Red Dead Redemption 2 is a masterpiece of gaming that has captured the hearts of players around the world with its immersive storytelling, stunning visuals, and engaging gameplay. However, an issue some players encounter is the game not displaying in full screen.
This technical hiccup can detract from the otherwise seamless experience of exploring the vast American frontier.
In this comprehensive article, we will explore the causes of this problem and offer detailed solutions to get you back in the saddle, fully immersed in the full-screen glory of Red Dead Redemption 2.
Why Is Red Dead Redemption 2 Not Full Screen?
Encountering a problem where Red Dead Redemption 2 doesn’t go full screen can be frustrating. This is often due to various reasons ranging from in-game settings to more complex system-related issues.
Understanding why Red Dead Redemption 2 is not displaying full screen requires a multi-faceted approach, examining everything from the basic settings within the game itself to the configuration of your computer’s hardware and software environment.
In-Game Settings Configuration
The first place to check when troubleshooting full screen issues in Red Dead Redemption 2 is the in-game settings menu. The game offers a range of graphical settings that can be tweaked, including screen modes.
Sometimes, the game might be set to windowed or borderless window mode instead of full screen. This can be simply an oversight or a preference that was set previously and forgotten.
To correct this, you’ll need to navigate to the display settings within the game’s menu. Here you can select the full-screen option. However, the problem may not always be solved this easily, which leads us to explore further potential causes.
Resolution Mismatch
Another common culprit is a resolution mismatch between the game’s settings and your monitor’s native resolution.
If the game is set to a resolution that’s different from your monitor, it can result in the game not fitting the screen properly.
The solution is to ensure that the game’s resolution matches your monitor’s resolution settings.
Graphics Drivers
Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers are a frequent source of display-related issues in PC gaming. If your drivers aren’t up to date, or if they’ve become corrupted, they might not support full screen mode for newer games like Red Dead Redemption 2.
Ensuring that your graphics drivers are updated with the latest version from the manufacturer’s website can often resolve this issue.
Operating System and Compatibility
At times, the operating system may also play a role in this full-screen conundrum. Compatibility mode settings or certain display features in the OS could be interfering with the game’s ability to run in full screen.
Tweaking these settings or ensuring your operating system is up to date can sometimes resolve these conflicts.
Troubleshooting Full Screen Issues in Red Dead Redemption 2
Once you’ve checked the in-game settings and ensured that the game’s resolution matches your monitor, it’s time to delve into some more specific troubleshooting steps.
Each of these steps can address a particular issue that might be causing the full-screen problem.
Checking the Integrity of Game Files
If Red Dead Redemption 2 is still not running in full screen, you may need to verify the integrity of the game files. Corrupted or missing game files can lead to various problems, including display issues.
Most gaming platforms like Steam offer a way to verify and repair game files, ensuring that any corrupted or missing files are replaced.
Updating or Reinstalling Graphics Drivers
As previously mentioned, graphics drivers are a vital part of your gaming setup. They need to be up to date to ensure compatibility and optimal performance with the latest games.
Updating your drivers is a straightforward process, but if problems persist, a complete uninstallation and reinstallation might be necessary to clear out any corrupted files.
Examining Secondary Display Settings
For those who use multiple monitors, sometimes the secondary display settings can interfere with how the game is rendered.
Ensuring that Red Dead Redemption 2 is set to display on the correct monitor, and that it is configured as the primary display, can be crucial.
Additionally, adjusting the scaling options in your display settings can sometimes help the game to fit your screen properly.
Adjusting Compatibility Settings
On some systems, particularly if you are running an older operating system, you may need to adjust the compatibility settings for the game.
This can include running the game in compatibility mode for an earlier version of Windows or adjusting the DPI settings. Sometimes, these compatibility settings can override the game’s ability to enter full screen mode.
Advanced Solutions for Full Screen Issues
If none of the standard fixes work, there are a few advanced solutions that you might consider.
These are typically more involved and may require a deeper understanding of your system’s settings.
Tweaking the Graphics Card Control Panel
Beyond the standard driver update, most graphics cards come with a control panel that allows for fine-tuning of various settings. Accessing this control panel and adjusting the scaling options, as well as other
display-specific settings, can force the game into full screen if in-game settings and standard troubleshooting fail.
Using Third-Party Software
In rare cases, you may need to resort to third-party software solutions that can force games into full screen mode.
These programs can sometimes bypass limitations or issues that are not resolved through standard settings and troubleshooting methods.
Custom Resolution Utility
For the tech-savvy, tools like the Custom Resolution Utility (CRU) allow you to define custom resolutions and refresh rates for your monitor.
This can be particularly useful if the game is not supporting your monitor’s native resolution or if you are experiencing screen tearing or other refresh rate-related issues.
System Restore or Reinstallation
As a last resort, if the issue began after a recent system change or update, a system restore could roll back these changes and potentially resolve the full-screen issue.
In the most extreme cases, reinstalling the operating system might be necessary if the problem is deeply rooted in the system files or settings.
Conclusion
Red Dead Redemption 2 not running in full screen can be due to a multitude of factors, from simple in-game settings to more complex system-related issues.
Through the comprehensive steps provided above, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the issue, ensuring a full-screen experience that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the rich world of this gaming masterpiece.
Remember, while it can be a nuisance when technical issues like these arise, the solutions are often within reach with a little patience and troubleshooting.
