Contents
Have you ever experienced a lag while playing a video game or watching a movie on your computer? This may be due to the low refresh rate of your monitor. Refresh rate refers to the number of times a display refreshes its image per second.
The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the motion on the screen. Monitor always plays an important role and even you can find them as per your needs such as monitors for gaming, monitors for RTX 3080, and more. As technology keeps on enhancing, so there are also various types of monitors available such as IPS Monitors, VA Monitors, and TN Monitors. In this article, we’ll explain what refresh rate is, how it affects your computer’s performance, and most importantly, how to change the refresh rate on your monitor.
What is Refresh Rate
The refresh rate of a monitor is the number of times per second that the display refreshes the image on the screen. It is measured in Hertz (Hz). For example, a monitor with a refresh rate of 60Hz refreshes the image on the screen 60 times per second.
The Importance of Refresh Rate
The refresh rate of a monitor is an essential aspect of its performance. It affects how smoothly the images on the screen appear to move. If the refresh rate is low, the images on the screen may appear to stutter or lag, especially when watching fast-moving videos or playing video games.
Checking Your Monitor’s Refresh Rate
Before you can change the refresh rate of your monitor, you need to check what it is currently set to. Here’s how to check your monitor’s refresh rate on Windows and Mac:
Windows
- Right-click on your desktop and select “Display Settings.”
- Scroll down and click on “Advanced display settings.”
- Under the “Display information” section, you’ll see your monitor’s refresh rate listed.
Mac
- Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
- Click on “Displays.”
- Hold down the “Option” key and click on the “Scaled” button.
- Your monitor’s refresh rate will be listed next to “Refresh Rate.”
How to Change Refresh Rate on Windows
Here’s how to change the refresh rate of your monitor on Windows:

- Right-click on your desktop and select “Display Settings.”
- Scroll down and click on “Advanced display settings.”
- Click on “Display adapter properties for Display 1.”
- Click on the “Monitor” tab.
- Under “Screen refresh rate,” select the refresh rate you want from the drop-down menu.
- Click “Apply” and then “OK.”
How to Change Refresh Rate on Mac
Here’s how to change the refresh rate of your monitor on Mac:
- Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
- Click on “Displays.”
- Hold down the “Option” key and click on the “Scaled” button.
- Select the refresh rate you want from the drop-down menu.
- Close the window to save your changes.
Troubleshooting Refresh Rate Issues
If you’re experiencing issues with your monitor’s refresh rate, here are some troubleshooting steps you can take:
- Make sure your monitor and computer are compatible with the refresh rate you want to use.
- Update your graphics card drivers.
- Disable any overclocking software that may be interfering with your refresh rate settings.
- Try a different cable or port.
Verdict
Changing the refresh rate of your monitor is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your computer’s performance. A higher refresh rate will make images and motion on your screen appear smoother and more fluid, especially when watching videos or playing games. Make sure to check your current refresh rate before changing it, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to change your monitor’s refresh rate and enjoy a more seamless experience on your computer.