How do I fix screen tearing in MSFS 2024?

To fix screen tearing in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, match the simulator’s frame delivery to your display: enable V-Sync on a fixed-refresh screen, or enable VRR/G-SYNC/FreeSync and cap FPS just below maximum refresh. Then remove conflicting driver caps, confirm Windows uses the monitor’s intended refresh rate, and retest Frame Generation.

How can I tell if it is really screen tearing?

Screen tearing appears as one or more horizontal splits where different parts of the image show different frames. It is easiest to see while panning the cockpit camera or looking sideways during a low-level flight.

Flashing clouds, unstable shadows and scenery that rapidly changes brightness are flickering problems, not tearing. Stair-stepped wings or crawling edges are aliasing; use our guidance for diagnosing jagged edges and temporal shimmer instead.

Fix MSFS 2024 screen tearing step by step

The reliable fix is to establish one synchronisation method and remove every setting that competes with it.

1. Check the Windows refresh rate. Open Settings > System > Display > Advanced display, select the monitor running MSFS 2024 and confirm it uses the intended refresh rate. A 144 Hz display left at 60 Hz is still a 60 Hz display as far as the simulator is concerned.
2. Enable V-Sync for a fixed-refresh monitor. Turn on V-Sync in the simulator. If MSFS cannot maintain the full refresh rate, select a lower stable frame target where the available settings permit it; otherwise tearing may disappear but uneven frame pacing will remain.
3. Configure VRR on a compatible monitor. Enable G-SYNC or FreeSync in the monitor, GPU driver and Windows where applicable. Cap the final displayed frame rate roughly 2–3 FPS below the monitor’s maximum refresh so output does not repeatedly leave the VRR range.
4. Use only one frame limiter. Do not stack an in-game cap, GPU-driver cap and overlay limiter. Multiple limits can produce erratic pacing and make it difficult to identify which setting controls MSFS.
5. Test without Frame Generation. Frame Generation can push the presented frame rate above the monitor’s VRR ceiling even when the underlying rendered FPS is lower. Disable it, verify that tearing has stopped, then re-enable it and cap the generated output below maximum refresh.
6. Restart and test consistently. After changing the display mode, refresh rate or driver synchronisation, restart MSFS 2024. Test with a steady cockpit pan at the same airport rather than comparing unrelated flights.

Should V-Sync be on or off in MSFS 2024?

V-Sync should be on for a fixed-refresh display, while a VRR display should use G-SYNC or FreeSync with a frame cap and V-Sync acting only as the upper boundary.

The right choice depends on the display rather than a universal on-or-off rule. Our practical V-Sync and VRR setup guide explains the recommended combinations in more detail.

Why does MSFS 2024 still tear with V-Sync enabled?

Persistent tearing usually means V-Sync is being overridden, the wrong refresh rate is active or Frame Generation is exceeding the synchronised range.

• Driver override: A per-game GPU profile can force V-Sync off even though the simulator says it is enabled.
• Inactive VRR: G-SYNC or FreeSync may be enabled in software but disabled in the monitor’s own menu, unsupported by the selected input or inactive in the chosen display mode.
• Competing caps: Driver tools, overlays and the simulator may each be imposing different FPS limits.
• Frame Generation overflow: Generated frames can raise displayed FPS beyond the monitor’s maximum refresh rate.
• Mixed-refresh monitors: Video, hardware monitoring or capture software on a second display can disturb presentation timing on some systems.

For a clean baseline, disable Frame Generation and VRR temporarily, remove external FPS limits and test with in-game V-Sync enabled. If the tear remains, toggle the available windowed or full-screen display mode, restart the simulator and check the GPU’s per-game profile. Our checklist for finding why MSFS ignores V-Sync covers the remaining driver and refresh-rate conflicts.

Why is the V-Sync option greyed out?

A greyed-out V-Sync control usually means another rendering feature or operating mode owns frame presentation. Frame Generation, VR operation and certain display configurations can prevent the simulator from exposing the switch; follow the steps to restore an unavailable V-Sync control rather than repeatedly resetting every graphics option.

How do I stop screen tearing on Xbox or PS5?

On Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and PS5 Pro, enable VRR on both the console and television, then select high-refresh output only when the display supports it correctly.

• Enable the console’s VRR setting and automatic high-refresh output.
• Turn on VRR or adaptive sync for the television’s specific HDMI input.
• Use the television’s game mode and disable motion interpolation, which adds latency without fixing frame synchronisation.
• Restart both the display and console if VRR was enabled while they were already running; the HDMI capability handshake may need to be renewed.

Console versions do not provide PC GPU-driver controls, so driver-profile advice does not apply. If the television lacks VRR, favour the simulator’s more stable output option where one is offered. Tearing across several games points to the display configuration or HDMI connection rather than MSFS 2024 itself.

Can add-ons cause screen tearing?

Add-ons do not normally create the horizontal image split, although demanding aircraft or scenery can lower FPS enough to expose an existing synchronisation problem. We do not recommend deleting the Community folder or reinstalling MSFS as a first response; establish the correct refresh, V-Sync and VRR settings before troubleshooting content.