How to fix Direct 3D full screen issues in Windows 10/11

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Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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We already know that everyWindows 10update bringsa new series of bugsthat frustrates users. The same is valid for the May 2019 Update.

Microsoft recently confirmed that some ‘Direct3D(D3D) applications and games may fail to enter full-screen mode ondisplayswhere thedisplayorientation has been changed from the default (e.g., a landscapedisplayin portrait mode’.

Microsoftsaysthat its engineers are working on a fix which should be available in June. However, Microsoft recommended users to resort to some temporary solutions to fix the issue.

Steps to fix D3D full-screen issues on Windows 10

1. Run the apps/ games in windowed mode

The first solution is pretty handy and it can quickly solve the issue for you. You can try to run your apps in windowed mode.

However, this feature is not available on some high power games. Luckily, there is also a workaround for thosegames.

You should use asecondary displayto launch suchgames. Keep in mind that thisdisplayshould not be rotated before launching thegame.

This solution may not help too many users because of two obvious reasons. First, you must have a secondarydisplay. Secondly, the method does not work on a previously rotateddisplay.

2. Disable full-screen optimizations

If the above-mentioned solution does not work, you can try a second option. You need to disable Full-Screen optimizations by updating the application’s compatibility settings. Try the following steps to change the settings:

Open the application’s or thegame‘s root folder and look for the main executable file. Now, right click on the .exe file and navigate toProperties » Compatibility tab » Settings » Disable fullscreen optimizations » Apply.

You don’t need to restart your PC now because the settings will be immediately applied.

3. Reboot your system

A third option, that’s not recommended by Microsoft, but which could do the trick is a simple system reboot. Microsoft says the bug only happens on a device where the screen orientation was previously adjusted.

So, if you reboot the computer and don’t make any changes in this regard, thegamesshould launch normally in full screen with no issue whatsoever.

How to fix Direct 3D full screen issues in Windows 10/11#

Steps to fix D3D full-screen issues on Windows 10#

1. Run the apps/ games in windowed mode#

2. Disable full-screen optimizations#

3. Reboot your system#

How to fix Direct 3D full screen issues in Windows 10/11

Steps to fix D3D full-screen issues on Windows 10

1. Run the apps/ games in windowed mode

2. Disable full-screen optimizations

3. Reboot your system