Changing your monitor’s refresh rate on Windows involves opening Advanced Display settings and selecting a higher available rate from the dropdown menu, as long as your monitor supports it and your cable can carry the required bandwidth. This typically takes effect immediately without needing a restart.
- Advanced Display settings let you select any refresh rate your setup supports.
- Only rates your monitor and cable combination can handle will appear as options.
- Changes apply immediately, with a confirmation prompt to keep or revert.
- GPU control panels offer an alternative path to the same setting.
Step-by-Step: Changing Refresh Rate in Windows
- Right-click the desktop and select Display Settings.
- Scroll down and click “Advanced display.”
- Select the specific monitor if multiple are connected.
- Click the “Choose a refresh rate” dropdown and select your desired rate.
- Confirm the change when prompted, or it will automatically revert after a few seconds if not confirmed.
If Your Desired Rate Doesn’t Appear
If your monitor’s maximum rate, like 144Hz or 240Hz, doesn’t show as an option, check that you’re using a cable rated for that bandwidth, following the connection guidance relevant to checking your monitor’s refresh rate. HDMI 1.4 cables, for example, can’t carry 144Hz at higher resolutions, while DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0+ typically can.
Changing Refresh Rate Through GPU Software
NVIDIA Control Panel’s “Change resolution” section and AMD Software’s Display settings both offer the same refresh rate selection, sometimes with additional options like custom resolutions not available through Windows’ native settings alone.
Does a Higher Refresh Rate Affect Performance?
A higher refresh rate itself doesn’t reduce GPU performance, but displaying smooth motion at that rate requires your GPU to actually produce matching frame rates, following what is a good refresh rate for a gaming monitor.
Should You Always Use the Maximum Rate?
Generally yes for gaming and general use, since a higher refresh rate improves perceived smoothness with no real downside for most content. Some very old software or specific use cases occasionally have quirks with non-standard rates, but this is uncommon with typical 144Hz or 240Hz settings.
Troubleshooting a Refresh Rate That Won’t Stick
If your selected rate reverts unexpectedly, check for outdated GPU drivers, following how to update GPU drivers, since driver issues occasionally cause display settings to reset.
Tip: after changing refresh rate, open a fast-paced game or a refresh rate test website to visually confirm the smoother motion, giving concrete confirmation the change actually applied.
See also how to update GPU drivers, testing from RTINGS, and community setups on r/buildapc, plus GPU control panel guides from TechPowerUp.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my monitor’s refresh rate in Windows?
Go to Settings, System, Display, Advanced Display, and select your desired rate from the “Choose a refresh rate” dropdown.
Why doesn’t my monitor’s maximum refresh rate appear as an option?
Your cable may not support the required bandwidth; confirm you’re using DisplayPort or a sufficiently rated HDMI cable.
Does changing refresh rate require a restart?
No, changes apply immediately, with a brief confirmation prompt to keep or automatically revert the setting.
Should I always use my monitor’s maximum refresh rate?
Generally yes, since higher refresh rates improve perceived smoothness with no real downside for typical use.
