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How to change your monitor's refresh rate on Windows and Mac

Many new high-refresh monitors run at 60Hz until you change one setting. Here is how to set it on Windows and macOS, and what to check if the option is missing.

Eli BrooksUpdated October 28, 20266 min read

Windows and macOS often default a new monitor to 60Hz, even if it supports 144Hz, 240Hz, or more. Changing it takes a minute.

Windows 11

  • Open Settings > System > Display.
  • Select the monitor, then choose Advanced display.
  • Under Choose a refresh rate, pick the highest value.
  • For variable refresh, enable G-Sync in the Nvidia app or Control Panel, or FreeSync in AMD Software.

macOS

  • Open System Settings > Displays and select the monitor.
  • Choose the highest option in the Refresh Rate menu.
  • On Apple displays with ProMotion, such as the Studio Display XDR, choose ProMotion for adaptive refresh up to 120Hz on supported Macs.

If the higher refresh rate is missing

  • Use DisplayPort or the port the manual specifies for the maximum rate; some monitors limit HDMI.
  • Swap the cable for a certified DisplayPort or Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.
  • Check the monitor's menu for an overclock or input-version setting.
  • Update the GPU driver, and lower resolution or color depth temporarily to confirm bandwidth is the issue.
  • On docks and adapters, check their maximum refresh rate; many are limited to 60Hz.

Questions we get

Why is my 144Hz monitor stuck at 60Hz?

Usually the setting was never changed, the cable or port cannot carry the higher rate (HDMI 1.4 or an old DisplayPort cable), or the monitor's own menu limits the input. Change the setting first, then try DisplayPort with a certified cable.

How do I check my refresh rate?

On Windows, Settings > System > Display > Advanced display shows the current rate. Many monitors also show it in their on-screen menu or an FPS counter overlay.

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