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Mugen, a popular 2D fighting game engine, often runs in full-screen mode by default. While full-screen mode enhances gameplay immersion, some users prefer windowed mode for easier multitasking, better performance, or compatibility with their display settings.
This guide explains how to exit full-screen mode in Mugen, adjust settings for permanent windowed mode, troubleshoot common issues, and explore alternative solutions for better control over screen settings.
Understanding Full-Screen Mode in Mugen
Mugen supports both full-screen and windowed modes, with the default behavior depending on its configuration file (mugen.cfg). The way Mugen handles screen modes varies slightly between different versions:
- WinMugen: Older version that defaults to full-screen mode and requires manual adjustments to switch.
- Mugen 1.0 & Mugen 1.1: More advanced versions with better resolution scaling and windowed mode support.
- Mugen HD/Custom Builds: Some customized versions may have forced full-screen settings depending on the modifications applied.
By default, pressing Alt + Enter toggles between full-screen and windowed mode, but if this shortcut does not work, manual settings adjustments may be needed.
How to Exit Full Screen in Mugen (Step-by-Step Methods)
If your Mugen is stuck in full-screen mode, use one of the following methods to switch back to windowed mode.
1. Use the Default Keyboard Shortcut
- Press
Alt + Enter
on your keyboard. - This should toggle Mugen between full-screen and windowed mode.
- If this does not work, try pressing F4 to refresh the display mode.
2. Modify Mugen’s Configuration File (mugen.cfg)
If the keyboard shortcut does not work, manually change the settings in Mugen’s configuration file:
- Go to the Mugen installation folder.
- Open the “data” folder and locate the file named mugen.cfg.
- Open mugen.cfg using Notepad or any text editor.
- Find the line that says:FullScreen = 1
- Change
1
to0
, so it reads:FullScreen = 0 - Save the file and restart Mugen. It should now launch in windowed mode.
3. Use Windows Shortcuts to Force Windowed Mode
If Mugen does not respond to in-game commands, try system-level shortcuts:
- Press
Ctrl + Alt + Delete
and open Task Manager. Then return to the game. This sometimes forces Mugen into windowed mode. - Use
Alt + Tab
to switch between applications. If Mugen minimizes, reopen it—it may launch in a resized windowed state.
4. Check Compatibility Mode in Windows
Sometimes, Windows compatibility settings affect how Mugen handles display modes. Adjusting these settings may fix full-screen issues:
- Right-click on Mugen.exe and select Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check “Disable Full-Screen Optimizations.”
- Click Apply, then restart Mugen.
If none of these methods work, consider troubleshooting deeper issues related to your display settings or system compatibility.
Troubleshooting Full-Screen Issues in Mugen
If Mugen does not exit full-screen mode properly, you may encounter black screens, crashes, or resolution problems. Here’s how to fix common issues:
- Mugen won’t exit full-screen mode when pressing Alt + Enter.The full-screen toggle may be disabled in mugen.cfg. Manually edit the configuration file as explained earlier.
- The game screen goes black when switching from full-screen to windowed mode.Try adjusting resolution settings in
mugen.cfg
. Change:GameWidth = 1280
GameHeight = 720to a lower resolution like:
GameWidth = 800
GameHeight = 600Restart Mugen after making changes.
- Mugen crashes when switching between full-screen and windowed mode.
This may be caused by incorrect refresh rates. Ensure your display settings match your monitor’s supported resolution. - Input lag or performance drops after exiting full-screen mode.Enable VSync in the settings to stabilize performance. Find this setting in
mugen.cfg
:RenderMode = OpenGL
If the problem persists, switch to DirectX mode instead.
- Resolution scaling issues after exiting full screen.Try running Mugen with compatibility mode enabled or adjusting your system’s DPI scaling settings in Windows.
Customizing Mugen for a Better Windowed Experience
To permanently set Mugen to windowed mode and optimize display settings, follow these recommendations:
- Set Mugen to always launch in windowed mode by keeping
FullScreen = 0
inmugen.cfg
. - Adjust window size manually using the
GameWidth
andGameHeight
settings. - Enable borderless window mode using software like Borderless Gaming to improve performance.
- Increase FPS stability by ensuring VSync is enabled and using OpenGL mode instead of DirectX.
Making these adjustments prevents future full-screen issues and enhances the overall gameplay experience.
Alternative Solutions and Workarounds
If Mugen does not exit full-screen mode properly, consider alternative approaches:
- Use third-party software like DxWnd to force Mugen into a resizable window.
- Modify launch parameters to set Mugen in windowed mode from startup. Some users achieve this by creating a shortcut with launch options such as:mugen.exe -windowed
- Try running Mugen in a virtual machine to gain more control over display settings.
These workarounds provide additional flexibility, especially for custom Mugen builds that override standard display settings.
Conclusion
Mugen’s full-screen mode is designed for immersive gameplay but may cause issues for users who prefer windowed mode. By using keyboard shortcuts, modifying configuration settings, and troubleshooting common problems, you can easily exit full screen and improve your overall experience.
For users needing more control, third-party software and custom resolution settings provide additional flexibility. Whether you’re adjusting Mugen for casual play, competitive gaming, or streaming, these methods ensure seamless screen management.
If you have any additional questions or experiences with Mugen’s full-screen settings, share your thoughts in the comments.
Related Questions & Additional Considerations
Can I Change the Full-Screen Toggle Shortcut in Mugen?
Mugen does not allow direct modification of keyboard shortcuts, but you can use external key remapping software to assign a different shortcut to Alt + Enter
.
Does Mugen’s Full-Screen Mode Affect FPS and Performance?
Yes, full-screen mode may cause frame drops if your resolution settings are too high. Running Mugen in windowed or borderless mode can help maintain a stable FPS.
How Does Mugen’s Display System Compare to Other Fighting Game Engines?
Unlike modern game engines, Mugen has limited built-in resolution scaling. It relies heavily on manual configuration through mugen.cfg
to optimize display settings.
Can Mugen Be Used for Streaming in Windowed Mode?
Yes, running Mugen in windowed mode with OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) ensures better control over streaming settings, especially for custom screen resolutions.