Setting your monitor's refresh rate is a simple process typically done through your operating system's display settings.
The refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), determines how many times your monitor updates the image on the screen each second. A higher refresh rate can result in smoother motion, which is particularly beneficial for gaming and video.
How to Change Refresh Rate in Windows 10 and 8
For users on Windows 10 or Windows 8, the process involves accessing the display adapter properties through the system settings.
Here are the steps:
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to System > Display.
- Scroll down and click on Advanced display settings.
- From the Advanced display settings screen, choose Display adapter properties.
- This will open the Monitor and Graphics Card Properties window.
- Click on the Monitor tab.
- Under "Monitor Settings," look for the Screen refresh rate dropdown menu.
- Select your preferred refresh rate from the available options.
- Click Apply, then OK to save your changes.
You may see a prompt asking if you want to keep the new settings. If the display looks correct, select "Keep changes." If not, it will revert to the previous setting automatically after a few seconds.
Why Adjust Your Monitor's Refresh Rate?
Adjusting your refresh rate can significantly impact your visual experience.
- Smoother Motion: Higher refresh rates (e.g., 120Hz, 144Hz, 240Hz) reduce motion blur and screen tearing, making fast-paced content like games appear much smoother and more responsive.
- Reduced Eye Strain: Some users find that a higher refresh rate reduces eye strain during prolonged use, especially when there is a lot of motion on the screen.
- Optimal Performance: Ensuring your refresh rate is set correctly allows you to take full advantage of your monitor's capabilities and your graphics card's output.
Note: The available refresh rate options depend on your monitor's capabilities, the cable connection you are using (DisplayPort or HDMI usually support higher rates than older connections), and your graphics card drivers.
Common Refresh Rates
Monitors come with various refresh rates. Here's a look at some common ones:
| Refresh Rate | Typical Use | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 60Hz | General use, office work, casual video | Standard for most older or budget monitors |
| 75Hz | Slightly smoother than 60Hz, budget gaming | Minor improvement for minimal cost |
| 120Hz+ | Gaming, professional video/animation editing | Significantly smoother motion, reduced blur |
Always ensure your monitor is configured to its maximum supported refresh rate for the best performance, provided your hardware can handle it.
