Monitor Stuck at 60Hz? How to Enable 144Hz

Quick answer: If your monitor is stuck at 60Hz, the higher rate is usually just not selected in Windows, or your cable cannot carry it. Choose the higher rate in display settings, use DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0+, and update your graphics driver.

Confirm what it is running now: open the refresh rate test.

1. Set the refresh rate in Windows

Go to Settings → System → Display → Advanced display. Under Refresh rate, pick your monitor's highest option (such as 144Hz). Windows often leaves this at 60Hz by default even when the monitor supports more.

2. Use a cable that supports the rate

Cabling is the most common hardware cause. Use DisplayPort where possible, or HDMI 2.0 or newer — older HDMI and DVI cables and ports cap high resolutions at 60Hz. Check that the cable is rated for your resolution and refresh rate.

3. Update the graphics driver

Update your GPU driver from NVIDIA, AMD or Intel. Then set the rate in their control panel too (for example NVIDIA Control Panel → Change resolution), since it can override Windows.

4. Plug into the graphics card, not the motherboard

On a desktop with a dedicated GPU, make sure the cable goes into the graphics card's ports, not the motherboard's. Also confirm the monitor's own menu is not limiting the rate.

Confirm the change

Re-run the refresh rate test. For what the numbers mean, see our guide on refresh rate explained.