Screen
Monitor not running at its refresh rate
The refresh rate test above shows the rate your browser sees. If it's lower than your monitor supports, it's almost always a setting, cable or port.
Last reviewed October 23, 2026
Start with a quick test
Steps
Your system
- 1
Set the refresh rate
Open Settings › System › Display › Advanced display and choose the highest rate under Choose a refresh rate.
- 2
Use the right cable and port
Use DisplayPort or a high-speed HDMI cable that supports your resolution and rate, connected to the graphics card rather than the motherboard.
- 3
Check the GPU control panel
NVIDIA and AMD control panels can override refresh rate per display.
- 4
Check battery settings
Laptops may lower the refresh rate on battery. Plug in and check Dynamic refresh rate settings.
Still not working?
- Check the monitor's own menu: some need an "overclock" or high-refresh option turned on.
- A browser in a background tab or power-saving mode can report lower rates; keep the test in front.