How to Fix Fortnite Screen Flickering and Tearing in 2024

Apply our best solutions and get rid of screen flickering, tearing, or freezing issues.

If you’re a Fortnite enthusiast dealing with the frustration of screen flickering and tearing while playing, you’re not alone. These issues can take away from the gaming experience, but the good news is that there are simple solutions to get things running smoothly again.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through easy steps to fix Fortnite screen flickering and tearing, ensuring you can focus on the game without any distracting glitches.

Whether you’re encountering these problems on a Windows device or facing display issues with your monitor, we’ve got you covered with straightforward solutions.

How to Fix Fortnite Screen Flickering and Tearing

Let’s dive into a hassle-free way to enhance your Fortnite gaming sessions.

Switch to DirectX 12

Changing Fortnite’s graphics API to DirectX 12 has proven to be a workaround for the screen flickering issue. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Launch Fortnite and enter the settings menu.
  2. Navigate to the “Video” or “Graphics” settings.
  3. Look for an option related to the graphics API, usually named “DirectX Version.”
  4. Change it from DirectX 11 to DirectX 12.
  5. Apply the changes and restart Fortnite.

Note: If the game hangs on “connecting” after making this switch, download the DX12 software from Microsoft here.

Enable V-Sync

Enabling Vertical Synchronization (V-Sync) can sometimes alleviate screen tearing and flickering issues. Here’s how to enable V-Sync:

  1. Go to the Fortnite settings menu.
  2. Look for the “Video” or “Graphics” settings.
  3. Find the option for V-Sync and toggle it to “On” or “Enabled.”
  4. Save the changes and restart Fortnite to see if the issue persists.

Use Performance Mode

Switching to Performance Mode within Fortnite can help improve stability and reduce screen flickering. Follow these steps:

  1. Launch Fortnite and enter the settings.
  2. Navigate to the “Video” or “Graphics” settings.
  3. Look for an option called “Performance Mode” or something similar.
  4. Enable Performance Mode and apply the changes.
  5. Restart Fortnite to check if the flickering issue persists.

Update Graphics Drivers

Ensuring your graphics drivers are up-to-date is crucial for optimal performance. Follow these steps to update your graphics drivers:

  1. Visit the official website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA or AMD).
  2. Download the latest graphics drivers compatible with your GPU model.
  3. Install the new drivers following the on-screen instructions.
  4. Restart your computer and launch Fortnite to see if the issue is resolved.

Verify Game Files

Corrupted game files can lead to various issues, including screen flickering. Verify and repair your Fortnite game files:

  1. Open the Epic Games Launcher.
  2. Go to the Library section.
  3. Find Fortnite, click the three dots next to it, and select “Verify.”
  4. The launcher will check for and repair any corrupted files.

Delete a Small File

If you’re still experiencing issues, consider intentionally deleting a small file and letting the launcher re-download it. Please note that this solution is a bit more advanced and should be approached with caution. Here’s a general guide:

  1. Identify a small-sized DLL file associated with Fortnite (research or seek community guidance).
  2. Back up the file or note its location.
  3. Delete the file.
  4. Launch Fortnite and let the launcher redownload the missing file.
  5. Check if the flickering issue is resolved.

Disable Fullscreen Optimization

Screen tearing issues in Fortnite may arise from FullScreen Optimization. Follow these steps to disable it:

  1. Right-click on the game’s shortcut or executable file and select “Properties.”
  2. In the Compatibility tab, check the “Disable fullscreen optimizations” option.
  3. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.

Disable Game Mode

Game Mode, while designed to enhance gaming performance, can sometimes contribute to screen tearing. Here’s how to turn it off:

  1. Press Win + I to open Windows Settings.
  2. Navigate to Gaming and toggle off the Game Mode switch.

Change Resolution & Refresh Rate

Incorrect monitor refresh rates or resolutions may cause screen tearing in Fortnite. Adjust these settings with the following steps:

  1. Go to Windows Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings.
  2. Click on Display adapter properties for Display 1.
  3. Under the Adapter tab, click List All Modes and choose a mode suitable for your hardware specifications.
  4. Click OK and then reboot your computer.

Try these solutions one by one, and hopefully, one of them will resolve the screen flickering problem in Fortnite.

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