Elden Ring, a mesmerizing open-world action RPG developed by FromSoftware, has captivated gamers worldwide since its release. The stunning landscapes, intricate lore, and intense battles draw players into a unique universe. However, playing in fullscreen mode may not always be the most convenient choice for everyone. Whether you want to multitask, stream your gameplay, or simply prefer a windowed format, knowing how to open Elden Ring in windowed mode can enhance your gaming experience. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to set up Elden Ring in windowed mode, along with tips and tricks to make the most of your gameplay.
Understanding Windowed Mode
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand what windowed mode entails. In gaming, windowed mode allows you to run the game in a resizable window rather than filling the entire screen. This feature is beneficial for several reasons:
- Multitasking: You can quickly switch between applications without minimizing the game.
- Streaming: Easier to manage your streaming software alongside your gameplay.
However, not all games inherently support efficient windowed display configurations. Fortunately, Elden Ring offers players various options for windowed mode, provided you know how to access them.
How to Open Elden Ring in Windowed Mode
Regardless of whether you’re playing on PC via Steam, or you are using a console, the steps to enable windowed mode can differ. Here, we’ll explore different methods suitable for PC players and offer insights for console gamers.
Method 1: Adjusting Settings Within the Game
One of the most straightforward methods to enable windowed mode is through the game’s settings menu. Follow these steps:
- Launch the game: Open Elden Ring from your game library.
- Access the main menu: Once the title screen appears, navigate to “Settings.”
- Find the Graphics Option: In the settings menu, look for “Graphics.”
- Select Display Mode: Here, you will find an option labeled “Display Mode.” Click on it to reveal the different options available.
- Choose Windowed Mode: You can select either “Windowed” or “Borderless Windowed” mode as desired.
- Apply Changes: Make sure to confirm your selection and apply the changes before exiting the menu.
This method is applicable for most players, and it’s the easiest way to adjust to windowed settings without any third-party software.
Method 2: Using Launch Options via Steam
If you’re playing Elden Ring through Steam, you can also set specific launch options to enforce windowed mode. This method is particularly useful if you encounter issues adjusting the settings in-game. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open Steam: Launch the Steam client on your computer.
- Go to Library: Locate your library of games, and find Elden Ring.
- Right-click on Elden Ring: From the context menu, select “Properties.”
- Select Launch Options: Click on the “General” tab and find the “Launch Options” section.
- Enter Launch Command: Type in the following command:
-windowedor-borderless. - Close the Properties Window: Save the changes and close the properties window.
- Launch the Game: You can now start Elden Ring, and it will run in windowed mode.
Setting launch options through Steam can be particularly effective, especially if you want to bypass the in-game settings or if they don’t seem to work as expected.
Benefits of Playing in Windowed Mode
Playing in windowed mode has several benefits that can significantly impact your experience. Here are some advantages worth noting:
Enhanced Multitasking
When you’re gaming in windowed mode, you can swiftly switch between the game and other applications. This is highly convenient for players who may need to reference a guide, chat with friends, or engage with social media while gaming.
Simplified Streaming and Recording
For content creators, windowed mode makes it easier to manage streaming software such as OBS Studio or XSplit. This setup allows for smooth transitions between the game and your broadcasting tools, enabling a more professional display.
Visual Customization
Windowed mode allows adjustments in size and resolution. Players can find a balance that offers both comfort and immersion, depending on personal preference and hardware capabilities.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the straightforward methods outlined above, players may encounter issues when attempting to configure Elden Ring in windowed mode. Here are some common challenges and how to address them:
Black Screen Issues
Sometimes, players may experience a black screen after switching to windowed mode. To address this, consider these approaches:
- Update Graphics Drivers: Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date, as outdated drivers can cause display issues.
- Check Compatibility Settings: Right-click on the Elden Ring executable (the .exe file) in your game directory and select “Properties,” then navigate to the “Compatibility” tab. Make adjustments as necessary here.
Game Performance Drops
While playing in windowed mode can enhance multitasking, it may also lead to performance drops if your system is not equipped to handle it. Here are some potential remedies:
Reducing Resolution
Lowering the game’s rendering resolution can often provide a much smoother experience. Go into the graphics settings and adjust the resolution to a lower setting than your desktop resolution.
Adjusting Graphics Quality
Visit the graphics settings menu to tweak the overall quality of textures, shadows, and other graphical features to optimize performance.
Conclusion
Opening Elden Ring in windowed mode is a straightforward process that can enhance your gameplay experience significantly. Whether you’re a casual gamer, a multitasker, or a content creator, windowed mode provides versatility and ease of access that fullscreen cannot match. By following the outlined methods, you can comfortably enjoy immersing yourself in the breathtaking world of Elden Ring without sacrificing productivity or enjoyment. So, whether you choose to navigate the vast Lands Between in windowed or fullscreen mode, remember that your experience is ultimately what you make it. Happy gaming!
What is windowed mode in Elden Ring?
Windowed mode in Elden Ring allows the game to run in a window, rather than taking up the entire screen. This setting can be beneficial for players who want to multitask while playing, as it enables them to switch between applications easily. With windowed mode, you can have other programs, like chat apps or guides, visible alongside the game, providing a more convenient gaming experience.
Additionally, playing in windowed mode can help reduce the strain on your GPU, as it may use less graphical resources compared to fullscreen mode. This can lead to improved performance and potentially higher frame rates on lower-end systems, making it an appealing option for many players.
How do I enable windowed mode in Elden Ring?
To enable windowed mode in Elden Ring, start the game and navigate to the settings menu. Look for the “Display” or “Graphics” options, where you will find the screen mode settings. From there, you can choose “Windowed” or “Borderless Windowed” instead of the default fullscreen option. After selecting your preferred mode, remember to confirm your changes.
If you do not see the option in the game’s settings, you can also edit the configuration file directly. This file, usually located in the game’s installation directory or your user’s AppData folder, contains various settings for your game. Open the file with a text editor, locate the display mode setting, and change it to your desired window mode before saving the changes.
Can I switch to windowed mode while playing?
Yes, you can switch to windowed mode while playing Elden Ring. Typically, you can access the settings menu during gameplay by pressing the appropriate key (like “Esc”) and navigating to the display options. However, switching between modes during gameplay may cause the game to briefly pause or momentarily freeze, depending on your system.
To minimize disruption, it’s generally advisable to set your game to windowed mode before starting your play session. This way, you can fully enjoy your gaming experience without interruptions. If you find the windowed mode isn’t to your liking, you can always revert back to fullscreen in the settings menu.
Does playing in windowed mode affect performance?
Playing in windowed mode can have mixed effects on performance in Elden Ring. For some players, it may lead to improved performance, as it can reduce the workload on a GPU compared to fullscreen mode. This can result in higher frame rates, especially on systems with limited resources. However, this isn’t a universal experience, as it may vary based on your specific hardware setup.
On the other hand, if your system is more capable, the performance difference may be negligible. It ultimately depends on how well your hardware can handle the game in different display modes. If you’re concerned about performance, it’s a good idea to experiment with both modes to see which one works best for you.
Will enabling windowed mode affect my game’s resolution?
Enabling windowed mode in Elden Ring will not automatically change your game’s resolution. The resolution will still be set to whatever you have specified in the settings menu. However, keep in mind that playing in windowed mode may result in seeing black borders if the game’s resolution does not match your monitor’s native resolution.
If you’re experiencing issues with the resolution in windowed mode, you can manually adjust it in the game’s graphics settings. Make sure to set the resolution to one that matches your monitor to reduce any stretching or quality loss, ensuring the best visual experience while playing in a window.
Can I customize the size of the window in windowed mode?
Yes, you can customize the size of the window when playing in windowed mode in Elden Ring. When you select windowed mode from the graphics settings, often, you will also find options related to window size, allowing you to choose from preset resolutions. However, if you’re looking for a specific size, you might need to do this through the configuration file as well.
For a more granular control over window size, simply drag the edges of the game window when it’s in windowed mode. This allows you to resize the window to your preference while maintaining aspect ratio, keeping the gaming experience comfortable as per your preferences.
Is there a way to force windowed mode if the settings don’t work?
If the in-game settings to switch to windowed mode do not function as expected, you can force it by modifying the configuration file. This file can usually be found in the installation folder of Elden Ring or within your user directory under AppData. Open the file with a text editor, search for the display mode setting, and change it directly to “Windowed” or “Borderless Windowed.”
Additionally, you can also use launch options through the game client, such as Steam. Right-click on Elden Ring in your library, select “Properties,” and then in the General tab, enter the appropriate launch command for windowed mode. Such methods provide an alternative approach to bypass any issues you might be encountering in the standard game menu.