How to Set Monitor Refresh Rate in Windows
Short answer: To set the monitor refresh rate in Windows, open Settings, go to System > Display > Advanced display, and choose the highest rate your monitor supports from the drop-down list. This ensures your games run at the intended speed, matching the monitor's capability. For gaming, a higher refresh rate, such as 144Hz or 240Hz, can make motion appear smoother, but the exact rate you can use depends on your monitor and graphics card.
Why the refresh rate matters for gaming
The refresh rate of a monitor is how many times per second the screen updates the image. A higher rate means the display can show more frames in a second, which can make fast motion in games look smoother. If the refresh rate is set lower than the monitor's maximum, you may not see the full benefit of the hardware.
For competitive play, a higher refresh rate can reduce the time between frames, which may help you react to what happens on screen. For large single-player worlds, a higher rate can make panning the camera feel more fluid. The right rate depends on your monitor's specifications and what your graphics card can output.
This article explains how to check and change the refresh rate in Windows, and how to choose the rate that fits your play style. For more on what refresh rate means, see what is a good refresh rate for gaming.
Check what your monitor supports
Before changing the refresh rate, you need to know the maximum rate your monitor supports. This information is usually printed on the monitor's box or in its manual. It is also listed in the product specifications on the manufacturer's website. Common rates for gaming monitors include 144Hz, 165Hz, 240Hz, and 360Hz.
Your graphics card also has a limit. For example, the GeForce RTX 50 Series supports a maximum digital resolution of 4K at 480Hz or 8K at 165Hz with Display Stream Compression. This means the card can drive very high refresh rates, but the monitor must also support that rate. If the monitor is the limiting factor, you can only set a rate up to what the monitor allows.
To find the right balance, match the refresh rate to what your graphics card can deliver in the games you play. If your card can output more frames than the monitor's refresh rate, a higher rate can show those frames. If the card outputs fewer frames, a lower rate may still look fine. For advice on pairing a monitor with a graphics card, see best gaming monitors for pc.
Steps to change the refresh rate in Windows
Windows makes it straightforward to set the refresh rate. Follow these steps:
1. Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings. 2. Scroll down and click Advanced display. 3. Under Choose a display, select the monitor you want to adjust if you have more than one. 4. Next to Choose a refresh rate, select the rate you want from the drop-down list. 5. Click Keep changes when prompted.
The list shows the rates that Windows detects as supported by your monitor and graphics card. If you do not see a rate you expect, check that the cable you are using can carry that rate. For example, a DisplayPort cable may support higher rates than an older HDMI cable. For more on cables, see what displayport version is enough for gaming and what hdmi version is enough for gaming.
Choosing the right rate for your play
The best refresh rate for you depends on the type of games you play and the performance of your graphics card. For fast-paced competitive games, a higher rate like 240Hz can make motion appear smoother and may help you track targets. For slower, story-driven games, a rate of 144Hz is often enough to enjoy a fluid experience.
If your graphics card cannot produce enough frames to match a high refresh rate, you may not see a benefit. For example, a card that outputs around 60 frames per second in a demanding game will not fully use a 240Hz monitor. In that case, a 144Hz monitor may be a better match. To see what graphics card fits your resolution, check what gpu is enough for 1440p gaming or what gpu is enough for 4k gaming.
You can also enable variable refresh rate features like G-SYNC or FreeSync, which let the monitor adjust its rate to match the frames your card outputs. This can reduce screen tearing without needing to lock the rate. For more, see how to enable gsync freesync on gaming pc.
Troubleshooting refresh rate issues
If the refresh rate you want is not available in the drop-down list, there are a few things to check. First, make sure your graphics drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can limit the rates Windows detects. For steps, see how to update graphics drivers.
Second, check the cable. A cable that does not support the bandwidth needed for a high refresh rate can prevent the option from appearing. For example, a DisplayPort 1.2 cable may not carry 1440p at 240Hz, while a DisplayPort 1.4 cable can. Use the cable that came with the monitor or one that matches the monitor's specifications.
Third, if you are using a multi-monitor setup, make sure you are changing the rate for the correct display. Windows shows each monitor separately in the Advanced display settings. For more on setting up multiple monitors, see how to set up dual monitors.
What to pick for your play
The table below summarizes what refresh rate to set based on your gaming style and the monitor you have. The guides linked in the table can help you choose a monitor that matches your needs.
| Play style | Recommended refresh rate | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive shooters | 240Hz or higher | Higher rates can reduce motion blur and help you react faster. |
| Mixed gaming | 144Hz to 165Hz | A good balance for most games, offering smooth motion without needing the fastest card. |
| Story-driven games | 60Hz to 144Hz | Lower rates are fine for slower games, but a higher rate still feels smoother. |
| 4K gaming | 60Hz to 144Hz | 4K at high refresh rates requires a powerful card; choose a rate your card can handle. |
What to pick for your play
| If you | Pick | Buying guide |
|---|---|---|
| You play competitive shooters and want the smoothest motion | A monitor with a 240Hz or higher refresh rate | Best 240Hz Gaming Monitors in 2026: Picks by Stated Specs |
| You play a mix of games and want a balance of smoothness and value | A 144Hz or 165Hz monitor | Best 1440p Gaming Monitor in 2026: Picks by Stated Specs |
| You play at 1080p and want high refresh rates without a high-end card | A 1080p monitor with a 144Hz or 165Hz refresh rate | Best 1080p Gaming PCs in 2026: Picks by Stated Specs |
| You play at 4K and prioritize resolution over refresh rate | A 4K monitor with a 60Hz to 144Hz refresh rate | Best 4K Gaming Monitors in 2026: Picks by Stated Specs |
Questions
How do I find the refresh rate of my monitor in Windows?
Open Settings, go to System > Display > Advanced display, and look under Choose a refresh rate. The current rate is shown there.
Why is my monitor stuck at 60Hz?
The refresh rate may be limited by the cable, the graphics driver, or the monitor's settings. Check that the cable supports the rate, update your drivers, and ensure the monitor's on-screen menu is set to its highest rate.
Can I set a refresh rate higher than my monitor supports?
No, the refresh rate is limited by the monitor's hardware. Windows only shows rates the monitor and graphics card support. Setting a rate higher than the monitor's maximum can cause display issues.
Does a higher refresh rate affect game performance?
A higher refresh rate does not increase the frames your graphics card produces, but it can show more frames if the card can output them. If the card cannot keep up, you may not see a benefit.
What is the difference between refresh rate and frame rate?
Refresh rate is how often the monitor updates the image, measured in hertz (Hz). Frame rate is how many frames the graphics card produces per second. For smooth motion, the frame rate should match or exceed the refresh rate.
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