How to Turn On FreeSync on Your Monitor and Graphics Card

What FreeSync does and why you might want it

FreeSync is a technology that syncs your monitor's refresh rate to your graphics card's output, which eliminates a visual glitch called screen tearing. When your graphics card sends frames faster or slower than your monitor can display them, you see horizontal lines cutting across the screen mid-frame. FreeSync prevents this by having the monitor wait for the next frame instead of displaying an incomplete one.

You only notice tearing in fast-moving games or videos, and only if your frame rate and refresh rate are mismatched. If you play competitive shooters, racing games, or action titles, FreeSync makes motion look smoother. If you mostly browse or watch video, you probably won't see a difference.

FreeSync is AMD's version of this technology. NVIDIA calls theirs G-Sync, and the setup process is similar but not identical. Your monitor must support FreeSync, and your graphics card must be an AMD Radeon model — NVIDIA cards cannot use FreeSync, though some newer NVIDIA cards can use a limited version called G-Sync Compatible.

Key Takeaways

FreeSync requires both a compatible AMD graphics card and a monitor that explicitly supports FreeSync — check your monitor's manual or spec sheet first.
You enable FreeSync in two places: in your monitor's on-screen menu and in AMD Radeon Settings on your computer.
FreeSync only works in fullscreen mode in most games, not in windowed or borderless windowed mode.
If you see no change after enabling it, your monitor may not actually support FreeSync, or your graphics card drivers may need an update.

Check that your monitor and graphics card support FreeSync

Before you enable anything, confirm your hardware can actually use FreeSync. Look at your monitor's manual or the manufacturer's website and search for "FreeSync" in the specifications. The manual will list the refresh rate range where FreeSync works — typically something like "FreeSync 48–144 Hz". If FreeSync is not mentioned at all, your monitor does not support it.

Next, check your graphics card. Open Windows Settings, go to System, then About, and look for "Device specifications." Under "System type" you should see something like "AMD Radeon RX 6700" or similar. If it says NVIDIA GeForce, you have an NVIDIA card and FreeSync will not work. If you are unsure, right-click your desktop and look for "AMD Radeon Settings" — if that option exists, you have an AMD card.

If your monitor or card does not support FreeSync, you cannot enable it. No setting will create the feature if the hardware does not have it.

Enable FreeSync in your monitor's menu

Most monitors have a physical button or joystick on the back or bottom edge. Press it to open the on-screen menu that appears on your screen. Navigate through the menu using the buttons until you find a section called "FreeSync," "AMD FreeSync," "Adaptive Sync," or sometimes "Variable Refresh Rate." The exact name varies by manufacturer.

Once you find it, select the option to turn it on. Some monitors offer "On," "Off," and "Premium" — choose "On" or "Premium" depending on what your monitor offers. Premium mode uses a wider refresh rate range and is better if your monitor supports it. Save the setting and exit the menu.

If you cannot find this option in your monitor menu, your monitor may not have FreeSync even if the spec sheet says it does, or the menu structure is different from the standard layout. Check your monitor's manual for the exact menu path.

Enable FreeSync in AMD Radeon Settings

Right-click on your desktop and select "AMD Radeon Settings" from the menu. If this option does not appear, your AMD drivers may not be installed. Go to AMD's website, read the latest drivers for your graphics card model, and install them before continuing.

In Radeon Settings, look for a section called "Display" or "Graphics." Under that section, find the option labeled "FreeSync" or "Radeon FreeSync." Toggle it to "On." Some versions of Radeon Settings also have an option for "FreeSync Premium," which you can enable if your monitor supports it.

Close Radeon Settings and restart your computer. The restart ensures the setting takes effect properly.

Test FreeSync in a game

Launch a game you play regularly, preferably one with fast motion like a shooter or racing title. Make sure the game is running in fullscreen mode, not windowed or borderless windowed — FreeSync does not work in windowed modes on most systems.

While playing, look for screen tearing: horizontal lines that appear to cut across moving objects. If tearing is gone and motion looks smoother than before, FreeSync is working. If you still see tearing, or if nothing has changed, move to the troubleshooting section below.

You can also read a free tool called "UFO Test" from the NVIDIA website (despite the name, it works with AMD cards too) to see FreeSync in action more clearly, though a real game is the best test.

Troubleshooting if FreeSync is not working

If you enabled FreeSync in both places but still see screen tearing, first check that you are running in fullscreen mode. Many games default to borderless windowed, which disables FreeSync. In the game's graphics settings, look for "Display Mode" or "Window Mode" and change it to "Fullscreen" or "Exclusive Fullscreen."

Next, update your AMD graphics drivers. Right-click the desktop, select AMD Radeon Settings, go to the System tab, and look for an option to check for driver updates. Install any updates available and restart your computer.

If tearing persists, your monitor may not actually support FreeSync despite what the spec sheet says, or FreeSync may only work within a certain frame rate range. Check your monitor's manual for the exact FreeSync range — if your game is running at 30 frames per second but FreeSync only works from 48 Hz up, it will not set up. You can see your current frame rate in most games by enabling an on-screen counter in Radeon Settings under Performance.

As a last step, disable FreeSync in both the monitor menu and Radeon Settings, restart your computer, and re-enable it. Sometimes the setting does not stick on the first try.

When FreeSync is not the right solution

FreeSync only works when your frame rate is lower than your monitor's maximum refresh rate. If your graphics card is so powerful that it produces more frames per second than your monitor can display, FreeSync will not help — you will need to enable a frame rate cap in your game settings or use V-Sync instead.

FreeSync also does not reduce input lag or make your game feel more responsive. It only removes the visual artifact of screen tearing. If your game feels sluggish, the problem is usually frame rate itself, not tearing, and FreeSync will not fix that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does FreeSync work with NVIDIA graphics cards?

No. FreeSync is AMD's technology and only works with AMD Radeon cards. NVIDIA has its own technology called G-Sync. Some newer NVIDIA cards support a limited version called G-Sync Compatible that works with certain FreeSync monitors, but standard FreeSync does not work with NVIDIA hardware.

Will FreeSync make my games run faster?

No. FreeSync does not increase frame rate or performance. It only removes screen tearing, which is a visual glitch. If your game runs at 60 frames per second, it will still run at 60 frames per second with FreeSync on — it will just look smoother without the tearing artifact.

Can I use FreeSync in windowed mode?

Not on most systems. FreeSync requires fullscreen exclusive mode to work. If your game is in windowed or borderless windowed mode, FreeSync will not set up. Check your game's graphics settings and switch to fullscreen mode.

What if my monitor menu does not have a FreeSync option?

Your monitor may not support FreeSync, even if the spec sheet mentions it. Check the manual for the exact menu path, or contact the monitor manufacturer's support. If FreeSync is truly not in the menu, the monitor does not have the feature and you cannot enable it.

Do I need to restart my computer after enabling FreeSync?

Yes. After enabling FreeSync in Radeon Settings, restart your computer to may support the setting takes effect. Without the restart, FreeSync may not work even though it appears to be turned on.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.