Your monitor’s refresh rate controls how many times the screen updates every second. It is measured in Hertz (Hz). For example, a 60Hz monitor refreshes the image 60 times per second, while a 144Hz monitor can refresh it up to 144 times per second.
A higher refresh rate can make everyday Windows use feel smoother, especially when scrolling through webpages, moving windows, watching supported video, or playing games. However, simply owning a high-refresh-rate monitor does not always mean Windows is actually using its maximum refresh rate.
If your new monitor is advertised as 120Hz, 144Hz, 165Hz, 240Hz, or higher, it is worth checking the Windows display settings. Sometimes the system is still set to 60Hz.
The good news is that changing the refresh rate in Windows 11 and Windows 10 is straightforward. You do not need to change complicated settings or install a separate program. You just need to select the correct display and choose an available refresh rate.
Before changing anything, make sure your monitor, cable, and graphics hardware support the refresh rate you want. The available options depend on the capabilities of your complete display setup.
How to Change Monitor Refresh Rate in Windows 11/10
The basic process is similar in Windows 11 and Windows 10, but the Settings layout is slightly different.
Below, you will find separate steps for each version so you can follow the instructions that match your PC.
Change Monitor Refresh Rate in Windows 11
Windows 11 puts the refresh rate option inside the Advanced display section. Here is how to find it.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings
Press Windows + I on your keyboard to open Settings.
You can also right-click the Start button and select Settings. Once Settings opens, select System from the left side of the window.
Step 2: Open Display Settings
Inside System settings, select Display.
This section contains options for your monitor, including display resolution, brightness, scaling, orientation, multiple displays, and HDR.
If you have more than one monitor connected, Windows will show your available displays near the top. This is important because you need to change the refresh rate for the correct monitor.
Step 3: Select the Correct Monitor
If you are using multiple monitors, select the display you want to configure.
Windows normally labels them as Display 1, Display 2, and so on. You can select Identify to make Windows display a number on each physical monitor.
This prevents a common mistake where you change the refresh rate on one screen while expecting another screen to change.
Step 4: Open Advanced Display
Scroll down the Display settings page and select Advanced display.
You will now see information about the selected monitor. Depending on your hardware and Windows version, you may see the monitor name, current resolution, current refresh rate, and other display information.
Look for the Choose a refresh rate setting.
Step 5: Select a Refresh Rate
Select the refresh-rate drop-down menu.
Windows will display the refresh rates supported by the current display configuration. You might see options such as 60Hz, 75Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz, or 165Hz.
Select the refresh rate you want to use.
For example, if your monitor supports 144Hz and Windows offers 144Hz, select 144Hz.
The screen may briefly flicker or go black while Windows applies the new setting. This is usually normal.
Step 6: Confirm the Change
After selecting the new refresh rate, give Windows a moment to apply the setting.
Move your mouse around, scroll through a webpage, or drag a window across the screen. You may notice that motion feels smoother and more responsive, particularly if you increased the refresh rate substantially.
If everything looks normal, you are finished.
Change Monitor Refresh Rate in Windows 10
Windows 10 places the refresh-rate option in a different location, but the process is still simple.
Step 1: Open Settings
Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings.
Select System, then select Display.
You can also right-click an empty area of your desktop and choose Display settings.
Step 2: Choose Your Monitor
If you have multiple displays connected, scroll to the Rearrange your displays section.
Select the monitor whose refresh rate you want to change.
If you are unsure which monitor is which, select Identify. Windows will display a number on each connected screen.
Step 3: Open Advanced Display Settings
Scroll down the Display page and select Advanced display settings.
Windows will display details about the selected monitor.
Select Display adapter properties for Display. The exact wording can vary slightly depending on your Windows configuration.
Step 4: Open the Monitor Tab
A properties window will appear.
Select the Monitor tab.
Look for the Screen refresh rate section. You should see a drop-down menu containing the refresh rates available for your monitor and current display configuration.
Step 5: Select Your Preferred Refresh Rate
Select the refresh-rate menu and choose the setting you want.
For example, if your monitor supports 75Hz, you can change it from 60Hz to 75Hz. If your gaming monitor supports 144Hz, you can select 144Hz when that option is available.
Select Apply to make the change.
Step 6: Keep the New Setting
Windows may temporarily change the display while applying your selection.
If the screen looks correct, select OK to close the properties window.
Your monitor should now operate at the selected refresh rate.
How to Check Your Current Refresh Rate
You can quickly check your current refresh rate through Windows.
In Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display. The current refresh rate will be shown for the selected monitor.
In Windows 10, go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings. You can then view the display information for your selected monitor.
This is useful if you recently purchased a high-refresh-rate monitor and want to make sure Windows is actually using the setting you expect.
What If Your Desired Refresh Rate Is Missing?
Sometimes the refresh rate you expect does not appear in Windows. This does not necessarily mean your monitor is defective.
The first thing to check is your display cable. Different cables and connection standards have different bandwidth capabilities. Depending on your monitor’s resolution and refresh rate, an older cable or connection may prevent higher refresh rates from appearing.
Next, check your graphics driver. An outdated or problematic graphics driver can interfere with available display modes.
You should also confirm the monitor’s specifications. A monitor might support a high refresh rate only at certain resolutions or through a particular input port.
For example, a monitor may support a higher refresh rate through DisplayPort than through an older HDMI connection. The exact limitations depend on the monitor, graphics card, cable, and connection standard.
Check Your Resolution
If a high refresh rate is missing, check your current display resolution.
Go to Settings > System > Display in Windows 11, or Settings > System > Display in Windows 10, and review the Display resolution setting.
Some monitors offer their maximum refresh rate only at specific resolutions. Try selecting the monitor’s recommended resolution and then check the available refresh rates again.
Update Your Graphics Driver
Your graphics driver is another important part of the display chain.
If you use an NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel graphics processor, check for the latest compatible graphics driver through the manufacturer’s supported update method.
After updating the driver, restart Windows and check Advanced display again.
Check the Monitor’s On-Screen Menu
Some monitors have their own on-screen settings that affect high-refresh-rate operation.
Use the buttons or joystick on your monitor to open its on-screen display menu. Check for settings related to gaming, performance, input configuration, or refresh rate.
The available options vary by manufacturer and model, so use the settings recommended for your particular monitor.
Should You Always Use the Highest Refresh Rate?
Not necessarily, although using the highest supported refresh rate is often desirable when your hardware can handle it.
A higher refresh rate can make mouse movement, scrolling, animations, and gaming motion appear smoother. However, the benefits depend on what you are doing and what your computer can output.
For gaming, a higher refresh rate can be particularly useful because the display can show new frames more frequently. Your computer also needs to produce enough frames to take advantage of that refresh rate.
For example, if your monitor is running at 144Hz but a game consistently produces only 40 frames per second, you will not get the full benefit of a 144Hz experience.
For general desktop use, even moving from 60Hz to 75Hz or 100Hz can make the interface feel noticeably smoother.
Dynamic Refresh Rate in Windows 11
Some Windows 11 systems support Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR).
DRR allows Windows to adjust the refresh rate depending on what you are doing. This can help balance smooth motion and power efficiency, particularly on compatible laptops and displays.
To check whether your system supports it, go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display and look at the available refresh-rate options.
If Windows provides a Dynamic option, you can select it when appropriate.
Keep in mind that DRR availability depends on your display, graphics hardware, drivers, and Windows configuration.
What Happens If the Screen Goes Black?
If you select a refresh rate that your display cannot properly handle, Windows generally gives you an opportunity to revert the setting. If the screen becomes unusable, wait for Windows to restore the previous configuration.
If necessary, you can also start Windows using Safe Mode and troubleshoot the display configuration from there.
Before experimenting with unusual display modes, it is better to use refresh rates that Windows specifically lists as available for your monitor.
FAQs
How do I change my monitor from 60Hz to 144Hz?
In Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display, select your monitor, open the refresh-rate menu, and choose 144Hz if it is available.
In Windows 10, go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings > Display adapter properties for Display > Monitor, then select 144Hz under Screen refresh rate.
Why is my 144Hz monitor only showing 60Hz?
Your monitor may be set to 60Hz, or your current cable, connection port, resolution, graphics driver, or hardware configuration may be limiting the available refresh rates.
Check Advanced display first, then verify your cable and monitor specifications.
Does a higher refresh rate improve gaming?
Yes, a higher refresh rate can make gaming motion appear smoother and more responsive, particularly when your PC can produce enough frames to take advantage of it.
Is 120Hz better than 60Hz?
Generally, 120Hz provides smoother motion than 60Hz because the screen can update twice as frequently. Whether you notice a major difference depends on the type of content and your personal preference.
Can I change the refresh rate without changing resolution?
Usually, yes. Windows lets you select available refresh rates separately from the resolution. However, some refresh rates may only be available at certain resolutions.
Does changing refresh rate affect performance?
A higher refresh rate can require your graphics hardware to produce frames at a higher rate, particularly in games. It can therefore affect GPU workload and power consumption, depending on what you are doing.
Why can’t I select 144Hz?
If 144Hz is missing, check whether your monitor supports it at the current resolution. Then check the cable, connection port, graphics driver, and monitor settings.
Can I use different refresh rates on two monitors?
Yes. Windows can generally run multiple monitors at different refresh rates, provided your graphics hardware and display connections support the selected configurations.
Summary
Changing your monitor’s refresh rate in Windows is a simple way to get the display experience you paid for. In Windows 11, open Settings > System > Display > Advanced display and choose the desired refresh rate. In Windows 10, open Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings, access the Display adapter properties, and change the setting under the Monitor tab.
If a higher refresh rate is unavailable, do not immediately assume something is wrong with the monitor. Check the resolution, cable, connection port, graphics driver, monitor specifications, and monitor settings first.
Once everything is configured correctly, using an appropriate refresh rate can give you a noticeably smoother Windows experience, especially when scrolling, moving windows, or playing games.