Undoubtedly, PC gaming depends heavily on the Refresh Rate. The higher the refresh rate of your monitor, the more FPS (expressed in frames per second) you will get. The refresh rate is measured in Hertz (Hz). E.g. If you have a 144Hz monitor, then the maximum FPS you can get is 144. Yes, you can overclock the monitor’s refresh rate, but it isn’t recommended. Refresh Rate defines how many times an image appears on the screen per second. So the faster the image refreshes, the better the viewing experience will be. Oppositely, if the refresh rate is on the lower side, then the viewing experience will not be that good. And, FPS lower than 30 also can cause headaches and eye strain. So, it’s a good idea to check and change the Refresh Rate on Windows 11 PC/Laptop.
By default, after Windows 11 installation, it automatically configures optimal display resolution and the refresh rate. However, if you’re experiencing flickering or lag, even on a high refresh rate monitor. Then you have to manually change the refresh rate. There are numerous ways to change the monitor refresh rate on Windows 11. And, in this article, you”ll get to know all the methods.
Prerequisites.
- A Monitor with an adjustable refresh rate. (75Hz, 144Hz, 240Hz Monitor.)
- Latest Graphics Card Driver with Driver Software.
- Or, Updated Monitor Driver with Monitor OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) App.
- Latest Version of Windows 11.
Only buying a high refresh rate monitor will not optimize your gaming experience. This means, that apart from a high refresh rate monitor, a graphic card and other hardware components are also equally required.
How to Check Monitor Refresh Rate.
If you want to find out how much refresh rate your monitor does support. Then, you can simply search for your Monitor or Laptop model number on the manufacturer’s website. Or, to find out the current monitor refresh rate, you can use either use an FPS program. Or, you can use the Windows 11 settings app to find out. However, if you’re wondering “What is my refresh rate?”, then use the UFO Test website. This site changes or refreshes some images to find out your monitor’s current refresh rate.
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Change Monitor Refresh Rate on Windows 11
The refresh rate of the Monitor or Laptop Display can be controlled by using a couple of ways. For example – by using onboard chip software, Windows 11 settings, Monitor OEM App, Graphics Card Software, or by the monitor itself. If you’re using a PC, then OEM App or Monitor settings will be a better way for you. Laptop users can use Graphics Card software or Windows 11 settings.
Method 1: Use Windows Settings App
Let’s start with the universal method to check or change refresh on Windows. There are two ways to choose a refresh rate on Windows 11 and Windows 10 PC/Laptop.
For Windows 11 Users.
- Do right-click anywhere on the desktop and click “Display settings”.
(Alternatively, open the Windows 11 Settings App. Click on System > Display.)
- Scroll down and click on the “Advanced Display” option under the related settings section.
- You will now see a “Choose a refresh rate” option. Click on the drop-down menu and select the higher refresh rate possible. I am using a 75Hz monitor, so the higher I can go is 74.97Hz.
- The screen will go black for a second and a popup will appear for confirmation. Click on Keep Changes.
- If you click on revert, the refresh rate will back to the default.
For Windows 10 Users.
Windows 10 users will not get the “Choose a refresh rate” option. So, here are the steps for Windows 10 users.
- Open the Windows 11 Settings App. (Press Windows + I) Click on System > Display. You can also check our Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts List for more shortcuts.
- Scroll down and click on the “Advanced Display” option under the related settings section.
- You will now see all your connected monitors. Click on “Display adapter properties for Display 1”.
- Monitor and Graphics Card Adapter properties window will now appear. Click on Monitor.
- You will now find the screen refresh rate option. From it, you can select your monitor refresh rate. Once you select, click on Apply > OK.
Method 2: Use Monitor OEM Software
These days, almost all new monitors with a 60Hz screen refresh rate do support a 75Hz refresh rate. But, you need either an NVIDIA Graphics Card with G-Sync or an AMD Graphics card with FreeSync. If you have that, then this method will help you to increase the refresh of your monitor. Yes, if the Windows 11 settings App is showing only a 60Hz refresh rate, then you can overclock it. Also, some monitor manufacturer companies offer software to Change the Refresh Rate.
Enable G-Sync/FreeSync using Monitor Software.
Most of the monitors come with pre-installed software to manage their settings. Although, you can download monitor control software from the manufacturer’s site. E.g. – I am using LG 22MP68VQ Monitor, and LG offers an On Screen Control Software with it. And, with it, I can increase response time and enable G-Sync for NVIDIA Graphics Card.
So, download software for your Monitor from its manufacturer’s site and change these settings. After increasing response time and G-Sync, the Windows 11 settings app will show me more refresh rate options.
Method 3: Use NVIDIA Control Panel
If you’re using an NVIDIA Graphics Card and your monitor is connected to it via HDMI. Or, you have a dedicated NVIDIA GPU on your laptop. Then, with NVIDIA Control Panel App you can easily change resolution and refresh rate. The refresh rate will depend on the resolution you have selected. But, first, make sure the GPU driver is up-to-date. Because the NVIDIA Control Panel app comes with a GPU Driver.
- First, search for the NVIDIA Control Panel App in Windows 11. Alternatively, from the system tray by clicking on the NVIDIA icon, you can open NVIDIA Control Panel.
- Once the NVIDIA Control Panel app gets open, click on Display to expand it. And, click on “Change resolution”.
- Now, you can choose the resolution and refresh rate according to it. And, click on Apply.
- Don’t choose an incorrect resolution and refresh rate. Although, if things get messed up, then click on “Restore Defaults”.
Method 4: Intel HD Graphics Control Panel
If your laptop doesn’t have a discrete graphics card but has Intel Integrated Graphics. Then, still, with the Intel Control Panel, you can change the resolution and refresh rate in Windows 11.
- Click on the Intel Graphics Icon from the system tray. And, click on Graphics Properties.
- Intel HD Graphics Control Panel will open, click on Display.
- Now, in basic display settings, you will get the option to change the refresh rate.
- If the laptop is older then you will be able to switch between 40 to 60 Hz only.
You can also manage external displays through this Intel Control Panel.
Summing-up
So these are the methods to change a Windows computer’s refresh rate. You can either use the Window settings app. Or, you can install your monitor OEM software. Yes, NVIDIA Control Panel and Intel HD Graphics Control software can also change the refresh rates. There are some third-party apps and tools also available to change monitor FPS. But, it will be better if you use default Windows settings or your graphics card driver software. Let us know in the comment section if you know about any other method.