Input Lag Checklist

Windows 8 You get input lag because DWM has its own vsync and I like it a lot since it doesn't make the mouse lag so much compared to fullscreen + vsync.

Least input lag: Fullscreen < Windowed/Borderless < Vsync :Most input lag

This is to disable desktop composition in windows 8 and 8.1.

This does not apply to: Fullscreen users (not windowed borderless) Other operating systems (Desktop composition is a lot easier to disable in other operating systems)

Use Process Explorer and run it as Administrator

Do the following steps in order:

KILL explorer.exe

SUSPEND winlogon.exe [This is so you can do the next step without it re-opening automatically]

KILL dwm.exe [This is what you don't want to be running, it's the desktop windows manager and has desktop composition. this gets in the way]

RUN explorer.exe [File > Run... in Process Explorer, allows opengl to be used and basic OS navigations excluding metro start menu]

RESUME winlogon.exe when you want dwm.exe back (or restart) [You may have to kill explorer again and suspend winlogon.exe again to get it to be resumeable]

The benefit to doing this is a dramatic reduction in cursor latency. The downfall is the start menu goes to black and can't be used at all.

This has actually become very safe and easier to do. Now I really do recommend it to anyone on Windows 8 / 8.1