FreeSync only helps when the whole monitor, GPU and game chain is aligned.
Make sure FreeSync is enabled on the monitor and in the GPU driver, then cap Fortnite’s frame rate a little below your monitor’s refresh rate. Also confirm the game is running in a display mode that actually uses variable refresh correctly on your system. Uncapped FPS, borderless conflicts or the wrong refresh rate in Windows can all leave tearing behind.
When do you see the tearing?
The trigger usually points to the broken link in the chain.
4 ways to get FreeSync working properly
Start with the display chain before you change deep Fortnite settings.
Confirm the monitor refresh rate in Windows and the monitor OSD
Check that Windows is set to your monitor’s intended refresh rate, and open the monitor’s on-screen menu to confirm FreeSync / Adaptive Sync is enabled there too. A monitor can show a high refresh label while still having VRR disabled in the OSD.
Do not assume the monitor menu and Windows are already in sync.
Cap Fortnite FPS slightly below refresh
Set an in-game frame cap a little below your panel’s refresh limit so the GPU does not constantly overshoot the VRR range. This is one of the most reliable ways to reduce visible tearing on FreeSync setups.
An uncapped frame rate can defeat the smoother result you were expecting.
Test fullscreen and borderless separately
Try Fortnite in the display mode that works best with VRR on your system. Some setups behave better in fullscreen, while others are fine in borderless. Test both rather than assuming one mode is universally correct.
Only change one display variable at a time so you can tell what helped.
Update the GPU driver and check VRR in the driver panel
Open the AMD, NVIDIA or Intel control panel and confirm variable refresh is enabled for the display. Then update the graphics driver if needed. If tearing started recently, the driver or monitor profile may have changed after an update.
Driver control-panel settings can override what you think the monitor is doing.
Performance Mode sacrifices visual fidelity for performance. If clean, high-resolution graphics are the priority, use a supported higher-fidelity rendering mode; do not download unofficial texture packs, edits or “ultra graphics” files.
If tearing still shows up
These clues help explain why VRR is not behaving as expected.
Only Fortnite tears, other games do not.
That can point to a game-specific frame cap or display mode issue rather than a dead monitor setting.
Tearing happens above a certain FPS threshold.
That often means your FPS is escaping the monitor’s variable-refresh comfort zone.
The monitor says FreeSync is on, but Windows shows the wrong refresh rate.
Fix the Windows refresh setting first before touching the game again.
V-Sync changes the symptom a lot.
That is another clue that the refresh path—not your hardware power—is the real issue.
Still troubleshooting?
Write down your monitor refresh rate, cable type, GPU and whether tearing appears only in one display mode. That is the key troubleshooting snapshot.
Official help ↗Quick FAQs
Why do I still get tearing with FreeSync on?
Because VRR can fail if Windows uses the wrong refresh rate, the game is uncapped or the display mode does not cooperate.
Should I cap FPS with FreeSync?
Usually yes. A sensible cap often gives smoother, more stable results.
Does borderless affect variable refresh?
It can. Some systems handle VRR differently in fullscreen and borderless modes.
Can a bad cable cause tearing or VRR issues?
Yes. Display capability depends on both the monitor and the connection path.
Should I turn on V-Sync too?
Test carefully. On some setups it helps finish the smoothing chain, but it is not the first thing to change.
Official support sources
- AMD FreeSync Support
- NVIDIA G-SYNC / VRR Support
- Epic Games Help
- Microsoft: Change display refresh rate
Original Walker Bex article. Reviewed October 12, 2026. Follow the current official support guidance if menus or troubleshooting instructions change.