.
Does variable refresh add input lag?
No, that is its main advantage over traditional V-Sync. It synchronizes refresh to frame output without buffering frames, so you get tear-free motion with virtually no added latency when configured with a proper frame cap.
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