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Change the refresh rate for a display
- Open Start > Settings > System > Display > Advanced display.
- If more than one display is connected, select the screen you want to change in the display selector.
- Under Choose a refresh rate, select one of the listed rates.
- After choosing a rate marked with an asterisk, check the resolution shown for the display. Microsoft says an asterisk indicates that the rate does not support the current resolution; selecting it changes the resolution to achieve that rate.
Refresh rate is how many times per second a display image refreshes. For example, Microsoft says a 60 Hz display updates 60 times per second. The available choices depend on the selected display’s capabilities. Microsoft’s Windows refresh-rate instructions cover Windows 11 and Windows 10.
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Why a refresh rate you want may be missing
Windows presents the rates supported by the selected display, so the list can differ between screens. With multiple monitors, make sure you selected the intended one in Advanced display before checking its options. Microsoft’s multiple-monitor guidance explains how to manage connected displays.
If the desired rate is absent, the available information does not establish a single fix that applies to every setup. The key check is whether the display supports that rate at the resolution you want; Windows cannot offer a rate the selected display does not support.
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Choose a rate with motion, resolution, and battery life in mind
A higher available rate may make motion feel smoother during activities such as gaming, browsing, or inking. A lower rate may save battery power on a portable device. These are conditional benefits, not guarantees for every screen or task. Also check whether a starred option changes the resolution, since the rate and resolution may not be available together.
When to use Dynamic Refresh Rate
Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR), when supported, adjusts the refresh rate based on activity. Microsoft describes it as a way to support smoother behavior for tasks such as gaming, browsing, or inking while reducing power use when those activities are not underway.
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DRR requires a display that supports variable refresh rate (VRR) and a refresh rate of at least 120 Hz. If available, its toggle appears in Settings > System > Display > Advanced display. Microsoft says DRR should not affect games designed for VRR, but it can limit the maximum refresh rate of other games. If a game seems to run at a lower rate with DRR enabled, turn DRR off and check again.
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The resolution changed after selecting a rate
Check whether the selected rate had an asterisk. Microsoft uses that mark for a rate that does not support the current resolution; Windows changes the resolution when you select it to achieve the rate.
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- Wide viewing angle: Get consistent views across a wide 178° /178° viewing angle.
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Video playback stalls or repeatedly starts and stops
Microsoft notes that different refresh rates across monitors can cause video playback to stall or repeatedly start and stop. If this happens with multiple displays, adjust their refresh rates so they use the same rate. See Microsoft’s video playback settings guidance.
A game seems limited to a lower refresh rate
If DRR is enabled, switch it off in Advanced display and see whether the game’s refresh rate improves. Microsoft identifies disabling DRR as a mitigation for games that are not designed for VRR and appear limited by the feature.
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