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Disable Multi-Plane Overlay (MPO)
Some Windows systems (especially with NVIDIA/AMD and when using G-Sync/FreeSync) can experience FPS stuttering, flickering/black screens, or overlay issues due to Multi-Plane Overlay (MPO). Disabling MPO forces Windows to use a more classic composition path instead of multi-layer overlay planes, which often helps reduce FPS stuttering, fix flickering issues, and improve stability with overlays like Discord, GeForce Overlay, or Xbox Game Bar.
This solution is safe and can be easily reversed if needed.
0 of 8 steps done
- ⚠️ Registry changes can be sensitive - create a System Restore Point first
- Open Registry Editor: Press Win + R, type regedit, press Enter, click Yes if prompted
- Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Dwm (paste in address bar)
- Create new DWORD: Right-click empty area > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, name it exactly: OverlayTestMode
- Set the value: Double-click OverlayTestMode, type 5 in Value data, click OK
- Restart your PC (important for the change to apply)
- Test your game - play for a while and check if stuttering or flickering improved
- To undo: Go back to the same path, delete OverlayTestMode entry, restart PC
This is a very common fix for stuttering with G-Sync/FreeSync. If you notice any side effects, simply remove OverlayTestMode and reboot.
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