Steam Launch Options Windowed: 3 Easy Ways to Run This Option

Easily switch to Windowed Mode with our solutions

3 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

TheWindowed Modefeature in Steam allows users to run some legacy games on their computer, which otherwise won’t launch. It is also helpful in playing certain games with high system requirements on a low-end PC.

Besides, it helps eliminate a range of errors. But not allSteam gamescan be opened as easily inWindowed Mode. Each may require a unique method, so you must know them all. Let’s find out!

Why should I run Steam games in Windowed Mode?

Here are a few reasons why many prefer playing games inWindowed Mode:

How do I launch Steam games in Windowed Mode?

1. Modify game settings

If the Steam game doesn’t switch toWindowed Modeimmediately, restart it for the changes to come into effect. Remember, not every game offers a built-in option to switch between display modes, so you may have to try the next method.

2. Change Steam launch parameters

If the Steam game doesn’t have a built-in setting to enableWindowed Mode, you can modify the launch options. Though, this, too, has been found to fail at times.

3. Change shortcut target

If the previous methods didn’t work, another way to open Steam games inWindowed Modeis to change theTargetfield for the shortcut.

And while you are at it, do not forget to check the best ways toboost gaming performance in Windows.

Tell us which method worked for you and the game you were trying to play in Windowed Mode. In case none worked, it’s likely that the developers didn’t add the functionality, and the game can’t run that way.

Steam Launch Options Windowed: 3 Easy Ways to Run This Option#

Why should I run Steam games in Windowed Mode?#

How do I launch Steam games in Windowed Mode?#

1. Modify game settings#

2. Change Steam launch parameters#

3. Change shortcut target#