Fixing Screen Tearing On Xbox Series X With Moonlight UWP

Hey everyone! Have you been experiencing some frustrating screen tearing issues on your Xbox Series X after the recent Moonlight UWP update? If so, you're definitely not alone. It's a bummer when something that used to work flawlessly starts acting up, especially when you're trying to enjoy some high-quality game streaming. I've been diving into this issue, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on what's happening and hopefully offer some solutions. Let's break down this screen tearing problem, explore potential fixes, and discuss what we can do to get back to smooth, tear-free gaming on our Xbox Series X consoles. We'll cover everything from the update that caused the problem to the configurations and potential fixes that can get you back in the game. I know how annoying this can be, so let's get right to it!

Understanding the Screen Tearing Problem

Alright, so what exactly is going on with this screen tearing? For those of you who might not be super familiar with the term, screen tearing is a visual artifact that occurs when the display is out of sync with the image signal it's receiving. Basically, your screen is trying to show you two or more frames at the same time, leading to a split-screen effect. It's like your screen is showing parts of multiple images all at once, which can be really distracting and make your gaming experience less enjoyable. In the case of Moonlight UWP, it seems that after version 1.17.8, some users, including ElixZammuto, have started experiencing this issue on their Xbox Series X consoles. They're seeing the top portion of the screen tearing, which is a clear indication of this synchronization problem. Before this update, the streaming was working perfectly fine, which indicates that something in the update has introduced this issue. The user's setup involves streaming at 1440P, 120FPS, with the H.265 encoder. These specs are important, as they help us understand the context of the issue and potential solutions related to the resolution, frame rate, and encoding method used. Screen tearing is caused by the graphics card (or, in this case, the Xbox Series X's GPU) sending a new frame to the display before the previous one has finished being drawn. The display then shows a mix of the old and new frames, leading to the tearing effect. While it's a common problem in gaming, it's particularly noticeable and annoying when it starts happening out of the blue, especially when you're used to a smooth, tear-free experience. When it comes to games, it's essential to have a smooth experience so that you don't miss out on important details, thus ruining the fun and immersion of the game. That's why figuring out how to fix screen tearing on Moonlight UWP is so important for those of us who love to stream our games to our Xbox Series X.

The Impact of the Update

The core of the problem lies with the 1.17.8 update of Moonlight UWP. Before this version, everything was running smoothly for many users. The fact that the screen tearing appeared immediately after the update strongly suggests that something in the new version is causing the problem. This could be due to changes in the frame pacing, how the app handles the display refresh rate, or other internal adjustments that affect how the video stream is rendered. It's a classic case of an update introducing a new bug. Developers often make changes to improve performance, add new features, or fix existing bugs, but sometimes these changes can inadvertently introduce new problems. In this case, it appears the update, while potentially aiming to enhance performance or add features, has, unfortunately, introduced screen tearing. It is crucial for developers to understand the impact of the update, as users rely on a smooth and reliable streaming experience. The specific settings and configurations of the user's setup, such as the 1440P resolution and 120 FPS frame rate, could also be a factor. Higher resolutions and frame rates can put more strain on the system, and any instability in the rendering process can be amplified. The H.265 encoder is another important element. Different encoders can have varying levels of efficiency and compatibility, and a change in how the encoder interacts with the display could potentially contribute to the screen tearing. The user's request for a toggle to use the previous version of the 120fps frame pacing is a practical suggestion. It acknowledges that the older version worked perfectly fine, so reverting or providing an option to use the old pacing could provide an immediate fix. Finding the cause of the problem is the first step in finding a solution. So, let's explore ways to address the screen tearing and restore the smooth gaming experience.

Potential Solutions and Workarounds

Okay, so what can we do to fix this nasty screen tearing issue? Since the problem started after the 1.17.8 update, the ideal solution would be for the developers to release a fix in a future update. But, in the meantime, here are a few potential workarounds and solutions you can try.

Rolling Back to a Previous Version

One of the most immediate solutions, as the user suggested, would be to roll back to the previous version of Moonlight UWP. Unfortunately, this isn't always straightforward on the Xbox Series X, but it might be possible if you still have the previous version installed. If you can find the older version (perhaps through a backup or by redownloading it from a trusted source), try uninstalling the current version and installing the older one. If you can get the older version working, this will immediately resolve the screen tearing and get you back to smooth gaming. Note that you may miss out on any new features or improvements introduced in 1.17.8, but your primary goal is to have a stable streaming experience, and this approach is a quick fix.

Adjusting Streaming Settings

Another approach is to experiment with your streaming settings. While you're streaming at 1440P and 120FPS, these settings are demanding, and small tweaks can sometimes resolve display issues. Try lowering the frame rate to 60 FPS to see if that reduces or eliminates the tearing. If that works, then you know it's a frame-pacing issue. You could also try lowering the resolution to 1080P to see if it helps. If your network and host PC can handle it, you could also experiment with the bitrate of your stream. A higher bitrate provides a higher quality image, but it can also increase the load on the network and the Xbox, potentially exacerbating the screen tearing. The H.265 encoder is known for efficient compression, but it's possible there are compatibility issues with the current Moonlight UWP version. Try using the H.264 encoder to see if that improves the situation. You might experience some visual quality loss, but eliminating screen tearing is worth it.

Check Your Network Connection

A stable and fast network connection is crucial for streaming. Any network congestion or packet loss can cause visual artifacts, including screen tearing. Ensure your Xbox Series X and the host PC are connected via Ethernet cables for a stable connection. Also, make sure that both devices are on a network that can handle the amount of data being transferred. You can use speed test tools to check the upload and download speeds. Also, check for any devices that could be interfering with your network. If you're on Wi-Fi, ensure your router is in a central location, and that your Xbox Series X and PC have a strong signal. If possible, consider upgrading to a faster internet plan to ensure that you are able to have the best streaming experience.

Waiting for a Patch

Ultimately, the best solution will likely come from the developers of Moonlight UWP. If enough users report this issue, they will hopefully release a patch to fix the screen tearing. Keep an eye on the official Moonlight UWP forums, Reddit, or other community channels for updates. You can also report the issue on the Moonlight GitHub page, which will help developers identify the problem and prioritize a fix. Include detailed information about your setup, the exact version of the software, and steps to reproduce the issue. The more details you provide, the better. Developers rely on user feedback to identify and resolve issues. Be patient and understand that developers need time to test and debug before releasing a fix. Keep an eye out for any beta releases or experimental builds, which might include a fix before the official release. Remember to regularly check the Microsoft Store for updates to Moonlight UWP.

Conclusion: Getting Back to Gaming

So there you have it, guys. We've explored the issue of screen tearing in Moonlight UWP on the Xbox Series X, specifically related to the 1.17.8 update. We've talked about what causes screen tearing, why it's happening, and a few things you can try to fix it. While it's super frustrating to have your gaming experience interrupted by visual issues, knowing the root cause and having a few workarounds can make a big difference. Remember, the best thing to do is to report the issue to the developers and wait for a fix. I hope these solutions help you get back to enjoying your game streaming without the annoyance of screen tearing. Happy gaming!

Additional Tips and Considerations

Here are some extra tips and considerations to enhance your troubleshooting and improve your overall streaming experience.

Check Your TV Settings

Sometimes, the issue isn't the app; it could be your TV settings. Make sure your TV's refresh rate is set to match the frame rate of your stream. Many TVs have settings like