To check your monitor’s refresh rate on Windows, open Settings, then System, then Display, then Advanced Display, where the current refresh rate is listed directly in Hz for each connected monitor. This takes just a few clicks and works for both built-in laptop screens and external monitors.
- Windows’ Advanced Display settings show the exact current refresh rate.
- Multiple connected monitors are each listed separately with their own rate.
- The displayed rate may be lower than your monitor’s maximum supported rate.
- NVIDIA and AMD control panels also show refresh rate alongside other display settings.
Method 1: Windows Display Settings
- Right-click the desktop and select Display Settings.
- Scroll down and click “Advanced display.”
- Select the specific monitor if you have multiple connected.
- The current refresh rate is listed under “Choose a refresh rate.”
Method 2: NVIDIA Control Panel
If you have an NVIDIA GPU, open the NVIDIA Control Panel, go to “Change resolution,” and the current refresh rate is displayed alongside resolution and color depth options for the selected display.
Method 3: AMD Software
For AMD GPUs, open AMD Software (Adrenalin), navigate to Display settings, and the current refresh rate is shown alongside other display configuration options.
Why the Displayed Rate Might Be Lower Than Expected
If your monitor supports 144Hz but Windows shows 60Hz, the correct rate may not be selected, or your cable or port doesn’t support the higher bandwidth needed. Check that you’re using a cable rated for your monitor’s maximum refresh rate, and confirm the correct rate is selected in the dropdown menu next to the displayed value.
Setting a Higher Refresh Rate
If a higher refresh rate is available but not currently selected, choose it from the “Choose a refresh rate” dropdown in Advanced Display settings, following how to change your monitor’s refresh rate for the full walkthrough.
Does Refresh Rate Matter for Gaming?
Yes, following what is a good refresh rate for a gaming monitor, a higher refresh rate delivers smoother motion, particularly noticeable in fast-paced games, as long as your GPU can produce frame rates matching or exceeding that refresh rate.
Tip: if you recently upgraded to a higher refresh rate monitor and don’t see the option in Windows, confirm your cable supports the required bandwidth, since older or lower-quality cables can silently cap your monitor’s actual performance.
See also how to update GPU drivers and what is a good refresh rate for gaming. Guidance from RTINGS and community setups on r/buildapc, plus benchmark testing from TechPowerUp, confirm this process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I check my monitor’s refresh rate in Windows?
Settings, then System, then Display, then Advanced Display, which lists the current refresh rate in Hz for each connected monitor.
Why does Windows show a lower refresh rate than my monitor supports?
The correct rate may not be selected, or your cable doesn’t support the bandwidth needed for the higher refresh rate.
Can I check refresh rate through my GPU’s software instead?
Yes, both NVIDIA Control Panel and AMD Software display current refresh rate alongside other display settings.
Does a higher refresh rate always mean smoother gaming?
Only if your GPU can produce frame rates matching or exceeding that refresh rate; otherwise the benefit is limited.
