The world of Skyrim is vast and breathtaking, and it’s designed to be experienced in full-screen glory. But what if you prefer the flexibility of a windowed mode without sacrificing the visual immersion? This guide will walk you through the steps to achieve windowed fullscreen in Skyrim, allowing you to seamlessly switch between the game and other applications without losing the captivating beauty of the game world.
Why Choose Windowed Fullscreen?
There are several reasons why you might choose to play Skyrim in windowed fullscreen mode:
- Multitasking Flexibility: Easily switch between your game and other applications, like web browsing or email, without having to alt-tab or minimize the entire game. This is particularly helpful for players who need to keep an eye on other programs while gaming.
- Convenience: Allows you to resize the game window to fit your monitor’s resolution or your personal preference. This is especially useful for players with multiple monitors or who want to use a smaller window size to reduce eye strain.
- Reduced Input Lag: Some players report experiencing reduced input lag in windowed fullscreen compared to full-screen mode, resulting in a more responsive gameplay experience.
Method 1: In-Game Settings (Skyrim Special Edition Only)
For players using Skyrim Special Edition, the easiest way to enable windowed fullscreen is directly within the game’s settings:
- Launch Skyrim Special Edition: Start the game as you normally would.
- Navigate to Settings: Once in the game, press “Esc” to open the main menu. Navigate to “Settings” and then select “Video.”
- Adjust the “Fullscreen” Option: Within the video settings, locate the “Fullscreen” option. By default, it’s likely set to “On.” Change it to “Off.”
- Adjust Windowed Resolution: Next, you’ll want to maximize the window to your preferred resolution. To do this, click the “Windowed Resolution” dropdown menu and select the resolution that matches your monitor’s native resolution.
- Apply and Test: Click “Apply” to save the changes. The game should now be running in windowed fullscreen mode. You can test this by moving the window around on your screen and resizing it.
Important Note: While this method works for Skyrim Special Edition, it’s not available for the original Skyrim release. If you’re playing the original version, you’ll need to utilize the methods described in the following sections.
Method 2: Using the Skyrim.ini File (Original Skyrim and Special Edition)
This method involves modifying a configuration file within your Skyrim installation directory.
For both original Skyrim and Skyrim Special Edition:
- Locate the Skyrim.ini File: Navigate to the Skyrim installation directory on your computer. It’s usually located in “Documents/My Games/Skyrim.” Inside this folder, you’ll find the “Skyrim.ini” file.
- Open the Skyrim.ini File: Right-click on the file and select “Open with” and choose a text editor like Notepad or WordPad.
Edit the File: Search for the following lines in the file:
iPresentInterval=1
bBorderless=1If you’re playing Skyrim Special Edition:
You may also need to edit the file “SkyrimPrefs.ini” located in the same directory. Search for the line:
fDefaultWindowWidth=1920
fDefaultWindowHeight=1080Change these values to match your desired resolution. For example, for a 1920×1080 resolution, keep the default values.
Save the File: Once you’ve made the necessary changes, save the “Skyrim.ini” (and “SkyrimPrefs.ini” for Special Edition) file.
- Launch Skyrim: Restart the game, and you should now be running it in windowed fullscreen mode.
Explanation of the Changes:
- iPresentInterval=1: This setting controls the vertical sync (V-sync) functionality. Setting it to “1” enables V-sync, which helps reduce screen tearing.
- bBorderless=1: This setting is crucial for windowed fullscreen. It removes the window borders while maintaining the functionality of a window, allowing you to resize and move the game freely.
Additional Tips:
- Ensure Compatibility: Make sure the game is set to run in windowed mode. In the game’s launch settings or options, check that the “Fullscreen” option is set to “Off” or “Windowed.”
- Resolution Compatibility: Ensure that the chosen resolution in the “Skyrim.ini” file matches your monitor’s native resolution or a resolution supported by your monitor.
- Experiment with Settings: Feel free to experiment with other settings in the “Skyrim.ini” file, like “iPresentInterval,” to fine-tune your gameplay experience.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Tools
For more advanced options and customization, you can consider using third-party tools:
- Borderless Gaming: This free tool allows you to enable borderless fullscreen for any game, including Skyrim. Simply install the application and add Skyrim to its list of supported games.
- DWM (Desktop Window Manager) Tweaker: This tool provides more control over your desktop window manager, allowing you to adjust various settings, including borderless window settings. It’s worth trying if you encounter issues with the other methods.
Important Note: Using third-party tools comes with a level of risk, as they may not be compatible with all versions of Skyrim or your operating system. Always download from reputable sources and be cautious when granting permissions.
Conclusion
Achieving windowed fullscreen in Skyrim is easier than you might think. Whether you prefer the convenience of in-game settings or the flexibility of the Skyrim.ini file, this guide provides multiple solutions to enhance your Skyrim experience. By enabling windowed fullscreen, you can enjoy the immersive beauty of Tamriel while maintaining the multitasking flexibility you need. Remember to experiment with the different options and find the method that best suits your preferences and needs. Happy adventuring!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is windowed fullscreen, and why should I use it?
Windowed fullscreen combines the advantages of both full-screen and windowed mode. It allows you to run the game in a window, enabling you to easily switch between applications without having to alt-tab out of the game. Additionally, it reduces input lag and provides a smoother gaming experience, especially for players with multiple monitors.
Compared to full-screen mode, windowed fullscreen offers a more flexible and customizable experience, letting you adjust the resolution and window size to suit your needs. It is particularly beneficial for players who want to minimize distractions or utilize other applications while playing the game.
2. What are the benefits of using windowed fullscreen for Skyrim?
Windowed fullscreen significantly enhances the gameplay experience in Skyrim, particularly for players who frequently use other applications or require a more flexible gaming environment. It allows for seamless switching between applications, reduces input lag, and eliminates the need for alt-tabbing, which often leads to stuttering or performance issues.
Additionally, windowed fullscreen provides smoother gameplay, especially for players with multiple monitors. It allows for easier navigation and multitasking, making it an ideal option for those who enjoy multitasking or watching streams while playing the game.
3. How do I enable windowed fullscreen mode in Skyrim?
To enable windowed fullscreen mode, you can adjust the display settings within the game itself. Navigate to the “Settings” menu, then select “Display.” Under the “Resolution” dropdown menu, choose “Windowed Fullscreen” from the list of available options.
Alternatively, you can manually edit the Skyrim.ini file, which contains various game settings. Locate the line that reads “iPresentInterval=1” and change the value to “iPresentInterval=0.” This forces the game to use the refresh rate of your monitor, resulting in a smoother experience.
4. What are some potential drawbacks of using windowed fullscreen?
While windowed fullscreen offers numerous benefits, it is not without its drawbacks. Some users may experience performance issues, particularly with older systems or outdated drivers. Additionally, it might not be compatible with all monitors or graphics cards, leading to glitches or display problems.
While rare, some players may encounter issues with the game window losing focus or becoming unresponsive. This can be addressed by adjusting the window size or refreshing the game window. Ultimately, the effectiveness of windowed fullscreen depends on your system specifications and gaming preferences.
5. Can I adjust the resolution and window size in windowed fullscreen?
Yes, you can easily adjust the resolution and window size in windowed fullscreen mode. Within the game’s “Display” settings, you can alter the resolution to your desired value, ranging from low to high. To modify the window size, simply click and drag the edges of the game window to resize it according to your preference.
Remember, you can also manually adjust the resolution and window size by editing the Skyrim.ini file. Locate the lines that read “iResolutionWidth=X” and “iResolutionHeight=Y,” where “X” and “Y” represent the desired width and height values.
6. What if windowed fullscreen doesn’t work for me?
If windowed fullscreen doesn’t work properly, try adjusting the game’s settings or using alternative methods. Ensure your graphics drivers are up-to-date, as outdated drivers can lead to compatibility issues. Experiment with different resolution settings, as certain resolutions may work better than others.
Consider using third-party programs like Borderless Gaming, which automatically enables borderless windowed mode, or the in-game console command “setgs fDefaultWindowed 1” to force the game into windowed mode. Remember, troubleshooting may involve experimentation and patience to find the most effective solution for your system.
7. Does windowed fullscreen impact performance?
Windowed fullscreen typically enhances performance, especially for systems with high refresh rate monitors. However, if you are experiencing performance issues, try reducing the game’s graphical settings or closing unnecessary programs running in the background.
Remember, performance can vary depending on your system specifications and the overall complexity of the game. If you notice significant performance degradation, consider switching to full-screen mode or lowering the graphics settings to achieve a smoother experience.