How to Change Monitor Refresh Rate on Windows?

Many manufacturers equip their devices with high refresh rate monitors. That allows users to enjoy a smoother image and experience higher FPS in games. The funny thing is that many monitors or computers with high refresh rate support out of the box use the standard 60Hz rate. That means some customers do not even know their devices can run at higher Hz (such as 90, 120, 144, or higher). If you have just bought a computer or monitor that supports a high refresh rate, this article will show you how to change monitor refresh rate in Windows 10/11.

Keep in mind that a high refresh rate is not something you can install as a regular app. Although you can overclock monitors from 60Hz to more impressive 75Hz or even higher, you cannot switch from 60 to 120Hz if the manufacturer does not allow that.

Important. Before you start, check your monitor’s settings. Almost all manufacturers allow changing the monitor refresh rate regardless of the operating system or connected device.

Change Monitor Refresh Rate in Windows 10

Changing the monitor refresh rate in Windows 10 may vary depending on what GPU you use. Intel, Nvidia, and AMD offer dedicated software for managing GPU-related settings, including refresh rate. To make this article appealing to all users, we will show you a universal guide. It will work regardless of your GPU or iGPU.

Begin with launching the Windows Settings app. You can do that by pressing the Win + X buttons. Alternatively, you can use any other preferred way to open the Settings application.
Navigate to System > Display.
Scroll down a little and locate the “Advanced display settings” link.
If you use more than one monitor, select the one you need in a Choose display section.
Next, scroll down and find the Refresh Rate option.
Pick the option you want from the list.

Some options may not be available in the Settings app. If the needed refresh rate is missing, do the following to increase the refresh rate on a monitor in Windows 10:

In the “Advanced display settings” section, find the “Display adapter properties” link and click it. That will open the old UI for managing your monitor and GPU.
On the Adapter tab, click the List All Modes button.
Select the optimal resolution and the refresh rate.
Click OK to save changes.
Go back to the Windows Settings app and select the new refresh rate in the drop-down list.

How to Increase the Refresh Rate on Monitor in Windows 11?

Changing the refresh rate in Windows 11 is similar to Windows 10. The only difference is that Windows 11 has a redesigned Settings app with some rearranged sections.

Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
Go to System > Display.
Alternatively, right-click anywhere on the desktop and select Display Settings.
Click Advanced Display.
Select the needed monitor (if you use more than one) and then find the “Choose a refresh rate” option.
Pick the needed refresh rate in the list.

Important. If you own a tablet with a high refresh rate screen, such as Surface Pro 8 or similar, you should remember that a higher refresh rate drains the battery significantly faster. Many users reduce refresh rates to preserve battery life.

And that is how to change a monitor refresh rate in Windows 10 and 11.

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Cyril Kardashevsky

I enjoy technology and developing websites. Since 2012 I'm running a few of my own websites, and share useful content on gadgets, PC administration and website promotion.

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