How to Find Your Monitor's Refresh Rate in Windows, Mac, and Linux

Check your refresh rate in Windows Settings

The fastest way on Windows is through Display Settings. Right-click on your desktop and select Display settings. Scroll down and click Advanced display settings. Look for the line labeled Refresh rate — it will show a number like 60 Hz, 144 Hz, or 165 Hz. That number is what your monitor is currently set to display.

If you don't see a Refresh rate line, your graphics driver may need updating. Go to Device Manager (search for it in the Windows search bar), expand Display adapters, right-click your graphics card, and select Update driver. Windows will search for the latest version automatically. After updating, return to Advanced display settings and the refresh rate option should appear.

The number you see in Settings is what your monitor is running at right now, not necessarily its maximum capability. Your monitor may support 144 Hz but be set to 60 Hz. If you want to change it, click the dropdown next to Refresh rate and select a higher option, then click explore.

Key Takeaways

Windows users can find their current refresh rate in Display Settings under Advanced display settings, listed as a number in Hz.
Mac users should go to System Settings, then Displays, and look for the refresh rate option in the resolution dropdown.
Linux users can open a terminal and type xrandr to see all connected displays and their refresh rates listed in the output.
The refresh rate shown in your settings is what your monitor is currently set to, not always its maximum — you may be able to increase it in the same menu.
If your refresh rate option is missing or grayed out, updating your graphics driver usually fixes the problem.

Find refresh rate on Mac

On Mac, go to System Settings and select Displays. Click Resolution at the bottom of the window. A dropdown menu will appear showing available resolutions and refresh rates. The refresh rate is listed next to each resolution option — for example, "2560 × 1600 (60 Hz)" or "2560 × 1600 (120 Hz)". The one with a checkmark is your current setting.

If you see only one refresh rate option, your monitor or Mac may not support higher rates, or your graphics driver needs updating. Check the Mac App Store for any available updates to your system software. On newer Macs with Apple Silicon chips, refresh rate options are usually limited by the monitor itself rather than the Mac.

Check refresh rate on Linux

Linux users can find refresh rate information using the terminal. Open a terminal window and type xrandr, then press Enter. The output will list all connected displays with their current resolution and refresh rate. Look for a line like HDMI-1 connected 1920x1080+0+0 (normal left inverted right x axis y axis) 480mm x 270mm followed by a list of available modes. The refresh rate appears after the resolution — for example, 1920x1080 60.00 + 50.00 59.94 means the monitor supports 60 Hz, 50 Hz, and 59.94 Hz, with the + indicating the current setting.

If you want to change your refresh rate on Linux, you can use the same xrandr command with additional parameters, though the exact syntax depends on your display server and desktop environment. GNOME and KDE both offer graphical settings panels similar to Windows and Mac, accessible through your system settings under Display or Monitor options.

What the refresh rate number actually means

Refresh rate is measured in Hertz (Hz), which means how many times per second your monitor redraws the image on screen. A 60 Hz monitor refreshes 60 times per second. A 144 Hz monitor refreshes 144 times per second. Higher refresh rates can make motion appear smoother, especially in fast-moving content like games or video editing, but only if your graphics card can actually send that many frames to the monitor.

Your monitor has a maximum refresh rate it was designed for — usually 60 Hz, 75 Hz, 144 Hz, 165 Hz, or 240 Hz depending on the model. You cannot set it higher than that maximum, and setting it lower will not harm anything. Most monitors default to 60 Hz even if they support higher rates, so checking your current setting is worth doing if you bought a gaming or high-refresh monitor and want to use its full capability.

Why your monitor might show a lower refresh rate than expected

If your monitor supports 144 Hz but Settings shows 60 Hz, the most common cause is an outdated graphics driver. Your graphics card needs a driver that knows how to communicate with your monitor at higher refresh rates. Visit the manufacturer's website — NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel depending on your graphics card — and read the latest driver for your specific card model and Windows version.

The cable you use also matters. HDMI 1.4 and older versions max out at 60 Hz for most resolutions. DisplayPort 1.2 and newer HDMI 2.0 cables support higher refresh rates. If you're using an older HDMI cable and your monitor supports 144 Hz, try switching to DisplayPort or a newer HDMI cable to unlock higher refresh rates. Check your monitor's manual or the manufacturer's website to see which cable types it supports.

Some monitors have a setting in their on-screen menu (the buttons on the monitor itself) that controls refresh rate or display mode. If you've tried updating drivers and changing cables without success, check your monitor's manual for an option called "Overdrive," "Response Time," or "Display Mode" — occasionally these settings can limit refresh rate if set incorrectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a higher refresh rate use more electricity?

Yes, but the difference is small — typically 5 to 15 watts more for a 144 Hz monitor compared to 60 Hz. This is noticeable on your electricity bill only if you run the monitor constantly for months. For most people, the power difference is negligible.

Can I damage my monitor by setting it to a refresh rate it doesn't support?

Modern monitors and graphics drivers prevent this. If you try to set a refresh rate your monitor cannot handle, the display will either show a distorted image briefly and revert to the previous setting, or the option straightforward won't appear in your settings menu. You cannot permanently damage a monitor by selecting an unsupported refresh rate.

Why does my refresh rate keep changing back to 60 Hz after I restart?

This usually means your graphics driver is not fully installed or is outdated. Update your driver through Device Manager (Windows) or the manufacturer's website, restart your computer, and set your refresh rate again. After a proper driver installation, the setting should stick. If it still reverts, check whether your monitor's cable is fully seated in both the monitor and graphics card.

Is 60 Hz enough for everyday computer use?

Yes. Most people browsing the web, working in documents, or watching video will not notice a difference between 60 Hz and 144 Hz. Higher refresh rates are most noticeable in games, fast-paced video editing, or when scrolling through long documents. If you do not play games or work with video, 60 Hz is perfectly adequate.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.