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Difference between revisions of "Glossary:Windowed"

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(→‎DxWnd: Add info on setting DxWnd to run on startup in the tray)
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'''Key points'''
 
'''Key points'''
{{ii}} Often toggled with {{key|Alt|Enter}} but for many games it has to be enabled manually.
+
{{ii}} Can often be toggled with {{key|Alt|Enter}} in supported games.
{{++}} Easy multi-tasking.
+
{{++}} Windowed mode keeps custom color profiles in use for games.
{{++}} Can usually be modified to work as a [[Glossary:Borderless fullscreen windowed|borderless fullscreen windowed]] mode.
+
{{++}} Seamless task switching with no risk of crashes or freezes with a minor loss in performance.
{{--}} Some games do not have a native windowed mode.
+
{{++}} Eliminates screen tearing on Windows due to Vsync being applied over any windows by default.<ref>[https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/b367a457.aspx Microsoft Developer Network - Double Buffered Graphics]</ref>
 +
{{--}} Some games do not have a native windowed mode; specific workarounds may be required.
 +
{{--}} Games using Mantle don't work with AMD CrossFire while running in windowed mode.<ref>[https://community.amd.com/thread/180730 Why does CrossFire still not work in windowed mode | Community]</ref>
 +
{{--}} Windows 10 v1703 ("Creators Update") or later is required for [[Glossary:High dynamic range (HDR)|HDR]] output inside a window
  
 
==Windows==
 
==Windows==
===[http://games.softpedia.com/get/Tools/3D-Analyze.shtml 3DAnalyze]===
+
===DxWnd===
{{++}} 3DAnalyze has many features alongside a forced windowed mode.
+
{{++}} Actively developed and supported, includes many configuration options.
 +
{{++}} Great for Win 95/98 like games such as StarCraft, Diablo, and Quake; many presets are included.
 +
{{++}} Automatically applies any configurations while the program is running.
 +
{{ii}} For games that require launching through Uplay, or Steam, the games need to be started through those programs while having DxWnd open in order for windowed mode to work. You can set DxWnd to run in the system tray on system startup to avoid having to launch it manually.
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Using DxWnd|ref={{cn|date=December 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Open '''[https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxwnd/ DxWnd]''', click on '''Edit''', then '''Add'''.
 +
# Type in a name, and browse for the .exe file path.
 +
# Set the preferred coordinates, size, and monitor if needed.
 +
# Specify the DirectX version if it's not automatically detected.
 +
# Also refer to DxWnd's help menu to read about the documentation.
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} DxWnd can be set up to automatically run in the tray on system startup to avoid having to launch it manually every time you need it.
 +
# Place a shortcut to <code>dxwnd.exe</code> in the Start Menu's <code>Startup</code> folder.
 +
# Right-click the shortcut and click '''Properties'''.
 +
# In the '''Properties''' window that opens, in the '''Shortcut''' tab, change '''Target''' by adding <code> /T</code> to the end of the text in the field. The resulting field should look something like <code>"<path-to-DxWnd>\dxwnd.exe" /T</code>. The <code>/T</code> parameter launches DxWnd in the system tray.
 +
}}
  
{{Fixbox|1=
+
===3D-Analyze===
{{Fixbox/fix|Instructions|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}}}
+
{{++}} Includes simple option to force windowed mode.
* Under '''Performance''', '''DirectX 8.1 and 9.0''' tick the <code>Force windowed mode</code> checkbox located at the end.
+
{{ii}} DirectX 8.1 and 9.0 supported; compatibility is not well documented.
 +
 
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Using 3D-Analyze|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Open '''[http://www.tommti-systems.de/go.html?http://www.tommti-systems.de/main-Dateien/files.html 3D-Analyze]'''.
 +
# Select the game's .exe file.
 +
# Enable '''Force windowed mode''' and run the game.
 
}}
 
}}
  
===[http://www.fileplanet.com/198137/190000/fileinfo/D3DWindower-English-version/ D3DWindower]===
+
===D3DWindower===
{{ii}} D3DWindower has to be run with admin rights on. See [[Windows Compatibility Mode#Privilege Level|Privilege Level]].
+
{{++}} Allows to store multiple configurations at once.
{{++}} Allows to have and use multiple configurations at once.
+
{{--}} Cumbersome to use, has fewer configuration options.
 +
{{--}} Not maintained, may not work with some games.
  
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Using D3DWindower|ref=<ref>[http://forum.xentax.com/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=10242 XeNTaX • View topic - So, I fully translated D3DWindower...]</ref>|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Instructions|ref=<ref>[http://forum.xentax.com/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=10242 XeNTaX • View topic - So, I fully translated D3DWindower...]</ref>}}
+
# Run '''[https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/733-d3dwindower-english/ D3DWindower]''' as administrator.
# Extract '''D3DWindower''' anywhere, then run <code>D3DWindower.exe</code>
+
# Click on '''Add Program''' and open the game's .exe file.
# Click the third button '''Add Program''', select the game's executable, go to '''Program Options''' (the gear icon).
+
# Select the game and click on '''Settings'''.
 
# In the '''DLL''' field find <code>D3dHook.dll</code> from the source folder and add it.
 
# In the '''DLL''' field find <code>D3dHook.dll</code> from the source folder and add it.
# Use the fifth button, '''Run Program''' to start the game, or double click on it.
+
# Click on '''Run Program''' or double-click on it.
 
 
'''Notes'''
 
<!-- to reword
 
{{ii}} Activating the emulation is not needed. Running the game directly through the launcher will work.
 
{{ii}} Activating the emulation is not necessary as long as the DLL's path is specified. -->
 
{{ii}} Run any borderless applications before running '''D3Dwindower''' or else the game will crash.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
===[http://sourceforge.net/projects/dxwnd/ DxWnd]===
+
===[[Special K]]===
{{++}} Great for Win95/98 like games such as StarCraft, Diablo and Quake. Many presets are already included.
+
{{Fixbox|description=See [[Special_K#Windowed|Special K > Windowed]] for instructions.}}
{{++}} DxWnd will automatically apply any configurations while open, by simply opening the desired game.
 
{{--}} Slightly unintuitive interface, the in-game performance might get worse.
 
<!--
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Importing existing configurations|ref={{cn|{{subst:DATE}}}}}}
 
# Under '''File''', choose '''Import'''.
 
# {{key|Right Click}}.
 
# Change the game's '''Path'''.
 
}}
 
-->
 
 
 
==Mouse locking==
 
{{ii}} Certain games do not lock the mouse inside the actual window, this can result in some rather annoying behaviour on multiple screens.
 
 
 
===[http://www.snakebytestudios.com/projects/apps/cursor-lock/ Cursor Lock]===
 
{{ii}} Utility program that locks the cursor to window borders or whole screen.
 
{{++}} Locks only when window is focused, doesn't interfere with task switching.
 
{{++}} Allows creating custom shortcuts for automatic cursor locking.
 
{{++}} Ability to open one program and lock another to support launchers.
 
 
 
===[http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/26-clip-cursor-including-source Clip Cursor]===
 
{{ii}} Small utility that allows locking the cursor to any currently open windows.
 
{{--}} Program doesn't see windows that were opened subsequently.
 
  
===[https://github.com/Codeusa/Borderless-Gaming Borderless Gaming]===
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==[[Glossary:Mouse locking|Mouse locking]]==
{{ii}} Open source and simple to use application.
+
{{ii}} ''See the [[Glossary:Mouse locking|glossary page]] for potential workarounds.''
{{++}} Features hotkeys for locking or hiding the mouse cursor.
 
{{--}} Lacks automatic mouse lock during game focus.
 
{{--}} Default hotkey may not work on some systems.
 
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}

Revision as of 04:48, 23 August 2019

This page is a stub: it lacks content and/or basic article components. You can help to expand this page by adding an image or additional information.

For a list of games, see List of games that support windowed.


Key points

Can often be toggled with Alt+ Enter in supported games.
Windowed mode keeps custom color profiles in use for games.
Seamless task switching with no risk of crashes or freezes with a minor loss in performance.
Eliminates screen tearing on Windows due to Vsync being applied over any windows by default.[1]
Some games do not have a native windowed mode; specific workarounds may be required.
Games using Mantle don't work with AMD CrossFire while running in windowed mode.[2]
Windows 10 v1703 ("Creators Update") or later is required for HDR output inside a window

Windows

DxWnd

Actively developed and supported, includes many configuration options.
Great for Win 95/98 like games such as StarCraft, Diablo, and Quake; many presets are included.
Automatically applies any configurations while the program is running.
For games that require launching through Uplay, or Steam, the games need to be started through those programs while having DxWnd open in order for windowed mode to work. You can set DxWnd to run in the system tray on system startup to avoid having to launch it manually.
Using DxWnd[citation needed]
  1. Open DxWnd, click on Edit, then Add.
  2. Type in a name, and browse for the .exe file path.
  3. Set the preferred coordinates, size, and monitor if needed.
  4. Specify the DirectX version if it's not automatically detected.
  5. Also refer to DxWnd's help menu to read about the documentation.

Notes

DxWnd can be set up to automatically run in the tray on system startup to avoid having to launch it manually every time you need it.
  1. Place a shortcut to dxwnd.exe in the Start Menu's Startup folder.
  2. Right-click the shortcut and click Properties.
  3. In the Properties window that opens, in the Shortcut tab, change Target by adding /T to the end of the text in the field. The resulting field should look something like "<path-to-DxWnd>\dxwnd.exe" /T. The /T parameter launches DxWnd in the system tray.

3D-Analyze

Includes simple option to force windowed mode.
DirectX 8.1 and 9.0 supported; compatibility is not well documented.
Using 3D-Analyze[citation needed]
  1. Open 3D-Analyze.
  2. Select the game's .exe file.
  3. Enable Force windowed mode and run the game.

D3DWindower

Allows to store multiple configurations at once.
Cumbersome to use, has fewer configuration options.
Not maintained, may not work with some games.
Using D3DWindower[3]
  1. Run D3DWindower as administrator.
  2. Click on Add Program and open the game's .exe file.
  3. Select the game and click on Settings.
  4. In the DLL field find D3dHook.dll from the source folder and add it.
  5. Click on Run Program or double-click on it.

Special K

See Special K > Windowed for instructions.

Mouse locking

See the glossary page for potential workarounds.


References