Change Windows 10 Monitor Refresh Rate Settings

Yes. In Windows 10, open Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings, select the monitor if needed, then choose a refresh rate under Refresh rate or Choose a refresh rate. The available choices depend on the monitor, connection, graphics hardware, and display mode.

What Refresh Rate Means

Refresh rate is how many times a display updates its image each second, measured in hertz (Hz). A 60 Hz monitor refreshes 60 times per second; a 144 Hz monitor can refresh up to 144 times per second when configured to do so. A higher rate can make cursor movement, scrolling, and supported games look smoother, particularly when the computer can produce enough frames to take advantage of it.

Refresh rate is not the same as resolution or frame rate. Resolution describes the number of pixels in the image. Frame rate describes how many new images a computer or game produces per second. The display’s refresh rate is its update capacity. For example, a 144 Hz screen can still show a game running at 60 frames per second; it does not make the computer render 144 frames by itself.

Change the Setting in Windows 10

Right-click an empty area of the desktop and choose Display settings, or open Start > Settings > System > Display.
If more than one monitor is connected, select the display you want to change. Use Identify if you are unsure which numbered display corresponds to which physical screen.
Scroll down and select Advanced display settings.
Choose the correct display from the selector, if one appears. Then select Display adapter properties for Display for that monitor.
In the properties window, open the Monitor tab. Choose a rate from Screen refresh rate, select Apply, and confirm the change if the picture remains visible.

Some Windows 10 builds show a direct Refresh rate or Choose a refresh rate control on the Advanced display page. If it is present, select the rate there instead of opening adapter properties. Menu wording and layout can vary slightly with Windows updates and graphics drivers.

Choose a Suitable Rate

Start with a rate supported by both the monitor and the current display mode. If you are uncertain, use the monitor’s recommended setting or the highest option Windows lists for that display. More is not automatically better: a higher rate can use more power, and some laptop screens or external displays have different supported rates at different resolutions.

60 Hz: A common choice for everyday desktop work, video, and displays that do not support higher rates.
75 Hz or above: May provide smoother movement than 60 Hz when the monitor and connection support it.
120 Hz, 144 Hz, or higher: Often useful for responsive-feeling motion and gaming, provided the display is configured for the rate and the computer can deliver suitable frame rates.

These are examples, not guarantees that every screen offers those choices. Check the monitor’s specifications or manual for its supported combinations of resolution and refresh rate. A rate that appears in Windows may not be appropriate for every display; avoid selecting an unfamiliar mode just to experiment. If the picture becomes unusable after applying a change, Windows may revert it after a short confirmation period. Otherwise, reconnect the display or use a known supported mode.

Why a Higher Rate May Not Appear

Windows can offer only modes made available by the connected display and graphics system. A missing option does not necessarily mean Windows has a setting hidden somewhere. Common causes include:

Connection limits: The cable, adapter, dock, or port may limit the resolution and refresh-rate combinations available. Check the specifications for the exact devices and connection path.
Resolution: Some displays support higher refresh rates only at particular resolutions. Check the monitor documentation and test a supported resolution before concluding that a rate is unavailable.
Driver or detection issue: An outdated, incomplete, or faulty graphics driver can prevent Windows from listing the expected modes. Update or reinstall the appropriate driver using Windows Update or the computer or graphics hardware maker’s support resources.
Monitor configuration: Some screens require a setting in their on-screen menu to enable a higher-rate mode. Consult the monitor manual rather than guessing at menu options.
Multiple displays: Each screen has its own capabilities. Make sure you selected the intended monitor before changing the rate.

For troubleshooting, connect the monitor directly to the computer where practical, bypassing a dock or adapter temporarily. Then check the display’s resolution, Windows’ advanced display page, and the manufacturer’s specifications. If the expected rate still does not appear, investigate the driver and connection limits instead of forcing an unsupported custom mode.

Refresh Rate, Gaming, and Power

For games, set a rate the display supports and consider the game’s own frame-rate limit and graphics settings. A higher refresh rate can make motion feel smoother, but the benefit depends on the content and how consistently the system renders frames. Synchronization features and game settings may affect whether the display shows tearing or uneven motion; those are separate controls from Windows’ refresh-rate selection.

On a laptop, a higher refresh rate can increase energy use and reduce battery life, although the effect varies by device and workload. If battery runtime matters, choose a lower supported rate when unplugged, if Windows or the device provides that option. For ordinary office work, there is no need to raise the rate unless you prefer the motion or have a particular application that benefits from it.

Common Problems and Safe Checks

If the screen flickers, goes black, or displays an “out of range” message after a change, wait for Windows’ confirmation prompt to time out so it can restore the previous setting. If the image does not return, restart the computer and check the cable and monitor input. You can also reconnect a different display or start Windows using recovery options if ordinary startup is impossible.

When a setting seems to have no effect, verify the active rate again in Advanced display settings and check the monitor’s own information display, if available. Make sure you changed the intended screen and that an application is not independently limiting its frame rate. Also distinguish a refresh-rate setting from a game’s frames-per-second counter: they measure related but different things.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check my monitor’s current refresh rate in Windows 10?
Open Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings and select the monitor. Windows shows its display information, including the active refresh rate, though the exact layout varies by build.

Why is my 144 Hz option missing?
The selected display, resolution, cable, adapter, dock, port, or graphics driver may not expose that mode. Check the supported modes for the full connection chain and try a supported resolution or direct connection.

Can I use a refresh rate higher than my monitor’s rating?
No. Choose a mode the monitor supports. Do not assume that a rate shown by a third-party utility is safe or supported; consult the display documentation.

Does changing refresh rate increase game FPS?
No. It changes how often the display can update, not how many frames the game renders. Game performance depends on the computer and the game’s settings.

Will a higher refresh rate improve video quality?
It can make interface motion and some content appear smoother, but it does not increase a video’s resolution or restore detail that is not in the source. The result depends on the content and display.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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