Other windows are stuttering when tabbed out of borderless game

Addressing Stuttering Issues When Switching Tabs During Borderless Window Gaming

Many gamers prefer the borderless windowed (also known as borderless fullscreen) mode for its seamless transition between gameplay and other applications. However, a common concern among users is experiencing stuttering or lag when switching out of a game into other programs, such as a web browser with a video playing. This can significantly impact the overall gaming experience, especially during moments requiring multitasking.

Understanding the Issue

When running games in borderless windowed mode, the game is technically still running on your desktop alongside other applications. While this mode offers the convenience of quick task switching and a more integrated display, it can sometimes lead to performance hiccups like stuttering upon tabbing out.

The specific scenario described involves audio-visual stuttering in ongoing videos or applications when the focus shifts away from the game window. This issue not only affects immersion but can also be a sign of underlying system or configuration problems.

Causes of Stuttering During Tab Switching

Several factors can contribute to this problem, including:

Hardware Limitations: Insufficient processing power or RAM can cause resource contention.
Graphics Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers may impair performance.
Background Processes: Other applications running in the background might be consuming system resources.
Game or System Settings: Certain display, power management, or performance settings may interfere with smooth operation.
Operating System Behavior: Windows or other OS factors managing window focus and resource allocation can cause stuttering.

Troubleshooting and Solutions

If you are experiencing such stuttering issues, consider the following steps:

Update Your Graphics Drivers: Ensure that your graphics card drivers are current. Manufacturers regularly release updates that improve compatibility and performance.
Optimize Power Settings: Set your PC’s power plan to ‘High Performance’ to prevent it from throttling resources when multitasking.
Close Unnecessary Background Applications: Shut down applications that may be consuming excessive resources, especially those involving media playback or resource-intensive tasks.
Adjust Game and System Settings:
Reduce in-game graphics settings to lessen the load on your GPU.
Disable any V-Sync or frame rate caps that may conflict with tab switching.
Check for Windows Updates: Keeping your operating system updated can resolve known bugs and improve overall stability.
Test Different Modes: If persistent issues persist, try switching between windowed, borderless, and