Introduction
The refresh rate of a display refers to how many times per second the screen updates an image. Measured in Hertz (Hz), a higher refresh rate results in smoother visuals, which is particularly important for gaming, video editing, and overall screen responsiveness. If you experience screen flickering, lag, or motion blur, adjusting the Changing Refresh Rate on Windows 10 may help.
This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of changing your refresh rate in Windows 10, ensuring a smoother and more immersive visual experience.
Why Changing the Refresh Rate Matters
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand why adjusting the refresh rate is important:
Smoother Visuals
A higher refresh rate (e.g., 120Hz or 144Hz) provides a smoother experience, reducing motion blur and lag.
Better Gaming Experience
Most modern gaming monitors support refresh rates of 144Hz, 165Hz, or even 240Hz, offering a competitive edge by reducing input lag.
Less Eye Strain
A higher refresh rate reduces screen flickering, which can cause eye strain and headaches, especially during long working hours.
Optimized Performance
Some users might need to lower the refresh rate to save battery life on laptops or reduce GPU load on older hardware.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing the Refresh Rate on Windows 10
Follow these steps to adjust the refresh rate of your monitor:
Step 1: Open Display Settings
Right-click on an empty area of your desktop.
Select Display settings from the dropdown menu.
Step 2: Scroll to Advanced Display Settings
In the Display settings window, scroll down and click Advanced display settings (found under “Multiple displays”).
Step 3: Select the Correct Display
If you have multiple monitors, select the display for which you want to change the refresh rate.
Step 4: Open Display Adapter Properties
Click on Display adapter properties (found at the bottom).
A new window will open with your monitor’s properties.
Step 5: Change the Refresh Rate
Navigate to the Monitor tab.
Under Screen refresh rate, click the dropdown menu to select the desired refresh rate.
Click Apply, then OK to save your changes.
Step 6: Confirm Changes
Windows will prompt you to confirm the new settings. Click Keep Changes if the display is working correctly. If the screen goes black or flickers, wait 15 seconds, and it will revert to the previous settings.
Choosing the Right Refresh Rate for Your Display
Not all monitors support the same refresh rates. Choosing the right refresh rate depends on your monitor specifications and use case:
Refresh Rate Best For
60Hz General use (web browsing, office work, streaming)
75Hz – 100Hz Smoother experience for casual gaming and multimedia
120Hz – 144Hz High-performance gaming, video editing
165Hz – 240Hz Competitive gaming, eSports, and ultra-fast motion rendering
To check your monitor’s supported refresh rates:
Visit your monitor manufacturer’s website.
Check the monitor’s specifications.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Refresh Rate Option is Missing
If you don’t see the desired refresh rate in settings:
Ensure you have the latest graphics drivers installed.
Check that you’re using a compatible cable (e.g., HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2+).
Your monitor may not support a higher refresh rate at the current resolution. Try lowering the resolution to see if more refresh rate options appear.
Screen Flickering After Changing Refresh Rate
If your screen starts flickering after changing the refresh rate, try reducing it to a lower setting.
Some monitors may not support overclocked refresh rates.
Blurry or Distorted Screen
Ensure that your resolution and refresh rate settings match your monitor’s native specifications.
Use a high-quality DisplayPort or HDMI cable for better compatibility.
Conclusion
Changing the refresh rate on Windows 10 can significantly enhance your visual experience, whether for gaming, professional work, or everyday use. By following this guide, you can optimize your monitor’s performance, reduce eye strain, and enjoy smoother motion.