Where to find your monitor's refresh rate
Your monitor's refresh rate is listed in your display settings, not on the monitor itself. On Windows, right-click your desktop, select Display settings, scroll to the bottom, and click Advanced display settings. Look for Refresh rate in the list — it will show a number like 60 Hz, 144 Hz, or 240 Hz. On Mac, open System Settings, go to Displays, click Refresh Rate, and you will see the current setting. On Linux, the method depends on your desktop environment, but GNOME users can find it in Settings > Displays.
If you do not see a refresh rate option, your monitor may be running at the default 60 Hz, or your graphics driver needs an update. Updating your driver often unlocks higher refresh rates that your monitor supports but your system was not using.
Key Takeaways
- Windows shows refresh rate in Display settings under Advanced display settings, listed in hertz (Hz).
- Mac displays refresh rate in System Settings under Displays, where you can also change it if multiple options exist.
- If you see no refresh rate option or only 60 Hz, updating your graphics driver usually reveals the monitor's true capability.
- A monitor's maximum refresh rate depends on its cable type — HDMI 2.0 caps at 60 Hz for 4K, while DisplayPort 1.4 supports much higher rates.
Why the refresh rate you see might not match the monitor's maximum
A monitor rated for 144 Hz might show only 60 Hz in your settings. This happens because your graphics card, cable, or driver is not set to use the full speed. The monitor itself is capable of 144 Hz, but your system is not sending it that many frames per second.
The cable matters. HDMI 2.0 cables max out at 60 Hz for 4K resolution, while DisplayPort 1.4 can handle 240 Hz or higher. If you plugged a high-refresh monitor into an older HDMI port on your graphics card, you will be stuck at 60 Hz no matter what the monitor can do. Switching to DisplayPort or upgrading to HDMI 2.1 often solves this.
Your graphics driver also plays a role. Nvidia, AMD, and Intel release driver updates that unlock higher refresh rates for newer monitors. If your monitor is recent and your driver is more than a few months old, updating the driver is the fastest fix.
How to change your refresh rate if options are available
If your display settings show multiple refresh rate options, you can switch between them. On Windows, go back to Advanced display settings, find the Refresh rate dropdown, and select a higher option. Click explore, wait a few seconds, and the monitor will briefly go black as it switches. If the new rate looks stable and your screen does not flicker, click Keep changes. If something goes wrong, Windows will revert automatically after 15 seconds.
On Mac, the process is simpler — open Displays in System Settings, click Refresh Rate, and select from the available options. The change takes effect when ready.
Do not panic if you see only one option. Many monitors, especially older ones or budget models, genuinely support only 60 Hz. Trying to force a higher rate will not work and is not necessary.
What to check if your monitor supports a higher rate but shows only 60 Hz
Start with the cable. Unplug your monitor and check what type of cable connects it to your graphics card — look for the connector shape and any labels on the cable itself. If it is HDMI, try switching to DisplayPort if your monitor and graphics card both have that port. If you only have HDMI, buy an HDMI 2.1 cable rated for your monitor's refresh rate and resolution.
Next, update your graphics driver. On Windows, open Device Manager, find Display adapters, right-click your graphics card, and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software. On Mac, drivers update through System Updates. On Linux, use your package manager or visit your graphics card manufacturer's website.
After updating, restart your computer and check display settings again. The refresh rate options should expand. If they do not, your monitor, cable, or graphics card may have a hardware limitation that software cannot overcome.
Understanding what the refresh rate number means
Refresh rate is measured in hertz (Hz), which means how many times per second the monitor redraws the image. A 60 Hz monitor refreshes 60 times per second. A 144 Hz monitor refreshes 144 times per second. Higher numbers mean smoother motion in games and fast-paced work, but only if your graphics card can actually produce that many frames.
If your graphics card outputs 100 frames per second but your monitor refreshes at 60 Hz, you will see only 60 of those frames — the rest are wasted. Conversely, if your monitor is 240 Hz but your graphics card outputs only 60 frames per second, the monitor will display each frame multiple times. Matching your monitor's refresh rate to what your graphics card can produce is what matters for smooth performance.
Checking your monitor's rated refresh rate if you are unsure
The refresh rate your system shows is what it is currently using, not necessarily what the monitor is capable of. To find the monitor's maximum rated refresh rate, check the manual or the manufacturer's website. Search for your monitor model number — you can usually find it on a sticker on the back of the monitor or in the original box — and look up the specifications.
The specifications will list the maximum refresh rate under different conditions. For example, a monitor might support 144 Hz at 1440p resolution but only 60 Hz at 4K, because the cable or electronics cannot handle both high resolution and high refresh rate at the same time. Knowing this helps you understand whether your current settings are limited by the monitor itself or by something else in your setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my 144 Hz monitor show 60 Hz in settings?
Your cable or graphics driver is not set to use the full speed. Try switching to DisplayPort if available, or update your graphics driver. If the monitor is connected via HDMI, check that it is HDMI 2.0 or newer — older HDMI versions cap at 60 Hz.
Will changing the refresh rate damage my monitor?
No. If you select a refresh rate your monitor cannot handle, the image will flicker or go black, but the monitor will not be harmed. Windows automatically reverts the change after 15 seconds if you do not confirm it. Mac and Linux also handle invalid rates safely.
Does a higher refresh rate use more electricity?
Yes, but the difference is small — typically a few watts. A 240 Hz monitor uses slightly more power than a 60 Hz monitor, but the increase is usually less than 10% of the monitor's total power draw.
Can I use different refresh rates for two monitors at the same time?
Yes. Windows and Mac both allow each monitor to run at its own refresh rate independently. Set each one in display settings by selecting it first, then changing its refresh rate.
What if my monitor has no refresh rate option in settings?
Update your graphics driver first — this solves the problem in most cases. If options still do not appear after a restart, your monitor may genuinely support only 60 Hz, or there is a hardware incompatibility between the monitor and your graphics card.