How to enable G-Sync on FreeSync monitor on Windows 10

Nvidia now supports its G-Sync technology on AMD's FreeSync monitors, and here's how you can enable the feature.

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Nvidia G-Sync on FreeSync monitors
Nvidia G-Sync on FreeSync monitors

On Windows 10, starting with driver version 417.71, Nvidia now supports G-Sync on FreeSync monitors bringing adaptive sync for smoother frame rates while reducing tearing and stuttering to more users.

If you have one of the models confirmed to be compatible, G-Sync will enable automatically. However, if you don’t have a supported display, it’s still possible to enable the feature using the Nvidia Control Panel.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to enable Nvidia G-Sync on your AMD’s FreeSync monitor on Windows 10.

How to enable G-Sync on FreeSync compatible monitor

Use these steps to enable G-Sync on your FreeSync monitor:

Important: Before proceeding make sure that FreeSync is enabled on the on-screen display settings (check your monitor support website for specific details).

  1. Download the latest Nvidia video driver.

  2. Double-click the 417.71-desktop-win10-64bit-international-whql.exe file to update your current driver.

  3. Continue with the on-screen directions to complete the installation.

    Quick Tip: You don’t need to install all the components, installing only the driver is enough.

  4. Right-click the Nvidia icon in the notification area of the taskbar and click the Nvidia Control Panel option.

  5. Expand the Display branch.

  6. Click on Set up G-Sync.

    Enable G-Sync on FreeSync monitor
    Enable G-Sync on FreeSync monitor

  7. Check the Enable G-SYNC, G-SYNC Compatible option.

  8. Check the Enable settings for the selected display model option.

  9. Click the Apply button.

Alternative steps to enable G-Sync or FreeSync monitor

If the settings outlined above aren’t available, or G-Sync isn’t working, while in the Nvidia Control Panel use these steps:

  1. Expand the 3D Settings branch.

  2. Click on Manage 3D settings.

  3. Click the Global Settings tab.

  4. Select the Monitor Technology option.

    Monitor Technology settings on Nvidia Control Panel
    Monitor Technology settings on Nvidia Control Panel

  5. Use the drop-down menu and select the G-Sync Compatible option.

  6. Click the Apply button.

Additionally, you may have to click on the Change Resolution section, under Display, and apply a higher refresh rate or different resolution for G-Sync to start working.

Once you complete the steps, G-Sync should start working on your FreeSync monitor.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].