Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFor smoother motion, set the PS5 game preset to Performance Mode; for higher graphic quality, choose Resolution Mode. Then check that your display and game support the resolution, refresh rate, HDR, and VRR options you enable. Start with Automatic resolution and HDR set to “On When Supported,” and adjust from there.
Choose between smoother motion and higher graphic quality
Open Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets. Choose Performance Mode if smoother motion matters most, or Resolution Mode if you prefer higher graphic quality. Sony describes the choice as making motion smoother or getting higher graphic quality (Sony’s guide to PS5 game presets).
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This is a default for PS5 games that offer the two modes, not a guarantee that every game will respond in the same way. Some games also provide a mode preference in their own settings menu; use that menu if you want to adjust an individual game. The preset alone does not promise a particular frame rate or image result.
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Check resolution and the connected display
Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output. The PS5 detects the connected display’s capabilities and selects the highest available resolution. On this screen, review Current Video Output Signal and the connected HDMI device details to confirm what the console is sending.
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Leave resolution on Automatic as a practical starting point. If your display supports 1440p, the PS5 can test SDR and HDR, 60 Hz and 120 Hz, and VRR output. Selecting 1440p is an option rather than a universal upgrade: the available result depends on the display and the content. See Sony’s PS5 resolution and video-output guide for the console’s current output options.
Set HDR to match your screen and content
Use HDR only with a display that supports it, then open Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Adjust HDR and follow the on-screen calibration. The adjustment helps tune brightness for your display and room.
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For the HDR setting, On When Supported is the sensible starting choice if you want non-HDR games and apps to remain in SDR. Always On converts non-HDR games and apps to HDR output; that may not look preferable on every display or with every piece of content.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Enable 120 Hz, VRR, and ALLM only when supported
These options depend on both the game and the connected screen. A console setting cannot add support that the game or display does not have.
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- 120 Hz Output: Enable it when your display and the game support 120 Hz. Check your TV’s specifications and the PS5’s Current Video Output Signal rather than assuming the setting guarantees 120 Hz in every game.
- VRR: Enable Variable Refresh Rate for compatible games and displays. Sony notes that results vary by TV. The option Apply to Unsupported Games may help stabilize frame rate, but switch it off if a game behaves unexpectedly.
- ALLM: On a compatible TV, Auto Low Latency Mode can switch the television to a low-latency mode during play. VRR output can trigger low-latency behavior even when ALLM is set to Off. To fully disable ALLM, Sony says VRR must also be off.
These settings are in Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output; the available options depend on the connected device. Refer to Sony’s video-output support page for compatibility details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Fix flicker or missing 4K/120 Hz output
If the screen flickers at 4K
In Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output, try Video Transfer Rate at -1 or -2. These settings limit some output formats, which can help with flicker but may also rule out higher-bandwidth combinations, including some 4K/120 Hz and color-format options. Return the setting to Automatic if the limitation costs you an output option you want.
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If 4K/120 Hz is unavailable
- Confirm that the TV supports the resolution and refresh rate, and check whether its firmware needs an update.
- Use the TV’s HDMI port intended for the required high-bandwidth format; capabilities can differ between ports.
- Connect the console directly to the TV while troubleshooting, rather than through a receiver or other device.
- Check the PS5 resolution and Video Transfer Rate settings.
- Use the HDMI cable bundled with the console or an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable rated for the expected output. A replacement is only relevant if the existing cable or setup does not support the output you are trying to use.
Sony’s resolution and video-output troubleshooting guidance covers supported output and connection checks.
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- Enjoy precise, comfortable control over 10,000+ supported Steam games.
- Easily pair the controller directly to your Windows PC via Bluetooth or play as you charge with the included USB Type-C cable
- Stay paired with up to four different Bluetooth devices, making it easy to enjoy the controller across Windows PC, Mac, PS5 consoles and smartphones. Discover more connection tips and tricks at playstation.com/pair-dualsense
- Access the latest available controller firmware directly from your PC with the free-todownload PlayStation Accessories app
- Play games streamed from your PS5 or PS4 console to your PC via the PS Remote Play App
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