How can I set up Cloud G-SYNC with my GeForce NOW Ultimate Membership?

NVIDIA Cloud G-SYNC is a technology that helps to synchronize the refresh rate of your display with the streaming frame rate from GeForce NOW’s RTX 4080 SuperPODs, reducing screen tearing and stuttering for a smoother cloud gaming experience. Cloud G-SYNC also leverages Reflex streaming technology to minimize latency at any framerate.  You can learn more about enabling low latency competitive streaming mode here.

Here is a detailed guide on how to set up Cloud G-Sync on GeForce NOW.

System Requirements:

• Variable Refresh Rate Display*
  • NVIDIA G-SYNC or G-SYNC compatible monitor
  • FreeSync
  • Apple ProMotion

              * VRR displays with a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz are not currently supported.

• Compatible GPU

• Latest OS/Graphics Drivers
  • Windows 11 version 22H2 or higher is recommended
    • NVIDIA driver R545 or higher is recommended
  • macOS Monterey or higher (macOS 14 Sonoma recommended)
• NVIDIA GeForce NOW Ultimate Membership
• GeForce NOW Windows PC or macOS native app.
  • Version 2.0.59 or later
  • Browser, Mobile, and TV clients are not currently supported.

Setup Steps:

1. Update OS and Drivers

• Windows
  • Windows 11 version 22H2 or higher
• macOS
  • Monterey or higher (macOS 14 Sonoma recommended)
• If your device has a GeForce GPU:
  • NVIDIA driver R545 or higher

2. Connect a Supported Display

• Windows
  • External Displays
    • Connect only (1) VRR display as the primary display. Multi-monitor setups are not supported when using Cloud G-Sync.
    • Use a supported cable. This is usually a DisplayPort cable or a USB-C to DisplayPort cable.  Some displays will also support HDMI 2.1. Check your display user manual for supported G-SYNC or VRR inputs.
    • If you are connecting an external monitor to a notebook computer, make sure to close the lid on your notebook to properly disable the internal display.
  • Built-In Monitors
    • Make sure to disconnect any additional displays. Multi-monitor setups are not supported when using Cloud G-Sync.
• Mac
  • External Displays
    • M2 Pro and newer systems with HDMI 2.1 ports can use VRR with compatible displays.
    • USB-C or Thunderbolt to DisplayPort adapters are recommended for all other compatible Macs, as well as for external displays with HDMI 2.1 ports.

3. Enable G-SYNC or VRR on your Display

• If you are using an external display, you need to enable G-SYNC or VRR mode.
  • Use the display’s menu buttons to turn on G-SYNC or Adaptive Sync. This will vary by display, so refer to your user manual.
  • Setting your display to the highest supported frame rate is recommended (e.g., 120, 144, 240 FPS)

4. Enable G-SYNC or VRR from your Operating System

• Windows:
  • Enable variable refresh rate via NVIDIA Control Panel > right-click Windows Desktop > “NVIDIA Control Panel” > “Enable G-SYNC, G-SYNC Compatible” > select “Full screen mode”.  Also, from the NVIDIA Control Panel > “Manage 3D Settings” > “Vertical Sync” > Select “On”. Note: these options will only appear if your system has supported graphics drivers and VRR capable display connected.

• Mac
  • External Displays
  • Configure display refresh rate via Apple Menu > System Settings > Displays > Refresh Rate and set to “Variable"

• Built-In Displays
  • 14 and 16 inch MacBook Pro systems can use VRR on their built-in displays when the refresh rate is configured as “ProMotion” in System Settings.
  • Configure display refresh rate via Apple Menu > System Settings > Displays > Refresh Rate and set to “ProMotion”.

5. Enable VRR on GeForce NOW app

• Make sure you are running the GeForce NOW Windows or macOS native app (Version 2.0.59.xxx or later)
• Close and reopen the GeForce NOW app then go to Settings > Streaming Quality > Custom and select the following:
  • Frame Rate:                       60, 120, or 240.

• VSync:                                 Adaptive
• VRR display:                      ON

• Reflex:                                ON

6. Launch game on GeForce NOW

• Once you have launched a game, you can verify Cloud G-Sync is enabled by using FPS counters.
  • Enable your display’s built-in FPS counter if available.
  • Enable the GeForce NOW Streaming in-game overlay (Ctrl+N or Cmd + N).
  • Your display FPS counter should roughly match the GeForce NOW FPS game streaming or Game FPS counter.
• Adjust in-game settings (if needed) to enable and maintain a desired framerate.  Additional in-game settings adjustments include:
  • Fullscreen or Exclusive Fullscreen mode
  • Vsync (off)
  • FPS limits (off)
  • Mouse polling rate (>500Hz)
  • Reflex (On or On+Boost)

Tips and Troubleshooting

• If the VRR display setting shows “System unsupported” in the GeForce NOW app, then your system is not configured to meet the minimum system requirements for Cloud G-SYNC. Make sure you verify the following:
  • Make sure you have a GeForce NOW Ultimate membership
  • Make sure you have a supported system and GPU
  • Make sure you download the latest OS/Driver versions
  • Make sure you have VRR or G-SYNC enabled on your monitor
  • Make sure that you have just 1 display connected.

• If the VRR display setting shows “Not detected” in the GeForce NOW app, then your display is configured incorrectly or is unsupported.  Make sure you verify the following:
  • Make sure you have a compatible VRR display.
  • Make sure you have a VRR enabled on your display.
  • Make sure you are using the correct cable and input on your display.

For help setting up other GeForce NOW Ultimate features, please view these other guides:

• Windows https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5223
• macOS https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5225
• SHIELD https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5226
• Android https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5227
• Chromebook https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5397
• Samsung/LG TV https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5410