Most PC games start in fullscreen mode, but many also offer windowed and borderless options. Apps and browsers can use different display modes too. Understanding their tradeoffs helps you choose a setup that suits gaming, focused work or multitasking.
How the three modes differ
Windowed mode
A windowed game or app occupies a bordered window rather than the entire display. You can move and resize it, access other applications and switch between several open programs, particularly on a multi-monitor setup.
Fullscreen mode
Fullscreen fills the display with the game, image or application, keeping other apps and the taskbar out of view. It is the usual default for games on PC, Mac, Android and iOS. Because the computer prioritizes the fullscreen program, switching tasks is generally less smooth.
Borderless mode
Borderless windowed mode, also called borderless fullscreen mode, fills the screen without a visible border but remains a window. It looks like fullscreen while allowing faster access to other programs. On multiple monitors, you can move the pointer between displays without leaving the game through a separate task-switching step.
When fullscreen makes sense
Choose fullscreen when you want to concentrate your attention and computer resources on one program. Windows, Mac and other operating systems prioritize fullscreen applications, which can help when a PC or mobile device needs extra resources to run a game.
The drawback is multitasking. To reach another program, you must use Alt + Tab and wait for the fullscreen app to minimize. Demanding games can make that transition frustrating, especially with two monitors.
Fullscreen also confines the pointer to the main display. Accessing a YouTube video on another screen during a loading break, for example, requires tabbing out of the game.
When borderless is preferable
Borderless is particularly useful with multiple monitors: the game or work remains on the main display while you access other screens and applications.
Its performance tradeoff depends on the device. Operating systems such as Windows continue allocating resources to background processes, potentially reducing performance or causing input lag in demanding games and apps. If you need additional FPS, compare fullscreen performance; any improvement depends on the game's optimization.
When to use windowed mode
Windowed mode suits everyday work involving apps, folders and browser pages. Resizable windows make multitasking convenient, including with snap layouts in Windows 10 and 11.
For gaming, it can bring frame rate drops or input lag. Nevertheless, some retro PC games that struggle with fullscreen on high-resolution monitors work in a window, making it a useful alternative.
Changing display modes
No single mode fits every task. Use these options to switch according to your needs:
- In most games, open the settings and find “Display Mode” under Graphics or Game, then select an option from the dropdown menu.
- Some games, commonly MMORPGs, provide a launcher where you can adjust display settings before starting the game.
- On Windows, Alt + Enter switches between fullscreen and windowed modes in supported games and apps. It does not work everywhere.
- For browsers, use F11 to switch fullscreen view.
