How to change hz

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Last updated: April 4, 2026

Quick Answer: Changing Hz, or Hertz, refers to adjusting the refresh rate of your display, typically a computer monitor or TV. This is done through your device's display settings, allowing you to select a higher or lower refresh rate for smoother visuals or to match your hardware's capabilities.

Key Facts

Hertz (Hz) measures the frequency of cycles per second, applied to display refresh rates.
A higher refresh rate (e.g., 120Hz) means the screen updates more times per second, resulting in smoother motion.
Lower refresh rates (e.g., 60Hz) are standard and require less processing power.
Most modern operating systems (Windows, macOS) allow Hz adjustments in display settings.
Ensure your monitor and graphics card support the desired refresh rate before changing it.

What is Hertz (Hz) in relation to displays?

Hertz (Hz) is a unit of frequency that measures cycles per second. In the context of displays like computer monitors and televisions, Hertz refers to the refresh rate. The refresh rate indicates how many times per second the image on the screen is updated. For example, a monitor with a 60Hz refresh rate updates the image 60 times every second. A 120Hz monitor updates the image 120 times per second.

Why would you want to change your display's Hz?

The primary reason to change your display's refresh rate is to enhance the visual experience, particularly for fast-paced content. A higher refresh rate can lead to:

Smoother Motion: This is most noticeable in video games and fast-scrolling content. With more updates per second, motion appears less blurry and more fluid.
Reduced Motion Blur: The rapid updates can make moving objects appear sharper and clearer.
Improved Responsiveness: In gaming, a higher refresh rate can reduce input lag, making the game feel more responsive to your commands.

However, it's important to note that a higher refresh rate requires more processing power from your graphics card (GPU). If your GPU cannot keep up, you might experience performance issues rather than improvements. Additionally, not all displays are capable of high refresh rates; many standard monitors are 60Hz, while gaming monitors can range from 120Hz to 360Hz or even higher.

How to Change the Refresh Rate in Windows

Changing the refresh rate on a Windows computer is typically a straightforward process:

Access Display Settings: Right-click on your desktop and select 'Display settings'.
Navigate to Advanced Display Settings: Scroll down and click on 'Advanced display settings'.
Select Display Adapter Properties: In the Advanced display settings window, click on 'Display adapter properties for Display [Number]'.
Choose Monitor Tab: A new window will open. Go to the 'Monitor' tab.
Select Refresh Rate: Under the 'Screen refresh rate' dropdown menu, choose your desired refresh rate. If you don't see options higher than 60Hz, your monitor or graphics card may not support them.
Apply Changes: Click 'Apply' and then 'OK'. Your screen may flicker briefly as the new refresh rate is applied.

If you are using Windows 11, the steps are slightly different:

Access Display Settings: Right-click on your desktop and select 'Display settings'.
Scroll to Advanced Display Settings: Under the 'Related settings' section, click on 'Advanced display settings'.
Choose Refresh Rate: Under the 'Choose a refresh rate' dropdown menu, select your desired rate.
Confirm Changes: Click 'Keep changes' when prompted.

How to Change the Refresh Rate in macOS

For macOS users, changing the refresh rate is also managed through system preferences:

Open System Settings: Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select 'System Settings' (or 'System Preferences' on older macOS versions).
Navigate to Displays: In the System Settings sidebar, click on 'Displays'.
Select Your Display: If you have multiple displays, select the one you want to adjust.
Choose Refresh Rate: Look for a 'Refresh Rate' option. You may need to hold the 'Option' key while clicking 'Scaled' under Resolution to reveal advanced refresh rate options for some displays. Select your desired refresh rate from the dropdown menu.
Confirm Changes: Confirm any prompts to keep the new settings.

Troubleshooting and Considerations

Before changing your refresh rate, consider the following:

Monitor Capabilities: Your monitor must physically support the refresh rate you are trying to set. Check your monitor's specifications.
Graphics Card (GPU) Performance: Your GPU needs to be powerful enough to render frames at the higher refresh rate. If your GPU struggles, you might experience stuttering or lower frame rates in applications.
Cable Quality: For very high refresh rates (e.g., 144Hz and above) or high resolutions, ensure you are using a modern cable like DisplayPort or an HDMI 2.0/2.1 cable, as older cables may not have the bandwidth to support these rates.
Game/Application Settings: Some games and applications have their own in-game refresh rate settings that might override your system's settings.

By understanding what Hertz means for your display and following these steps, you can optimize your visual experience for smoother and more responsive content.