If you feel like your monitor could perform better, or you've just purchased a high refresh rate display and want to get the most out of it, learn how to adjust the refresh rate in Windows It's key. Correctly setting the hertz (Hz) makes a difference in visual fluidity when using your computer, especially if you're a gamer or work with graphics and animations.
The truth is that many users, unknowingly, are not using their monitor to its full potential. In this article, we explain how to do this and give you tips on how to use it. Practical tips for choosing the right frequency depending on how you use your computer, whether it's for gaming, office work, or multimedia.
What is a monitor's refresh rate?
The refresh rate, measured in hertz (Hz), indicates how many times per second the image on your screen is updated. For example, a 60Hz monitor refreshes its content 60 times per second, while a 144Hz monitor refreshes its content 144 times per second. The higher the number of Hz, the smoother and more fluid the movement perceived on the screen will be..
This parameter is especially relevant in the field of Gaming, where every millisecond counts. It also improves the experience when simply scrolling through a document, browsing the web, or watching animations. Even basic tasks like moving windows or reading text feel smoother with a high refresh rate.
Today, most standard monitors operate at 60Hz, but there are common options at 75Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz, 165Hz, and higher. In gaming and multimedia environments, it's common to look for values of 120Hz and higher for an optimal experience.
Why is it important to adjust the frequency from Windows?
Many people install a 144Hz or higher monitor and by default, Windows sets it to 60 Hz. This means that you would be wasting one of the most attractive features of your screenIt's essential to check and, if necessary, adjust the refresh rate from the operating system settings to suit your needs.
It not only influences the gameplay or the smoothness of the movements: You can also choose a lower frequency to save energy on laptops or avoid visual discomfort during office tasks.Some users note, for example, that working long hours at very high speeds in Excel or using browsers can cause eye fatigue.
How to adjust your monitor refresh rate in Windows 11
The process for changing your monitor's Hz is very simple. Here are the steps:
- Right click on an empty space on the desktop and select Screen settings.
- Scroll down and look for the option Advanced display o Advanced display settings.
- Within this menu, select the display you want to adjust if you have multiple displays connected.
- Find the section Update frequency o Choosing a refresh rate and select the highest value that your monitor allows.
- Save the changes and verify that everything displays correctly.
Do not forget that Only frequencies compatible with the monitor itself will appear., thus avoiding display issues. Some monitors display more options depending on the connection type (HDMI, DisplayPort) and the exact model.
What to do if Windows doesn't display your monitor's maximum frequency?
Sometimes you find that Your 144Hz monitor only offers 60Hz or 75Hz optionsThis is usually caused by:
- Using the wrong cable: Older HDMI (such as 1.0 or 1.1) and DVI or VGA cables do not support high refresh rates at modern resolutions. For 144Hz or higher, it is ideal to use DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0 or higher..
- The graphics card is old or does not support the higher frequencies.
- You don't have updated drivers from the graphics card or the monitor itself.
Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you use the correct cable. DisplayPort is generally less restrictive than HDMI and supports high resolutions and frequencies. Consult your monitor and graphics card specifications to determine which cables you need. Also, check if the port you're using is compatible (on some models, only certain inputs reach the maximum Hz).
Advanced Settings: NVIDIA and AMD Control Panel
If you have a dedicated graphics card NVIDIA or AMD, you can take advantage of each manufacturer's control panel to customize the frequency, resolution, screen orientation, activate technologies such as G-Sync and much more.
At NVIDIA
- Accesses NVIDIA control panel from the desktop context menu or from the taskbar.
- In the “Change Resolution” section, select your monitor and the desired frequency from the drop-down box.
- Click "Apply" and that's it. You don't need to restart your PC for the changes to take effect.
Since the end of 2024 there is also the NVIDIA App, which integrates the functions of the old Control Panel and GeForce Experience into a more intuitive interface. You can adjust the frequency in the "System" > "Displays" > "Display Properties" tab.
At AMD
- Open the Radeon software from the AMD icon in the taskbar.
- Go to “Display” and then “Custom Resolutions.”
- Here you can create a custom resolution as often as you like (do so with caution and only change in small increments).
- Save your changes and the new value will be available in Windows display settings.
What frequency is ideal for each type of use?
Not everyone needs 240Hz to get the most out of their display. The main use of the computer determines the recommended frequency.:
- Office automation and navigation: 60Hz is sufficient, there are no image cuts or eye irritation.
- Multimedia consumption and video editing: : 60 or 75 Hz. A higher rate does not mean great improvements if you are not very demanding.
- Casual or single player games: 60-75 Hz is sufficient, unless you prioritize absolute fluidity over graphic quality.
- Competitive games (eSports, shooters, simulators): 120 Hz and up, with 144 Hz or even more being ideal.
The more FPS, the faster the screen reacts and the smoother you will notice..
It is worth remembering that Not all games take advantage of very high rates. Additionally, in gaming laptops, a higher frequency will increase consumption and reduce battery life.
Can I overclock my monitor? Is it safe?
Some advanced users perform overclock your monitor to force more hertz than it theoretically supports. For example, you can try increasing from 60 Hz to 75 Hz on simple models. However, Not all monitors allow this and doing so may reduce the panel's lifespan or cause image artifacts..
If you decide to try it, do so in small increments (5 Hz at a time) and always from the graphics card software, checking that no errors appear. The system will not let you force frequencies that are incompatible with your model., but problems can arise if you overdo it. In the best-case scenario, you'll simply lose the signal, and when you restart, everything will be back to normal.
Recommendations to get the most out of your monitor in Windows
- Check the current frequency whenever you connect a new display. Many high-end monitors run at 60Hz by default. on Windows, although they support much higher rates.
- Always use certified and good quality cables. So-called “High Speed HDMI” or any recent DisplayPort are your best option.
- Keep your updated graphics card and operating system to ensure maximum compatibility.
- On laptops, consider lowering the Hz to save battery life when you're not gaming.
- Don't buy a gaming monitor just for office work. High refresh rate monitors really come into their own in competitive gaming..
Finally, if you're using virtual machines, some systems (such as the now-rare Microsoft Virtual PC) allow you to change the refresh rate in full-screen mode from the control panel, but always depending on your hardware's compatibility.
Mastering refresh rate settings not only helps you enjoy a much smoother, more natural display, but also helps you avoid common technical issues related to cables and compatibility.
