How to Change Hz on Monitor | Full Refresh Rate Guide for Windows, Mac, PS5 (2026)
How to Change Monitor Refresh Rate (Windows, Mac, PS5) & Fix 60Hz Caps
🛑 The "Stuck at 60Hz" Pre-Flight Checklist
If you are trying to push your monitor past 60Hz and the option is missing, check these 3 hardware bottlenecks before diving into OS settings:
- ✅ The Cable Bottleneck: Are you using an old HDMI 1.4 cable? You need DisplayPort 1.2+ or HDMI 2.0+ to push 144Hz at 1080p.
- ✅ The Port Bottleneck: If using a laptop, does its USB-C port support high-bandwidth DisplayPort Alt Mode, or is it for charging only?
- ✅ The Duplicate Trap: In a dual monitor setup, if you "Duplicate" your screens, Windows limits both to the lowest Hz of the two. You must select "Extend."
Table of Contents
Section 1: The Science of Hz (Why It Matters)
Refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), dictates exactly how many times your monitor’s panel redraws the image per second. A 60Hz screen updates 60 times a second. A 144Hz screen updates 144 times.
Why does this matter if you aren't gaming? Because a higher refresh rate drastically reduces motion blur and flicker. When scrolling through a long Excel sheet or a webpage, a 60Hz screen will smear the text, making it illegible while moving. A higher Hz display keeps text sharp during motion, drastically reducing ciliary muscle fatigue in your eyes.
| Use Case | Recommended Refresh Rate | The Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Office / Browsing | 60Hz | Standard for reading static pages. Maximizes laptop battery life. |
| Mobile Productivity / Light Gaming | 75Hz | A 25% smoothness boost over standard. Reduces scrolling eye strain without killing battery (e.g., Cevaton N2). |
| Competitive Gaming (FPS) | 144Hz - 240Hz+ | Mandatory for tracking fast-moving targets in Valorant or CS:GO. |
Section 2: How to Change Refresh Rate on Windows (10 & 11)
Microsoft frequently hides advanced display settings. Here is the direct path to uncap your framerate.
For Windows 11 Users:
- Right-click on an empty space on your desktop and select Display Settings.
- Scroll down to the 'Related settings' section and click Advanced display.
- At the top, ensure you select the correct monitor from the dropdown menu (crucial if you are using a laptop screen extender).
- Locate the Choose a refresh rate section and select the highest number available.
- The screen will turn black for 2 seconds. Click "Keep Changes."
For Windows 10 Users:
- Right-click the desktop and select Display Settings.
- Scroll to the very bottom and click Advanced display settings.
- Click Display adapter properties for Display 1 (or whichever display you are targeting).
- In the pop-up window, navigate to the Monitor tab.
- Under "Screen refresh rate," select your desired Hz and click Apply.
Section 3: How to Change Hz on Monitor – macOS
Apple’s macOS Ventura and Sonoma have redesigned the system settings. For external monitors, Apple sometimes hides unsupported refresh rates.
macOS (Ventura, Sonoma, and newer):
- Click the Apple logo () > System Settings.
- Click Displays in the left sidebar.
- Select your external monitor icon at the top.
- The Pro Trick: If you do not see a "Refresh Rate" dropdown, press and hold the Option (⌥) key on your keyboard while clicking on the resolution options. This forces the hidden refresh rate menu to appear.
- Select 75Hz, 120Hz, or your target rate.
Section 4: Optimizing for PS5 & HDMI Standards
Console gamers hooking up to a TV or a portable gaming monitor often face the 60Hz wall. The PS5 supports 120Hz, but only under strict hardware conditions.
- Go to PS5 Settings → Screen and Video.
- Select Video Output.
- Set Enable 120Hz Output to Automatic.
- Note: The game you are playing MUST support 120fps (e.g., Call of Duty, Fortnite) for this mode to activate. The PS5 dashboard is locked at 60Hz.
The HDMI Bottleneck: To achieve 120Hz at 1080p, you need an HDMI 2.0 cable. To achieve 120Hz at 4K, you absolutely must use an HDMI 2.1 cable. If your monitor only has an HDMI 1.4 port, you are permanently locked to 60Hz at higher resolutions.
Section 5: Advanced Troubleshooting – Why You're Stuck at 60Hz
If you've followed the steps above and the higher Hz option simply isn't there, you are facing a hardware bottleneck:
- GPU Limitations: Older integrated graphics (like early Intel UHD) cannot process 144Hz signals on external displays.
- Dongle Hell: If you are using a cheap USB-C hub or a DisplayLink adapter to connect your second screen for laptop, these hubs almost always cap output at 60Hz due to severe bandwidth limits. Connect directly to the laptop.
- Missing Drivers: Windows generic drivers default to 60Hz. You must install the latest NVIDIA Game Ready, AMD Adrenalin, or Intel Arc drivers.
Section 6: The "Sweet Spot" Hardware: Cevaton N2 Portable Monitor
Here is a harsh reality for remote workers: running a 144Hz external monitor off a laptop battery will drain your power in under two hours. 144Hz requires massive GPU rendering power. But 60Hz feels sluggish if you are used to modern smartphones.
This is why the Cevaton N2 Portable Monitor is engineered with a 75Hz Full HD IPS panel. It represents the perfect "Sweet Spot" for mobile productivity.
- The 25% Boost: 75Hz provides a visibly smoother experience when scrolling through long documents, webpages, or code compared to standard 60Hz screens, reducing eye strain over an 8-hour workday.
- Battery Efficiency: Unlike 144Hz gaming screens, a 75Hz panel requires significantly less GPU overhead, ensuring your laptop battery survives your time at the coffee shop.
- Plug-and-Play Compatibility: Connect via a single USB-C cable (DP Alt Mode) or Mini HDMI. It natively outputs 75Hz on Windows, macOS, and Android without needing to hunt for hidden settings.
- Ergonomic Architecture: Weighing just 1.27kg with a unique magnetic 360° rotating stand, it transitions instantly from a horizontal spreadsheet setup to a vertical coding display.
If you want an upgrade in smoothness without sacrificing the portability and battery life of your mobile workstation, the 75Hz Cevaton N2 is the definitive choice.
Section 7: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why is my 144Hz monitor stuck at 60Hz?
A: This is almost always a bandwidth limitation. You are likely using an older HDMI 1.4 cable, plugging into a motherboard instead of the GPU, or your laptop port doesn't support high-bandwidth DisplayPort Alt Mode. It can also happen if your displays are set to "Duplicate" instead of "Extend."
Q2: Does refresh rate affect ghosting or input lag?
A: Yes. Higher refresh rates reduce the time between frames (frame pacing), which directly lowers input lag. When paired with proper pixel response times, it significantly reduces motion blur and "ghosting" in fast-paced content.
Q3: Is 75Hz good enough for a portable monitor?
A: Absolutely. 75Hz (like the Cevaton N2) is the optimal sweet spot for productivity and casual gaming. It offers a noticeable 25% smoother experience than standard 60Hz, without the massive battery drain and thermal throttling that 144Hz screens inflict on laptops.
Q4: How do I check the refresh rate on a MacBook?
A: Go to System Settings > Displays. If the refresh rate option is hidden for your external monitor, hold down the "Option" (⌥) key while clicking on the display resolution settings to reveal the hidden Refresh Rate dropdown menu.
Final Thoughts – Make Your Hardware Work Smarter
You paid for those extra frames—it’s time to actually see them. Taking two minutes to navigate your OS settings and verify your cable bandwidth can transform a choppy, headache-inducing screen into a buttery-smooth workspace.
And remember, if you are building a mobile setup, raw speed isn't everything. Balancing smoothness with battery life is key. Upgrading your laptop screen extender to a smart, 75Hz panel like the Cevaton N2 ensures you get the visual comfort you deserve without sacrificing the true portability of your workflow.
Authoritative References & Technical Citations:
- Microsoft Support: View and change display settings in Windows
- Apple Official Support: Change the refresh rate on your Mac display
- Tom's Hardware: How to Check and Change Your Monitor's Refresh Rate