How to Check Your Monitor Refresh Rate on Windows

The refresh rate of a monitor is an important specification that determines how smoothly images appear on the screen. It refers to how many times per second the display refreshes the image, measured in Hertz (Hz). Knowing your monitor’s refresh rate is essential, especially for gaming, graphic design, and daily productivity.

This article provides a complete and easy-to-follow guide on how to check your monitor refresh rate on Windows, using built-in system settings and additional tools when necessary.

What Is Monitor Refresh Rate?

The refresh rate indicates how often a monitor updates the image displayed on the screen each second. For example, a 60Hz monitor refreshes the image 60 times per second, while a 144Hz monitor refreshes it 144 times per second.

Higher refresh rates result in smoother motion, reduced screen tearing, and better responsiveness, which are especially noticeable during gaming or fast-moving visuals.

Why Checking Refresh Rate Matters

Many users own high-refresh-rate monitors but unknowingly run them at a lower setting. This can happen due to default system configurations, outdated drivers, or incorrect cable usage.

• Ensures your monitor is running at its maximum capability
• Improves gaming performance and motion clarity
• Helps diagnose display or driver issues
• Confirms hardware specifications after purchase

How to Check Monitor Refresh Rate Using Windows Settings

Method 1: Through Display Settings (Windows 10 and Windows 11)

This is the most common and recommended method.

• Right-click on the desktop
• Select Display settings
• Scroll down and click Advanced display

In the Advanced Display section, Windows will show detailed information about your monitor, including refresh rate, resolution, and display model.

If you have multiple monitors connected, make sure you select the correct display from the dropdown menu.

Method 2: Using Display Adapter Properties

You can also check the refresh rate through the graphics adapter settings.

• Open Display settings
• Click Advanced display
• Select Display adapter properties
• Go to the Monitor tab

Under the Monitor tab, you will see the current screen refresh rate along with available options.

How to Change the Refresh Rate in Windows

If your monitor supports a higher refresh rate but is set lower, you can change it manually.

• Go to Advanced display
• Find the Refresh rate dropdown
• Select the highest available Hz value
• Apply the changes

After applying, your screen may flicker briefly. This is normal while the new refresh rate is being applied.

Check Refresh Rate Using Graphics Control Panel

Depending on your graphics card, you can also check refresh rate using the GPU control panel.

NVIDIA Control Panel

Users with NVIDIA GPUs can open the NVIDIA Control Panel by right-clicking on the desktop.

Navigate to Change resolution and check the refresh rate listed next to your selected resolution.

More details can be found on NVIDIA official website.

AMD Software

For AMD users, open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition, go to the Display section, and check the refresh rate under display specifications.

Intel Graphics Command Center

Intel GPU users can check refresh rate through the Intel Graphics Command Center under Display settings.

Using Online Tools to Confirm Refresh Rate

Online tools can visually confirm whether your monitor is running at the expected refresh rate.

Websites such as TestUFO allow users to test motion smoothness and detect refresh rate behavior.

These tools are useful for verifying performance, especially for gaming monitors.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Refresh Rate Option Not Showing

If higher refresh rate options do not appear, possible causes include:

• Using an incorrect cable (older HDMI versions)
• Outdated graphics drivers
• Monitor settings not configured properly

Updating drivers and using DisplayPort or newer HDMI cables often resolves this issue.

Multiple Monitors with Different Refresh Rates

When using multiple monitors, Windows may apply different refresh rates to each display. Always check each monitor individually in Advanced Display settings.

Recommended Refresh Rates for Different Uses

• 60Hz: Office work and basic tasks
• 75–100Hz: Casual gaming and smoother scrolling
• 144Hz or higher: Competitive gaming and fast-paced visuals

Choosing the right refresh rate depends on both your monitor capability and your graphics card performance.

Conclusion

Knowing how to check your monitor refresh rate on Windows helps ensure that your display is running at its optimal performance. By using Windows display settings, graphics control panels, or online testing tools, users can easily verify and adjust their refresh rate.

Proper configuration not only improves visual smoothness but also enhances comfort and overall user experience. Taking a few minutes to check your refresh rate can make a noticeable difference, especially for gamers and power users.