Updated Aug 18, 2026· 4 min read· Hands-on tested

Key takeaways

  • Open the NVIDIA app or Control Panel and go to Set up G-SYNC.
  • Check Enable G-SYNC and select your monitor.
  • In Manage 3D Settings, set Monitor Technology to G-SYNC Compatible.
  • Cap your frame rate a few frames below the monitor’s max refresh for the smoothest result.

What's inside

  1. Watch: How to Enable G-Sync or FreeSync — Video Review
  2. Confirm Your Monitor and GPU Support It
  3. Enable It in the Monitor’s OSD First
  4. Turn On G-Sync (NVIDIA)
  5. Turn On FreeSync (AMD)
  6. Verify It Is Actually Working
  7. Tips
  8. Frequently Asked Questions
  9. Conclusion

Screen tearing, that horizontal split where the top and bottom of the image are out of sync, happens when your frame rate and monitor refresh rate fall out of step. Variable refresh rate technology fixes it by making the monitor refresh in lockstep with the GPU. NVIDIA calls its version G-Sync and AMD calls its FreeSync, and in 2026 most gaming monitors support at least one, often both.

Table of Contents

Enabling it is a two-minute job once you know where the settings live, but people miss a step and wonder why tearing persists. This guide walks through turning on variable refresh rate on both NVIDIA and AMD systems and confirming it actually works.

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

Confirm Your Monitor and GPU Support It

Check that your monitor lists G-Sync, G-Sync Compatible, or FreeSync in its specs, most modern panels such as the Samsung Odyssey G5 series or ASUS TUF Gaming monitors do. Then confirm your GPU brand. NVIDIA cards work with G-Sync and G-Sync Compatible FreeSync monitors; AMD cards use FreeSync. Use a DisplayPort connection for the widest compatibility and highest refresh support.

Enable It in the Monitor’s OSD First

Many monitors ship with Adaptive-Sync or FreeSync switched off in the on-screen menu. Open the monitor’s OSD, find the gaming or picture section, and turn on FreeSync or Adaptive-Sync before touching any software. If this is off, the driver setting will not work.

Turn On G-Sync (NVIDIA)

  • Open the NVIDIA app or Control Panel and go to Set up G-SYNC.
  • Check Enable G-SYNC and select your monitor.
  • In Manage 3D Settings, set Monitor Technology to G-SYNC Compatible.
  • Cap your frame rate a few frames below the monitor’s max refresh for the smoothest result.

Turn On FreeSync (AMD)

Open AMD Software Adrenalin, go to the display tab, and toggle AMD FreeSync on for your monitor. As with NVIDIA, set an in-game or driver frame-rate cap slightly below your refresh ceiling so the GPU stays inside the variable refresh window where tearing is eliminated.

Verify It Is Actually Working

Use your monitor’s built-in refresh-rate display if it has one, or a pendulum test tool that shows tearing with VRR off and smoothness with it on. Run a game with an uncapped frame rate first to see the range, then apply your cap. If tearing remains, recheck the OSD setting and cable.

Tips

  • Always use a certified DisplayPort cable for high refresh and VRR reliability.
  • Pair VRR with a frame cap and low-latency mode instead of traditional V-Sync.
  • Some monitors only support VRR on specific ports, check the manual.
  • Update GPU drivers, as VRR behavior improves with new releases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a G-Sync monitor for an NVIDIA card?

No. Most FreeSync monitors are also G-Sync Compatible and work fine with NVIDIA GPUs. A dedicated G-Sync module monitor is not required.

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

A frame-rate cap below your refresh, plus VRR, is usually smoother than V-Sync. Some players enable V-Sync as a backstop for frames above the refresh ceiling, but the cap does most of the work.

Why is tearing still happening after I enabled it?

Most often the monitor’s OSD Adaptive-Sync setting is still off, or you are connected via a port that does not support VRR. Recheck both.

Does variable refresh rate reduce input lag?

It reduces the lag that V-Sync would otherwise add while eliminating tearing, giving you both smoothness and responsiveness within the VRR range.

Conclusion

Enabling G-Sync or FreeSync takes three steps: switch it on in the monitor’s OSD, enable it in your GPU software, and cap your frame rate just below the refresh ceiling. Do all three over DisplayPort and screen tearing disappears, leaving you with the smooth, responsive image your gaming monitor was built to deliver.

D
Dylan Brooks
Our team buys and bench-tests every product for 40h+ before it earns a spot. Rankings are never paid.

FAQ

Do I need a G-Sync monitor for an NVIDIA card?
No. Most FreeSync monitors are also G-Sync Compatible and work fine with NVIDIA GPUs. A dedicated G-Sync module monitor is not required.
Should I still use V-Sync with G-Sync or FreeSync?
A frame-rate cap below your refresh, plus VRR, is usually smoother than V-Sync. Some players enable V-Sync as a backstop for frames above the refresh ceiling, but the cap does most of the work.
Why is tearing still happening after I enabled it?
Most often the monitor’s OSD Adaptive-Sync setting is still off, or you are connected via a port that does not support VRR. Recheck both.
Does variable refresh rate reduce input lag?
It reduces the lag that V-Sync would otherwise add while eliminating tearing, giving you both smoothness and responsiveness within the VRR range.
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