Check If Your Laptop Runs at 144Hz in Windows

This guide shows you how to verify that your laptop’s display is actually running at 144Hz in Windows, not just that it’s capable of it. You’ll check the current refresh rate in Windows settings, confirm your graphics driver supports it, and ensure the right cable or connection is used. No special tools are needed—just your laptop and a few minutes.

What You’ll Need

• Your Windows laptop (Windows 10 or Windows 11)
• If using an external monitor, the correct cable (DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0+, or USB-C with DP Alt Mode) and an adapter if needed
• Admin access to the laptop (for driver updates, if needed)

Step-by-Step

1. Open Display Settings. Right-click on your desktop and select Display settings. Alternatively, go to Settings > System > Display.
2. Scroll down to Advanced display settings. In the Display settings window, scroll down and click Advanced display settings (Windows 10) or Advanced display (Windows 11).
3. Check the refresh rate. Under the Refresh rate drop-down, you’ll see the current value. If it shows 144 Hz, your laptop is already running at 144Hz. If it shows 60 Hz or another value, continue to the next step.
4. Change the refresh rate (if needed). Click the drop-down and select 144 Hz. If 144 Hz is not listed, your display may not support it, or the driver/cable may be limiting it. If you don’t see it, skip to the Troubleshooting section.
5. Confirm the change. Windows will ask if you want to keep the changes. Click Keep changes if the screen looks correct. If the screen goes black or looks wrong, wait a few seconds—Windows will revert automatically.
6. Verify the change. After applying, go back to Advanced display settings and confirm the refresh rate now shows 144 Hz.
7. Check the actual refresh rate (optional). For a more accurate check, use a website like testufo.com (a browser-based refresh rate test). It will show a moving UFO and display the measured refresh rate. If it shows 144 Hz, you’re good.

Common Mistakes

• Confusing the panel’s native rate with the current rate. The laptop’s screen may be 144Hz capable, but Windows might be set to 60Hz by default. Always check the actual setting.
• Using the wrong cable for an external monitor. A standard HDMI cable may not support 144Hz at higher resolutions. Use DisplayPort or a high-speed HDMI cable (rated for 144Hz) and ensure the port on your laptop supports it.
• Not updating the graphics driver. An outdated driver may not expose the 144Hz option. Always keep your GPU driver up to date.
• Assuming all laptops have 144Hz panels. Many laptops, especially budget or office models, have 60Hz screens. Check your laptop’s specifications if you’re unsure.

Tips

• If you’re using an external monitor, check the monitor’s own menu (OSD) to see its current refresh rate—it’s often shown in the settings.
• In Windows 11, you can also go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display to see the refresh rate for each connected display.
• For gaming, ensure your game’s settings also allow 144Hz—some games have their own frame rate limiter.
• If your laptop has a hybrid graphics setup (integrated + dedicated GPU), make sure the dedicated GPU is being used for the display, especially when gaming.

Troubleshooting

144Hz is not listed in the drop-down. This usually means one of the following:

• Your laptop’s panel doesn’t support 144Hz. Check the manufacturer’s specs. If it’s a 60Hz panel, you can’t force it to 144Hz.
• Driver issue. Update your graphics driver. Go to the GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest driver for your model.
• Cable or port limitation (external monitor). Try a different cable, preferably DisplayPort or a high-speed HDMI. Also, try a different port on your laptop—some USB-C ports may not support display output.
• Resolution too high. At 4K, some connections may only support 60Hz. Try lowering the resolution to see if 144Hz becomes available.

After selecting 144Hz, the screen goes black or flickers. This is usually a temporary issue. Windows will revert after 15 seconds if you don’t confirm. If it persists, try a lower refresh rate (e.g., 120Hz) or check your cable/connection.

The refresh rate shows 144Hz in settings, but games still feel laggy. Check your game’s settings—some games have a frame rate cap. Also, ensure your laptop is plugged in; many laptops reduce performance on battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my laptop screen is 144Hz?

Check the manufacturer’s specifications for your laptop model. You can also look in Windows Display settings under Advanced display—if 144Hz is listed, your screen supports it.

Can I make my 60Hz laptop screen run at 144Hz?

No, the refresh rate is a hardware limitation of the screen. If the panel is 60Hz, it cannot display 144Hz. You would need an external monitor that supports 144Hz.

Why does my laptop show 144Hz but feels like 60Hz?

This could be due to a low frame rate in your application, not the refresh rate. Also, check if your laptop is using the integrated GPU instead of the dedicated one—this can cause lower performance.

Does HDMI support 144Hz?

Yes, but only if the HDMI version supports it. HDMI 2.0 can do 144Hz at 1080p, but for 1440p or 4K, you’ll need HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort. Check your laptop’s HDMI version.

How do I check my refresh rate without going into settings?

You can use an online tool like testufo.com, which will display your current refresh rate. You can also use the Windows key + P to open projection settings, but that doesn’t show refresh rate.

Is 144Hz worth it on a laptop?

For gaming and fast-paced content, yes—it makes motion smoother and reduces input lag. For everyday productivity, the difference is less noticeable.

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