How To Force A Game To Run In Windowed Mode
Playing games in full-screen mode can be fun and immersive, but sometimes you may want to switch to windowed mode for better multitasking or other reasons. Some games allow you to switch between full-screen and windowed mode from their settings or options menu, but not all games offer this option. If you're looking for a way to force a game to run in windowed mode, this guide will show you how to do it on your PC.
Method 1: Using In-Game Commands
The first method to try is using in-game commands, which can vary depending on the game and its engine. Some games use the same commands as their console counterparts, while others have unique commands for PC. Here are a few examples:
- Alt + Enter: This is a common keyboard shortcut to switch between full-screen and windowed mode in many games. Try pressing these keys together while you're playing the game to see if it works.
- Command-line arguments: Some games allow you to add command-line arguments to their launch options to set certain settings, including windowed mode. You can usually find these options by right-clicking the game in your Steam library or desktop icon, selecting Properties, and then clicking on Launch Options. Here are some examples of command-line arguments to force windowed mode:
- -windowed
- -window-mode borderless
- -window-mode exclusive
- Config files: Some games store their settings in configuration files, which you can edit manually to force windowed mode. Look for files with names like "config.ini" or "user.cfg" in the game's installation folder, and open them with a text editor like Notepad. Look for lines that control resolution or display mode, and change them to match your desired windowed mode settings. Save the file and launch the game to see if it worked.
Method 2: Using Third-Party Tools
If the in-game commands don't work or you're not comfortable editing config files, you can try using third-party tools to force windowed mode. These tools usually work by emulating full-screen mode while running the game in a borderless window, which can help avoid performance issues and other glitches. Here are some popular tools to try:
- Borderless Gaming: This tool lets you play any game in a borderless window, without the need to access in-game settings. Simply launch the game, then launch Borderless Gaming and click the "+" button to add the game to the list. You can customize the window size and position, as well as other settings like V-sync and FPS limits.
- Windowed Borderless Gaming: This is another tool that does the same thing as Borderless Gaming, but with more customization options. You can adjust settings like window opacity, taskbar integration, and hotkeys for toggling between full-screen and windowed mode.
- DG Voodoo: This tool is specifically designed for older games that don't support modern display resolutions, but it also has an option to force windowed mode. After installing DG Voodoo, navigate to the game's installation folder and look for the "dgVoodooCpl.exe" file. Open it and select the game's executable file, then go to the DirectX tab and check the "Windowed" box. Save the settings and launch the game to see if it worked.
Conclusion
There are several ways to force a game to run in windowed mode, depending on the game and your preferences. Try using in-game commands or editing config files if possible, but if those options don't work, consider using a third-party tool like Borderless Gaming or DG Voodoo. With these methods, you can enjoy your favorite games in windowed mode and boost your productivity at the same time.
