How to Check and Set Monitor Refresh Rate on Your PC
Complexity: Easy | Time: 5 min
Your monitor’s refresh rate determines how many times per second the image on your screen updates. If it is set incorrectly, your display may feel less smooth, especially when gaming or scrolling.
This guide will help you check and set your monitor’s refresh rate correctly for the best performance.
Why Should I Check My Monitor Refresh Rate?
You may need to check your refresh rate if you experience:
• Screen feels less smooth than expected
• Motion appears choppy or laggy
• Monitor not performing as advertised (e.g., 144Hz or 240Hz)
• Issues after connecting a new monitor
• Changes after driver or system updates
These issues are often caused by the refresh rate being set lower than your monitor supports.
Important Notes
• Some monitors require specific cables (e.g., DisplayPort) to reach higher refresh rates
• Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date
• Not all resolutions support the highest refresh rate
• Laptop displays may have fixed refresh rate limits
Steps to Check and Set Refresh Rate
Right-Click on Your Desktop
• Select Display settings
• Open advanced display settings
• Scroll down and click Advanced display
Select the Correct Monitor
• If you have multiple displays, choose the one you want to adjust
Locate the Refresh Rate Setting
• Look for Refresh rate or Choose a refresh rate
• Choose the maximum supported refresh rate (e.g., 144Hz, 165Hz, 240Hz)
• Confirm the selection when prompted and verify the change
Setting Refresh Rate In-Game
Some games use their own display settings and may not match your system configuration.
Open the Game Settings
• Navigate to Graphics or Video Settings
• Set the refresh rate to match your monitor if available
Adjust Limits and Test
• Use Fullscreen or Borderless Fullscreen for best results.
• Ensure FPS is not capped below your monitor’s refresh rate.
• Save changes and confirm smoother gameplay.
What's Next?
After adjusting and checking the monitor's refresh rate, double check everything feels smooth in game and out.
If you need further assistance or have any questions, feel free to reach out for additional support - we're always happy to help!
