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Freedom251 › Blog › FreeSync

How to Set Up a High-Refresh-Rate Monitor in Windows and Your Game

By Freedom251 Team · · 4 min read

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To use a high-refresh-rate monitor, select its supported refresh rate in Windows, then check the game’s own display and frame-rate settings. Make sure the desired resolution remains selected: some refresh rates are available only at particular resolutions, and the monitor’s advertised maximum may not work with every connection or mode.

What refresh rate changes

Refresh rate is how many times per second a display updates. A 60 Hz display updates 60 times per second, as Microsoft explains. A higher setting can make motion appear smoother, but Windows can select only modes the display supports.

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Identify the monitor you want to configure

If more than one display is connected, confirm which one you intend to change. In Windows, open Settings > System > Display and select Identify to show numbers on the screens. If a connected monitor does not appear, use Detect. Microsoft’s multi-monitor instructions describe these controls.

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For an external monitor, check that its cable is connected to the PC or dock and that Windows detects it. The available modes depend on the monitor and connection; check the monitor documentation and the PC or graphics hardware maker’s port specifications if the rate you expect is missing.

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Select the refresh rate in Windows

Windows 11

  1. Open Start > Settings > System > Display > Advanced display.
  2. If multiple displays are connected, select the intended monitor.
  3. Under Choose a refresh rate, select a supported rate.
  4. Check the resolution shown in Advanced display after applying the setting.

Windows 10

  1. Open Start > Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings.
  2. Choose the intended display from the dropdown.
  3. Select the desired supported refresh rate.

Microsoft’s Windows refresh-rate instructions note that available rates depend on the display. In Windows 11, Advanced display also reports the current resolution and refresh rate, and whether variable refresh rate (VRR) is supported. An asterisk beside a rate means it is not supported at the current resolution; choosing it changes the resolution. Check that resolution afterward.

Microsoft states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Its documented display controls may still be used, but the operating system is no longer supported.

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Check the game separately

The Windows setting controls the desktop display mode; it does not guarantee that every game will use the same resolution, display mode, or frame rate. Open the game’s display, video, or graphics menu and check the available options. Depending on the game, these may include resolution, fullscreen or windowed mode, refresh rate, V-Sync, and an FPS limit. Menu names and options differ, so follow the controls shown by that game rather than assuming a universal path.

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If a game runs below the monitor’s selected rate, check its own frame-rate limit and display mode first. A desktop set to a high refresh rate does not by itself force a game to render frames at that rate.

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Choose adaptive refresh only if your setup supports it

AMD FreeSync

FreeSync requires compatible monitor, graphics hardware, driver, and connection. AMD’s FreeSync guidance recommends installing AMD Software: Adrenalin, enabling FreeSync in the monitor’s on-screen settings, and checking or enabling it in AMD Software under Gaming > Display. AMD lists both DisplayPort and HDMI as possible connections on supported equipment; this does not mean every combination of monitor, GPU, port, and cable supports FreeSync.

AMD recommends enabling V-Sync or capping the frame rate if the game regularly produces more FPS than the display refresh rate and a tear-free image is the goal. The better choice depends on the game and the player’s preferences, so use the game’s controls and check the result.

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Windows 11 Dynamic Refresh Rate

Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) is an adaptive Windows feature, not the same as choosing a fixed maximum refresh rate. Microsoft says DRR requires a VRR-capable screen with a refresh rate of at least 120 Hz. It can limit the maximum refresh rate of some games; if a game appears slower than expected, test with DRR turned off in Advanced display.

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Windowed and borderless games on Windows 11

Optimizations for windowed games applies to compatible DirectX 10 and DirectX 11 games running windowed or borderless. On supported displays, it can enable features including VRR. To check it, open Settings > System > Display > Graphics, adjust the relevant option, and restart the game. Microsoft’s instructions also describe per-app controls to disable the optimization and a performance preference for systems with multiple GPUs.

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Troubleshoot a missing or unexpectedly low refresh rate

  • The expected rate is not listed: Confirm the selected display and resolution, then check the monitor’s supported modes and the PC or graphics hardware’s connection capabilities. Windows lists rates supported by the display.
  • A rate has an asterisk or the resolution changed: That rate is not supported at the current resolution. Choose a supported rate-and-resolution combination.
  • One monitor remains at a lower rate: Select that specific monitor in Advanced display; the setting applies to the selected display.
  • A game seems capped below the desktop rate: Check the game’s own display and FPS-limit settings. On Windows 11, also test with DRR disabled if it is on. For a compatible windowed or borderless DirectX 10/11 game, check the windowed-game optimization and restart the game after changing it.
  • FreeSync or VRR is unavailable: Verify compatibility across the monitor, GPU, driver, and connection. For FreeSync, also confirm it is enabled in the monitor’s on-screen settings and check its status in AMD Software.
  • Game FPS regularly exceeds refresh: If tearing is a problem, AMD recommends trying V-Sync or a frame cap; decide based on how the game looks and feels.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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