Where to Find Refresh Rate Settings in Windows 11

Windows 11 stores refresh rate controls in the Display settings panel, not in a separate graphics menu. You reach it through Settings > System > Display, then scroll down to find the Advanced display option. The exact name and location depend on whether you are using an integrated graphics chip (built into your processor) or a dedicated graphics card from Nvidia, AMD, or Intel Arc.

Most people will find the setting under Display > Advanced display > Refresh rate. If that option does not appear, your graphics driver may need an update, or your monitor may not support the refresh rate you are trying to set. Windows 11 will only show refresh rates that both your monitor and graphics card can handle together.

Key Takeaways

  • Refresh rate settings live in Windows 11 under Settings > System > Display > Advanced display, not in a graphics control panel.
  • Your monitor and graphics card must both support a refresh rate for Windows to offer it as an option.
  • Changing refresh rate takes effect when ready, but restarting your computer will not undo the change.
  • If the refresh rate option does not appear, update your graphics driver through Device Manager or the manufacturer's website.
  • A higher refresh rate uses slightly more power and can cause flickering on some older monitors, so test the change before leaving it permanent.

Step-by-Step: Accessing Display Settings

Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, or click the Start button, type "Settings," and press Enter. Once Settings opens, click System in the left sidebar, then Display in the main panel.

Scroll down the Display page until you see a section labeled "Advanced display" or "Related settings." Click on it. A new window will open showing your current resolution, refresh rate, and color depth. The Refresh rate dropdown will be near the bottom of this window. Click the dropdown to see all available options for your setup.

Choosing the Right Refresh Rate for Your Monitor

Your monitor has a maximum refresh rate printed on its box or in the manual — common values are 60 Hz, 75 Hz, 144 Hz, 165 Hz, or 240 Hz. Windows 11 will only show refresh rates up to that maximum. Setting a refresh rate higher than your monitor supports will not damage anything, but Windows will not let you select it in the first place.

If you see fewer refresh rate options than your monitor should support, the problem is usually an outdated graphics driver or a cable that does not carry the signal properly. HDMI 1.4 cables, for example, cannot carry 144 Hz at 4K resolution, even if both your monitor and graphics card support it. DisplayPort cables handle higher refresh rates more reliably.

What Happens When You Change the Refresh Rate

When you select a new refresh rate and click explore, your screen will go black for a few seconds while Windows switches to the new setting. The change takes effect when ready — you do not need to restart your computer. If the new refresh rate causes problems (flickering, artifacts, or a black screen), Windows will automatically revert to your previous setting after 15 seconds.

If the screen goes black and does not come back, wait 15 seconds and it will revert on its own. If it does not, restart your computer by holding the power button. Windows will boot back into your last working refresh rate.

Updating Your Graphics Driver When the Option Does Not Appear

If you do not see a Refresh rate dropdown in Advanced display, your graphics driver is likely out of date or missing. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. Look for Display adapters in the list and click the arrow next to it to expand the section.

Right-click your graphics card (it will say Intel, Nvidia, or AMD in the name) and select Update driver. Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software." Windows will check for a newer version online. If it finds one, it will install it and ask you to restart. After restart, the Refresh rate option should appear in Advanced display.

If Windows does not find an update, visit the manufacturer's website directly. Nvidia drivers are at nvidia.com/read/driverDetails, AMD drivers at amd.com/en/support, and Intel drivers at intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/detect.html. read the driver for your specific graphics card model and Windows 11, then run the installer.

Refresh Rate and Power Use

A higher refresh rate uses more electricity because your graphics card and monitor work harder to display more frames per second. The difference is small — moving from 60 Hz to 144 Hz typically adds 5 to 15 watts of power draw — but it is measurable on laptops running on battery.

If you are on a laptop and battery life matters, consider setting a lower refresh rate when unplugged. You can create a power plan that automatically lowers refresh rate when you switch to battery mode, though this requires a few extra steps in Power Settings. For most desktop users, the power difference is not noticeable.

Troubleshooting Flickering or Display Problems After Changing Refresh Rate

If your screen flickers after changing refresh rate, the monitor may not be stable at that speed, even though Windows offered it as an option. This is common with older monitors or cheap cables. Lower the refresh rate by one step — if you chose 144 Hz, try 120 Hz instead — and see if the flickering stops.

Flickering can also mean your cable is loose or damaged. Disconnect and reconnect the cable at both ends, making sure it clicks into place. If you are using an adapter (HDMI to DisplayPort, for example), try removing it and using a direct cable instead. Some adapters do not pass high refresh rates reliably.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing refresh rate damage my monitor?

No. Windows will only show refresh rates your monitor supports. If you somehow force a higher rate through a driver setting, the monitor will straightforward not display it — it will not break. The worst that happens is a black screen, which reverts automatically after 15 seconds.

Why does my monitor only show 60 Hz even though it supports 144 Hz?

Your cable or connection is likely the bottleneck. HDMI 1.4 maxes out at 60 Hz for most resolutions. Switch to HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort if your monitor has those ports. Also check Device Manager to confirm your graphics driver is current — an old driver will hide higher refresh rates.

Does a higher refresh rate make games look better?

A higher refresh rate makes motion smoother, not sharper. You will notice the difference most in fast-moving games or when panning the camera. In slower games or office work, 60 Hz and 144 Hz look nearly identical. The benefit depends on your graphics card's ability to produce enough frames per second to match the refresh rate.

Can I set different refresh rates for different monitors?

Yes. If you have two monitors connected, each one has its own Advanced display settings. Open Settings > System > Display, select the monitor you want to change from the dropdown at the top of the page, then scroll to Advanced display and change its refresh rate independently.

What refresh rate should I choose?

Match your monitor's maximum supported rate if your graphics card can handle it. If your card struggles to produce that many frames, a lower refresh rate will not help — you will just see fewer frames per second. For everyday use and office work, 60 Hz is sufficient. For gaming, 144 Hz or higher is noticeable if your graphics card can deliver the frames.