How to fix the Fullscreen Exclusive is not supported error in MW3

Start supporting Fullscreen Exclusive in MW3 for a better performance.

cod mw3 s1 graphic
Image via Activision

If you’re on PC, you can ensure the best performance in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 using the Fullscreen Exclusive mode. This mode allows MW3 to take full control of your display, reducing input lag. Switching to fullscreen should take seconds, but rare errors can complicate this process.

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The “Fullscreen is not supported because your operating system gives priority to another window” error in CoD MW3 can be frustrating as it prevents players from changing their resolution settings, leaving them stuck in windowed mode alternatives. While the game should still run fine on windowed mode settings, you can increase your performance by a few frames when you switch to fullscreen exclusive.

How do you fix the Fullscreen Exclusive is not supported error in MW3?

A character wields a weapon outside an airport in Modern Warfare 3.
Nothing should prevent you from running MW3 in Fullscreen. Image via Activision

To fix the Fullscreen Exclusive is not supported error in MW3, you should turn off all overlay apps running in the background. Applications like Discord, Overwolf, or other monitoring software often cause this error. Go through your Task Manager and exit out of all the apps that might have such a feature. After doing so, you should be able to run MW3 on full screen.

What causes the Fullscreen Exclusive is not supported error in MW3?

MW3 train
Get these overlays away from here. Image via Activision

Third-party apps that have their own overlays, like Discord, Overwolf, etc., generally cause the Fullscreen Exclusive is not supported error in MW3. These overlays will have a higher priority than MW3, making it impossible for players to select Fullscreen Exclusive for their resolution.

Alternatively, you can open these apps and turn off their overlays from their settings. This can also fix this error since the apps won’t force-run their overlays anymore.


Once you’re back in the game, you can continue completing MW3 Zombies camo challenges or schematics to progress further into the game.

Author
Image of Gökhan Çakır
Gökhan Çakır
Gökhan is a Staff Writer and Fortnite Lead at Dot Esports. Gökhan graduated as an industrial engineer in 2020 and has since been with Dot Esports. As a natural-born gamer, he honed his skills to a professional level in Dota 2. Upon giving up on the Aegis of Champions in 2019, Gökhan started his writing career, covering all things gaming, while his heart remains a lifetime defender of the Ancients.