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On Windows, open Settings > System > Display > Advanced display, select your gaming monitor, and check its current refresh rate. Under Choose a refresh rate, select the highest rate available at the resolution you want. If the rate you expect is missing, check the monitor, connection, and graphics configuration before trying custom modes.
Check the monitor’s current refresh rate in Windows
- Open Start > Settings > System > Display > Advanced display. These steps apply to Windows 11 and Windows 10; Windows 11 is the priority for a currently supported Windows release because Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft’s refresh-rate instructions cover both versions.
- If more than one display is connected, choose the gaming monitor from the display selector.
- Read the selected display’s information for its resolution and refresh rate. Hz (hertz) describes how many times per second the screen refreshes: a 60 Hz display refreshes 60 times per second.
This is the rate Windows has selected for the display. A game’s output and a variable refresh rate (VRR) display’s changing behavior are related, but they are not the same setting.
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Set the highest available rate at your preferred resolution
In Advanced display, open Choose a refresh rate and select the highest listed rate that keeps the resolution you want. Windows lists modes exposed by the monitor and the current system configuration, so the menu may not include every rate associated with the monitor’s headline specification.
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Other ways to choose a listed rate
- AMD: Open Display Settings > Advanced Display Settings > Display Adapter Properties > Monitor, choose an available value under Screen Refresh Rate, and apply it. See AMD’s display refresh-rate instructions.
- NVIDIA: Open NVIDIA Control Panel > Display > Change resolution, select the display, and choose an available rate. Options depend on the connected monitor and system. NVIDIA documents the controls in its resolution and refresh-rate help.
Why a 144 Hz, 165 Hz, or 240 Hz option may be missing
A missing rate does not necessarily mean Windows has a hidden toggle. The available modes depend on the monitor and the computer configuration, including the connection path. Intel’s troubleshooting guidance, last reviewed December 19, 2024, recommends checking these factors:
- Confirm the exact monitor mode. Check the manual or manufacturer specifications for the target resolution-and-refresh-rate combination. A peak refresh rate may apply only at a particular resolution or configuration. Some monitors also require a model-specific setting in their on-screen display (OSD); consult that model’s instructions rather than assuming a universal menu name.
- Check drivers and firmware guidance. Update the graphics driver, using the computer manufacturer’s driver where applicable. Check the display INF and the monitor manufacturer’s firmware guidance; Intel also identifies system BIOS or video BIOS as possible factors. See Intel’s guide to missing display modes.
- Test a direct connection. Temporarily remove a dock, adapter, or converter and connect the display directly to the computer. Third-party components can affect how the graphics system reads the monitor’s EDID (display capability) data, which can change the modes exposed.
- Check the cable and ports. If possible, try another HDMI or DisplayPort cable and verify that the monitor port, graphics port, and complete connection path support the required resolution and refresh rate. Intel notes that lower-quality cables may limit display capability; cable type alone does not establish a universal HDMI-versus-DisplayPort winner. See Intel’s cable and display capability guidance. If replacing a cable, check the manufacturers’ specifications before buying a compatible DisplayPort or HDMI monitor cable.
Check Dynamic Refresh Rate if games appear limited
Windows 11 Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) adjusts the refresh rate based on activity. Microsoft says DRR requires a VRR-capable display and a refresh rate of at least 120 Hz. It also notes that DRR can limit the maximum refresh rate for some games that are not designed for VRR. If that describes the symptom, try turning DRR off in Advanced display and check the game again; see Microsoft’s DRR guidance.
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Be cautious with custom refresh rates
Do not use an above-spec custom timing as a routine way to unlock a monitor’s advertised maximum. NVIDIA offers a custom-resolution test workflow, but warns that custom resolutions, refresh rates, or timings beyond the monitor manufacturer’s advertised specifications may permanently damage the monitor and could affect warranty coverage. Use custom modes only within the monitor manufacturer’s stated capabilities; see NVIDIA’s custom-resolution guidance.
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