Playing Steam games in full screen mode can provide an immersive gaming experience, but there may be instances when you prefer to play in a windowed mode. Whether you want to multitask, monitor chats, or simply prefer a smaller window, this article will guide you through smart tips and tricks to play a Steam game without full screen. Discover how to adjust display settings, utilize built-in features, and explore third-party options to optimize your gaming experience and have the flexibility to enjoy your favorite Steam games in windowed mode.
Adjusting The Window Size:
Adjusting the window size is a crucial step to play a Steam game without full screen. By resizing the game window to a desired size, you can have more control over your gameplay and multitask efficiently. To adjust the window size, follow these step-by-step instructions on Steam:
1. Launch the Steam client and go to your Library.
2. Right-click on the game you want to play in windowed mode and select “Properties” from the drop-down menu.
3. In the properties window, click on the “Set Launch Options” button.
4. A text box will appear. Type “-windowed -w X -h Y” (without quotations), replacing X and Y with your desired width and height values in pixels.
5. Click “OK” to save the launch options.
6. Close the properties window and launch the game.
Once the game starts, it will launch in a windowed mode with the specified dimensions. You can then adjust the size by clicking and dragging the edges of the window. This method allows you to play the game in a smaller window while keeping it easily accessible alongside other programs. Adjusting the window size also comes in handy when you have limited screen space or want to multitask efficiently.
Using The Windowed Mode: Exploring The Built-in Windowed Mode Option In Steam Games And How To Enable It.
Windowed mode is a convenient feature offered by many Steam games that allows players to enjoy the game without occupying the entire screen. Enabling this mode can provide several benefits, such as multitasking, easier access to other applications, and smoother alt-tabbing.
To activate windowed mode, simply follow these steps:
1. Launch your desired Steam game.
2. Navigate to the game’s main menu or options menu.
3. Look for a “Graphics” or “Display” section.
4. Check for an option named “Fullscreen” or “Display Mode.”
5. Select “Windowed” or “Windowed Borderless.”
Different games may label this option differently, so make sure to scan through the settings carefully. Some games also allow you to adjust the window size and aspect ratio within the windowed mode settings for a customized gaming experience.
Remember to save the changes before exiting the menu. Once activated, the game will run in a windowed mode allowing you to easily switch between applications or manage multiple monitors.
Windowed mode is especially useful for players who want to chat with friends, stream their gameplay, or access other programs without interrupting their gaming experience. Enjoy the benefits of windowed mode while playing your favorite Steam games!
Utilizing Launch Options
Launch options can be a valuable tool for running a Steam game in a windowed mode or at a specific resolution. By adding launch options, you can customize how the game runs and ensure it fits your desired screen size.
To utilize launch options, follow these steps:
1. Right-click on the game in your Steam library and select “Properties.”
2. In the Properties window, click on the “Set Launch Options” button.
3. A text box will appear where you can enter launch options. Here are a few examples:
– “-windowed” or “-sw” forces the game to run in windowed mode.
– “-noborder” removes the borders around the game window, giving it a fullscreen appearance.
– “-w X -h Y” sets the game’s resolution to X pixels wide and Y pixels high.
Make sure to replace “X” and “Y” with your desired resolution values.
Launch options can vary depending on the game, so it’s essential to research specific options or consult the game’s community forums for recommendations.
Utilizing launch options provides flexibility in customization and can significantly enhance your gaming experience when playing a Steam game without full screen. Experiment with different options until you find the configuration that suits your preferences best.
Third-Party Tools For Windowed Mode
Third-Party Tools for Windowed Mode: Discussing different software options that can force a Steam game to run in a windowed mode.
Sometimes, a Steam game may not have a built-in windowed mode option or may not resize properly. In such cases, third-party tools come in handy. These tools are specifically designed to force games into running in a windowed mode, providing more flexibility and control to the players.
One popular tool is Borderless Gaming, which allows users to play any game in a borderless window without the need for the game’s native windowed mode. It automatically detects running games and applies the necessary settings to force them into the desired windowed mode.
Another tool worth considering is Windowed Borderless Gaming. This tool offers similar functionality as Borderless Gaming but also supports additional features like multi-monitor support and the ability to save window positions for multiple games.
Additionally, tools like DXWnd and WindowedFullscreenGaming can also be useful alternatives for running Steam games in windowed mode.
By using third-party tools, players can overcome the limitations of certain games and enjoy the benefits of playing in a windowed mode, such as easy multitasking and improved compatibility.
Optimizing Game Settings
When playing a Steam game without full screen, it is important to optimize the game settings to ensure a better gaming experience. Here are some tips on how to do that:
1. Resolution: Adjusting the resolution in the game settings can help fit the game window to your desired size. Experiment with different resolutions to find the one that works best for you.
2. Graphics Settings: Lowering graphics settings such as texture quality, shadow quality, and anti-aliasing can improve performance and allow for smoother gameplay in a non-full screen mode.
3. Windowed Mode: Some games have a specific windowed mode option in their settings. Enabling this option can help the game run more smoothly in a smaller window.
4. Frame Rate: Limiting the frame rate of the game can reduce GPU strain and keep the game running smoothly in a reduced window size.
5. HUD/UI Scaling: Adjusting the HUD/UI scaling can make it easier to read text and navigate the game when playing in a smaller window.
Remember to save the changes after adjusting the game settings. By optimizing the game settings, you can ensure a more enjoyable gaming experience even when playing without full screen mode on Steam.
Dual-Monitor Setups:
Playing a Steam game on one monitor while having another program or application open on the second monitor can enhance multitasking capabilities and improve overall productivity. To set up a dual-monitor configuration for Steam games, follow these steps:
1. Check your graphics card and monitor compatibility: Ensure that your graphics card supports multiple monitors and that both monitors have compatible connectors (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI).
2. Connect the monitors: Use the appropriate cables to connect both monitors to your computer. Adjust the positioning and orientation of the monitors according to your preference.
3. Configure display settings: Right-click on your desktop and select “Display settings.” This will open the Display settings menu. Under the “Multiple Displays” section, choose “Extend these displays” to enable dual-monitor functionality.
4. Launch the Steam game: Open the Steam client and launch the desired game. By default, Steam games will launch in full-screen mode, spanning across both monitors.
5. Adjust game settings: Within the game’s settings menu, locate the video/display options. Look for a setting that allows you to choose the monitor or display device on which the game should appear. Select the appropriate monitor to play the game on one screen while using the other for other tasks.
By setting up a dual-monitor configuration, you can enjoy an immersive gaming experience on one screen while simultaneously staying productive or keeping an eye on other applications on the second screen.
Keyboard Shortcuts And Hotkeys: Facilitating Non-Full Screen Game Management
Playing a Steam game without full screen can be made more convenient and efficient by utilizing various keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys. These shortcuts allow players to easily navigate the game and perform tasks without constantly switching between the game window and other applications.
Common keyboard shortcuts include using Alt + Tab to switch between the game and other open windows, and Alt + Enter to toggle between full screen and windowed mode. Additionally, pressing the Windows key can bring up the Start menu, allowing quick access to other programs or applications.
In-game hotkeys can also prove useful in managing a non-full screen game. These hotkeys are specific to each game and can vary in functionality. Some common hotkeys allow players to quickly save the game progress, adjust the game’s audio settings, or activate special abilities or features.
Understanding and utilizing these keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys can streamline the gaming experience and enhance productivity. By mastering these shortcuts, players can effortlessly manage a non-full screen Steam game while efficiently accessing other applications or programs simultaneously.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Playing a Steam game in a windowed mode can sometimes come with its own set of challenges. This subheading covers some common issues that users may encounter and provides potential solutions to overcome them.
Sometimes, when attempting to play a Steam game in windowed mode, the game may crash or freeze unexpectedly. This can be frustrating, but there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem.
First, ensure that your graphics card drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can often cause compatibility issues with games, especially when running them in windowed mode. Visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers for your specific graphics card.
If updating the drivers doesn’t solve the problem, try verifying the integrity of the game files through Steam. Right-click on the game in your Steam library, go to Properties, and select the “Local Files” tab. Click on “Verify Integrity of Game Files” to check for any corrupted or missing files.
Another common issue is when the game window doesn’t fit properly on the screen. This can lead to parts of the game being cut off or not displayed correctly. Adjusting the game’s resolution settings within the game itself or through the graphics card control panel can often resolve this problem.
Remember, troubleshooting can be a trial-and-error process, so don’t feel discouraged if the first solution doesn’t work. By following these troubleshooting tips, you’ll be better equipped to overcome any issues that may arise when playing a Steam game in windowed mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I play a Steam game without using the full screen?
Yes, you can. Steam games can be played in a windowed mode, allowing you to resize the game window to your preferred size. This enables you to multitask or have other applications visible while playing.
2. How can I switch a Steam game to windowed mode?
To switch a Steam game to windowed mode, first, launch the game. Then, press Alt + Enter on your keyboard. This key combination will toggle the game between full screen and windowed mode. Additionally, you can usually find the option to switch to windowed mode in the game’s settings or options menu.
3. Is it possible to adjust the window size for a better gaming experience?
Absolutely. Once you have switched a Steam game to windowed mode, you can adjust the window size according to your preferences. Simply click and drag the edges or corners of the game window to resize it. This can be particularly useful for playing on smaller screens or when you want the game window to fit a specific area of your desktop.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, playing a Steam game without full screen is not only possible but can also enhance the overall gaming experience. By following the smart tips and tricks mentioned in this article, such as adjusting the game’s settings, using external software, or utilizing windowed mode, players can fully customize their gaming setup to suit their preferences. Whether it’s for multitasking purposes, streaming, or simply personal preference, these methods allow gamers to play their favorite titles in a windowed mode without compromising on gameplay or immersion.