The Disappearance of Exclusive Fullscreen Mode: What’s Happening?
For many gamers and tech enthusiasts, the exclusive fullscreen mode has been a staple feature of PC gaming and media playback. This mode allows applications to take full control of the display, leading to improved performance, reduced input lag, and enhanced visual quality. Recently, however, many users have noticed that new games and applications are offering only a borderless windowed mode, with exclusive fullscreen settings seemingly disappearing. This has led to a flurry of questions and speculation regarding the reasons behind this change, particularly in the context of recent system updates, such as Windows 11.
What is Exclusive Fullscreen?
Exclusive fullscreen mode, as opposed to borderless windowed mode, allows an application to occupy the entire screen without sharing resources with other programs. This generally translates to smoother gameplay and better performance, as it can bypass some of the overhead that comes with windowed modes. It’s particularly advantageous in gaming, where every millisecond counts; however, this feature has been a point of contention with recent updates, especially for users of high-performance monitors and TVs, like the LG C1 OLED.
The Shift to Borderless Windowed
One of the primary reasons developers are opting for borderless windowed modes over exclusive fullscreen could be attributed to compatibility and convenience. Borderless windowed allows users to quickly switch between applications without minimizing, which is a significant advantage for multitasking. For gamers, it offers a seamless transition to desktop applications, chat programs, or browsers. However, this comes with the trade-off of potentially increased input lag and decreased performance compared to exclusive fullscreen mode.
The Impact of Windows 11
Reports have started surfacing that a recent Windows 11 update may have impacted the availability of exclusive fullscreen mode in certain applications. This has raised concerns among users who prioritize performance, particularly for gaming and video playback. Media Player Classic (MPC) users, for example, commonly utilize the exclusive fullscreen feature to enable specific settings, like TrueMotion for smoother visuals. As you noted, this feature has become greyed out in both 4K and 1080p settings, sparking frustration among users relying on these configurations.
Why the Change Matters
The removal or unavailability of exclusive fullscreen mode can significantly affect user experience, especially for dedicated gamers and media enthusiasts. For users with higher-end displays, like the LG C1, the optimization of visual settings plays a crucial role in achieving the desired performance. TrueMotion, known for enhancing motion clarity, is a feature that many wish to utilize in fullscreen settings. The inability to access it due to software updates can lead to dissatisfaction and hinder the full potential of modern display technology.
Conclusion
While the transition away from exclusive fullscreen mode might be driven by a desire for ease of use and multitasking functionality, it remains essential for users who prioritize performance, especially gamers and media consumers. As feedback mounts, it will be crucial for developers and Microsoft to address these concerns, possibly reinstating exclusive fullscreen options in future updates. Until then, users will need to adapt to the evolving landscape of gaming and media playback, always eager for improvements that cater to their needs.
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