If you’re an avid gamer, you’ve undoubtedly experienced the frustration of game settings not functioning as expected. One such common frustration is with “Cyberpunk 2077,” particularly when trying to play the game in borderless window mode. This popular title has captivated players worldwide, but a significant number of gamers have reported issues with the windowed borderless mode not working. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what causes these issues and how you can troubleshoot them effectively, ensuring your gaming experience is as enjoyable as possible.
Understanding the Windowed Borderless Mode
Before diving into the troubleshooting process, it’s essential to clarify what windowed borderless mode is and why players prefer it.
What is Windowed Borderless Mode?
Windowed borderless mode allows players to run a game in a window that appears on the desktop without a traditional border, enabling smooth transitions between the game and desktop applications. It’s a popular choice among gamers for several reasons:
- Smooth Multitasking: Players can easily switch between the game and applications like Discord or a web browser without dealing with window minimization.
- Increased Performance: For many players, borderless windowed mode provides a better frame rate and overall performance consistency.
Why Use Borderless Windowed Mode in Cyberpunk 2077?
Cyberpunk 2077, with its stunning visuals and immersive world, benefits significantly from the borderless windowed mode. This allows players to:
- Enhance User Experience: Seamlessly interact with other applications and resources while enjoying the game.
- Maintain High FPS: Achieve smoother gameplay without the lag associated with other modes.
Common Causes of Windowed Borderless Issues
When players encounter issues with the windowed borderless mode in Cyberpunk 2077, several factors can contribute. Understanding these can lead you to the right solution.
1. Graphics Settings Misconfiguration
Sometimes, the game’s graphics settings may conflict with your display settings, leading to the borderless windowed mode not functioning properly. Check for:
Resolution Mismatches
If your game resolution differs from your monitor’s native resolution, this may cause problems. Verify that both the game and your monitor are operating at compatible resolutions.
2. Display Scaling Issues
Windows display scaling settings can interfere with the way games render. If your scaling is set to anything other than 100%, it might prevent Cyberpunk from functioning in borderless mode.
3. Outdated Graphics Drivers
Graphics drivers play a crucial role in game performance. If your drivers are outdated, you might experience various issues. Regularly updating your GPU drivers can often resolve problems.
4. Conflicting Background Applications
Sometimes, applications running in the background can interfere with game functionalities, particularly those related to graphics rendering.
Troubleshooting Steps for Cyberpunk Borderless Window Issues
Now that you have a better understanding of the potential causes let’s outline the steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem effectively.
Step 1: Check Graphics Settings
Navigate to Settings -> Graphics in the Cyberpunk 2077 menu. Ensure that you’ve set the display mode to “Borderless Window.” If it’s not working, try switching to “Windowed” and then back to “Borderless Window.”
Step 2: Adjust Windows Display Settings
- Right-click on your desktop and select Display settings.
- Scroll down to Scale and layout, and ensure that the scale is set to 100%.
- Under Resolution, ensure your game’s resolution matches your monitor’s native resolution.
Step 3: Update Graphics Drivers
To update your graphics drivers:
- Identify your GPU manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel).
- Visit their official website and search for the latest drivers.
- Download and install any available updates.
Step 4: Disable Full-Screen Optimization
- Navigate to the folder where Cyberpunk 2077 is installed.
- Right-click the game’s executable file (Cyberpunk.exe) and select Properties.
- Click on the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box for “Disable fullscreen optimizations.”
- Click Apply and then OK.
Step 5: Close Background Applications
- Access your Task Manager by pressing
Ctrl + Shift + Esc. - Look for applications that might be interfering with your game, such as screen recorders or overlay apps, and close them.
Advanced Solutions for Persistent Issues
If you’ve tried all the previous steps and are still experiencing troubles with the borderless mode not functioning in Cyberpunk 2077, you may need to take more advanced measures.
1. Edit Configuration Files
Sometimes, changing options in the configuration files can solve the issue.
- Navigate to your Cyberpunk 2077 configuration files found in your Documents folder.
- Open the **config.ini** file with a text editor.
- Look for the display settings and ensure that the windowed mode option is set to *true*.
2. Reinstall the Game
If all else fails, consider reinstalling Cyberpunk 2077. This ensures that you have a fresh installation with default settings.
3. Verify Game Files via Steam or Epic Games
If you purchased the game through a platform like Steam or Epic Games, verifying the integrity of the game files can help identify and fix corrupted files:
- For Steam:
- Right-click on Cyberpunk 2077 in your game library.
Select Properties -> Local Files -> Verify Integrity of Game Files.
For Epic Games:
- Open your Library, click on the three dots next to Cyberpunk 2077.
- Select Verify.
Game Mode Settings in Windows 10/11
Windows 10 and 11 have a feature known as Game Mode, designed to optimize gaming performance. However, it can sometimes conflict with game settings.
How to Disable Game Mode
- Go to Settings -> Gaming -> Game Mode.
- Toggle Game Mode off to see if this resolves the issue with borderless window mode.
Conclusion
Encountering problems with the windowed borderless mode in Cyberpunk 2077 can be frustrating, but with a systematic approach to troubleshooting, you can often resolve the issue. By understanding the underlying causes and meticulously applying the recommended solutions, you’ll regain your immersive experience in Night City without the hassle of display interruptions.
Whether you enjoy multimonitor setups or simply favor seamless transitions, ensuring that your graphics settings, display configurations, and background applications are optimized will enhance your gameplay experience significantly. Remember, a properly set up gaming environment is crucial not just for Cyberpunk 2077 but for any graphic-intensive game you wish to play. Happy gaming in the vibrant streets of Cyberpunk 2077, and may your adventures be free of technical snags!
What is windowed borderless mode in Cyberpunk 2077?
Windowed borderless mode allows players to run Cyberpunk 2077 in a windowed format that occupies the entire screen without the traditional window borders. This mode provides the benefits of multitasking, enabling easy access to other applications without minimizing the game. It effectively gives the appearance of fullscreen gameplay while maintaining the flexibility of a windowed setup.
This configuration is beneficial for players who want to switch between the game and other programs seamlessly, like streaming software or communication apps. However, some players have reported issues with this feature not functioning correctly, prompting concerns about performance and usability.
Why is the windowed borderless mode not working for me?
There could be several reasons why the windowed borderless mode is not functioning as intended. One common issue is related to the graphics settings or in-game configurations. If the graphics settings are not correctly set to enable this mode, the game may default to fullscreen or exclusive windowed mode instead.
Additionally, other factors such as outdated graphics drivers, conflicting third-party software, or even recent game patches could interfere with this feature. Checking your settings and ensuring your system software is up-to-date can help troubleshoot the issue effectively.
How can I fix the windowed borderless issue in Cyberpunk 2077?
To solve the windowed borderless issue, start by launching the game’s settings in the main menu. Navigate to the “Graphics” tab and look for the “Display Mode” option. From there, select “Windowed Borderless.” This should immediately apply the mode if your system permits it.
If changing the settings doesn’t work, consider updating your graphics drivers. Sometimes, bugs in previous driver versions can disrupt gaming features. Visit the official website of your graphics card manufacturer to download the latest drivers and follow the installation instructions.
Are there any specific graphics settings I should check?
Yes, several graphics settings can influence the behavior of windowed borderless mode. Ensure that the resolution is set to your monitor’s native resolution, as mismatches can cause display issues. Additionally, check the “V-Sync” and “Window Mode” options, as they might need adjustments to optimize performance in windowed borderless mode.
Another important consideration is the “Fullscreen Optimization” setting in Windows. Right-click on the Cyberpunk 2077 executable, select “Properties,” then navigate to the “Compatibility” tab, and ensure that the “Disable fullscreen optimizations” button is checked. This can significantly improve the game’s stability in windowed borderless mode.
Does running Cyberpunk 2077 in windowed borderless affect performance?
Running Cyberpunk 2077 in windowed borderless mode can have an impact on performance, but this largely depends on your system specifications. Generally, windowed borderless mode can result in slightly lower frame rates compared to fullscreen mode because of how the system allocates resources. However, the difference is often negligible on modern systems with decent hardware.
For players with high-performing graphics cards and processors, the performance drop may be imperceptible, making windowed borderless an attractive option for multitasking during gameplay. However, those with older hardware might notice more of a performance hit, so testing both options may be beneficial.
Is there any third-party software that can help with this issue?
Yes, some third-party software can help manage windowed borderless settings for games, including Cyberpunk 2077. Tools like Borderless Gaming or Windowed Borderless Gaming can force games into windowed borderless mode, even when the game’s settings may not support it directly. These applications can provide additional customization options as well.
Be cautious when using third-party tools, as they could conflict with the game or affect performance. Always ensure that such software is safe, reputable, and compatible with your system. Additionally, it’s advisable to run the game in native resolution for the best experience.
Can I play with keyboard shortcuts while in windowed borderless mode?
Absolutely! One of the significant advantages of playing in windowed borderless mode is the ability to use keyboard shortcuts seamlessly. This setting allows players to quickly switch between the game and other applications without disrupting gameplay. You can use Alt+Tab or similar shortcuts to switch between open windows easily.
However, some players may experience issues if they are using specific overlays (like Discord or streaming software) that might conflict with the game’s input processing. Adjusting these overlays or the settings of the software may enhance your experience while in windowed borderless mode, ensuring that keyboard shortcuts work fluidly.