How to change hz on windows 11

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Last updated: April 4, 2026

Quick Answer: To change the refresh rate (Hz) on Windows 11, navigate to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display. Under "Choose a refresh rate," select your desired option from the dropdown menu. Ensure your monitor and graphics card support the chosen refresh rate.

Key Facts

The refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), indicates how many times per second your display updates its image.
A higher refresh rate (e.g., 120Hz or 144Hz) can result in smoother motion, which is beneficial for gaming and fast-paced content.
Windows 11 allows you to adjust the refresh rate through the display settings.
Not all monitors and graphics cards support high refresh rates; check your hardware specifications.
Changing the refresh rate can impact power consumption, especially on laptops.

Overview

The refresh rate of your display, measured in Hertz (Hz), is a crucial setting that affects the visual smoothness of your computer's output. It represents how many times per second the image on your screen is updated. A higher refresh rate means the screen refreshes more often, leading to a smoother visual experience, particularly noticeable in fast-moving content like video games, scrolling, and video playback. Windows 11 provides a straightforward way to adjust this setting to optimize your viewing experience based on your monitor's capabilities and your personal preferences.

Why Change Your Display's Refresh Rate?

Changing your display's refresh rate can offer several benefits:

Smoother Motion: The most significant advantage is a noticeable improvement in the fluidity of on-screen motion. This is especially important for gamers, where a higher refresh rate can provide a competitive edge by displaying more frames per second, leading to less motion blur and a more responsive feel.
Reduced Eye Strain: For some users, a higher refresh rate can contribute to reduced eye strain during prolonged computer use, as the display is updating more frequently, potentially making the image appear more stable.
Enhanced Visual Experience: Even for non-gamers, tasks like scrolling through web pages, watching high-frame-rate videos, or simply navigating the Windows interface can feel more fluid and pleasant at a higher refresh rate.

How to Change Refresh Rate in Windows 11

Follow these steps to adjust your display's refresh rate in Windows 11:

Open Settings: Click the Start button and select 'Settings' (the gear icon), or press the Windows key + I on your keyboard.
Navigate to Display Settings: In the Settings window, click on 'System' in the left-hand sidebar, then select 'Display' from the main pane.
Access Advanced Display Settings: Scroll down within the Display settings and click on 'Advanced display'.
Select Refresh Rate: Under the 'Choose a refresh rate' dropdown menu, you will see a list of supported refresh rates for your display. Select the highest rate your monitor supports or the one that provides the smoothest experience for you. Common options include 60Hz, 75Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz, and higher.
Confirm Changes: Windows will prompt you to keep the new settings or revert to the old ones. If the new refresh rate works correctly and you are satisfied, click 'Keep changes'. If the screen goes black or you encounter issues, wait for the prompt to revert; otherwise, it will automatically revert after a short period.

Important Considerations Before Changing

Before you proceed with changing your refresh rate, keep these points in mind:

Monitor Compatibility: Your monitor must physically support the refresh rate you wish to set. Check your monitor's specifications or its On-Screen Display (OSD) menu for supported refresh rates.
Graphics Card (GPU) Capability: Your graphics card also needs to be powerful enough to drive your display at the desired refresh rate, especially for demanding applications like gaming. Ensure your GPU drivers are up to date.
Connection Type: The cable you use to connect your monitor to your PC can also limit the refresh rate. For higher refresh rates (especially at higher resolutions), DisplayPort is generally recommended over HDMI, though newer HDMI standards also support high refresh rates.
Resolution: Higher refresh rates at higher resolutions require more processing power from your GPU. You might need to lower your screen resolution to achieve a high refresh rate if your hardware is struggling.
Power Consumption: On laptops, increasing the refresh rate can lead to increased battery drain.
Troubleshooting: If you experience flickering, screen tearing, or no signal after changing the refresh rate, it likely means your hardware doesn't support the selected setting. Revert to a previously known working refresh rate or consult your hardware documentation.

By following these steps and considering the important factors, you can effectively change your display's refresh rate in Windows 11 to enhance your visual experience.