If your high-refresh-rate monitor is stuck at 60Hz, first check the refresh rate Windows assigned to the correct display. Then verify the selected resolution and the full connection path—graphics output, cable, any adapter or dock, and monitor input. A 60Hz setting is often a configuration issue, but a component that does not support your target resolution and refresh rate can also make higher-rate options disappear.
1. Select a higher refresh rate in Windows
Microsoft defines 60Hz as 60 screen updates per second. To see and change the rate Windows is using:
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- Open Settings > System > Display > Advanced display.
- If you have more than one screen, choose the affected monitor in the display selector.
- Open the refresh-rate menu and select the desired rate if it is listed.
The page shows the selected display’s current resolution and refresh rate. Windows only lists modes supported by the display, so an expected option missing from the menu calls for checking resolution and the hardware connection. See Microsoft’s guide to changing a monitor’s refresh rate.
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2. Check resolution and starred refresh-rate choices
Refresh-rate availability can depend on the resolution. In Advanced display, check the resolution shown for the selected screen and look for the rate you want at the monitor’s intended or native resolution.
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- QHD Resolution (2560 x 1440) has 1.7 times the pixel density of Full HD for incredibly detailed pinsharp images
- HDR10 provides brighter highlights and nuanced shadow for added depth - making every scene feel more vivid and realistic
- The 180Hz refresh rate minimizes lag for gameplay with ultra-smooth action. Plus, the 1ms response time helps capture your moves in real-time, allowing you to react fast for gaming precision
- AMD FreeSync reduces choppiness, screen lag and image tearing, ensuring that your fast-paced, complex in-game action is stable with minimal stutter
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Microsoft notes that a refresh-rate option marked with an asterisk does not support the current resolution. Choosing it changes the resolution to achieve that rate. If keeping the intended resolution matters, do not treat a starred option as a higher-rate setting at the same resolution.
3. Check the whole connection path
A higher refresh rate at a particular resolution must be supported by every part of the link: the graphics-card output, cable, any adapter or dock, and the monitor input. Check the specifications for those exact ports and the target resolution-and-refresh combination, as well as the monitor’s input or mode settings and manual. Changing the cable alone cannot make a 60Hz-only port or display mode support a higher rate.
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- Adaptive-Sync Support: Get fast refresh rates thanks to the Adaptive-Sync Support (FreeSync Compatible) product that matches the refresh rate of your monitor with your graphics card. The result is a smooth, tear-free experience in gaming and video playback applications.
- Responsive!!: Fast response time of 1ms enhances the experience. No matter the fast-moving action or any dramatic transitions will be all rendered smoothly without the annoying effects of smearing or ghosting. A 120Hz refresh rate speeds up the frames per second to deliver smooth 2D motion scenes in gaming and video.
- 27" Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen IPS Monitor | Adaptive-Sync Support (FreeSync Compatible)
- Refresh Rate: Up to 120Hz | Response Time: 1ms VRB | Brightness: 250 nits | Pixel Pitch: 0.311mm
- DisplayPort: VESA says certified DisplayPort cables support HBR2, capable of 4K at 60Hz, and recommends reputable or certified cables for reliable operation. Higher-bandwidth modes can call for a higher-rated cable. See VESA’s DisplayPort cable guidance and its cable certification program information.
- HDMI: HDMI Licensing Administrator describes different cable types and bandwidths. Its HDMI 2.1b overview associates up to 48Gbps with an Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable; HDMI 2.2 material describes Ultra96 cable support for the highest HDMI 2.2 bandwidth modes. These specifications do not mean that buying a newer cable will solve every 60Hz limit. Check the capabilities of the source port, display input, cable, target mode, and any adapter or dock together. See the Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable overview and HDMI 2.2 specifications.
Do not assume HDMI or DisplayPort always guarantees the higher rate. The actual result depends on the specific device ports, cable, and mode. If the specifications point to the cable as the limit, choose a certified cable rated for the exact connection and target mode; otherwise, replacing it may not help.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems4. Check Dynamic Refresh Rate on Windows 11
On Windows 11, Advanced display may offer a Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) toggle. Microsoft says DRR requires compatible hardware and can limit the maximum refresh rate of some games. If a game appears capped while the desktop setting seems correct, try turning DRR off as a diagnostic, then check the game again. Windows 10 does not support DRR. Microsoft explains the feature and compatibility requirements in its refresh-rate guidance.
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5. Check multiple displays and graphics drivers
Make sure you changed the right screen
With multiple monitors connected, verify the display selector in Advanced display is set to the screen that appears limited. Also check that Windows is using the intended external-display configuration; the selected display and configuration affect the modes shown. Microsoft’s external-monitor troubleshooting guide covers connection checks.
Refresh the graphics driver if modes are still missing
If the desired rates remain absent after checking the display, resolution, and connection chain, get the graphics driver through Windows Update or the support channel for your computer or graphics-card manufacturer. The right driver depends on your system, so there is no universal driver or download for this symptom. Reopen Advanced display after updating and inspect the available modes again.
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- 32 Inch curved 1500R gaming monitor, 240Hz high refresh rate for gameplay
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- Interfaces: HDMI up to 240Hz, DP 1.4 up to 240Hz, Earphone Jack, No speakers built-in. One DP cable comes with the package
- Display Colors: 125% sRGB color gamut, 16.7M display colors, 300 Nits brightness, HDR technology, 3500:1 contrast
- Ergonomic Design: 1500R curved, Tilt: -5°~15°, VESA Compatible (100 x 100mm), 178° Wide Viewing Angle.Recommended distance of playing games in this monitor is about 1.2 meters.
Windows 10 support status
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, according to Microsoft. The steps above describe its display settings as well as Windows 11, but users still on Windows 10 should check Microsoft’s support-status information.
Quick Recap
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- Smooth motion: 240Hz refresh rate and fast 0.5ms response time provide crisp visuals and fluid movement with less input lag.
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