How-To Guides: Master Laptop Screen Extenders & Multi-Monitor Setups

Adjusting your monitor’s refresh rate can improve image clarity, reduce eye strain, and enhance your overall experience—especially while gaming or watching fast-motion content. In this guide, you’ll learn how to change the refresh rate on your monitor across different platforms (Windows, macOS, PS5, HDMI), why you might be stuck at 60Hz, and how to make the most of your screen's capabilities.

Part 1: Why Refresh Rate Matters

Refresh rate, measured in hertz (Hz), refers to how many times your screen refreshes the image per second. A higher refresh rate provides:

• Smoother motion and animations
  
  
• Better responsiveness in gaming
  
  
• Less motion blur and flicker
  
  

Common Refresh Rate Tiers:

Use Case	Recommended Refresh Rate
Office / Browsing	60Hz
Light Gaming / Design	75Hz
Competitive Gaming	120Hz / 144Hz or higher
Media Editing / eSports	144Hz – 240Hz+

Part 2: How to Change Refresh Rate on Windows (10 & 11)

Changing refresh rate on Windows is simple. Here's how:

1. Right-click on your desktop → select Display Settings
   
   
2. Scroll down and click Advanced Display Settings
   
   
3. Select the display you want to modify (if you have more than one)
   
   
4. Under Refresh Rate, choose from the dropdown list (e.g., 60Hz, 75Hz, 120Hz)
   
   
5. Click Apply
   
   

If you don’t see higher refresh rates, make sure your cable and monitor support it.

Part 3: How to Change Hz on Monitor – macOS, PS5, HDMI

macOS (macOS Ventura and newer)

1. Go to System Settings → Displays
   
   
2. Click Advanced
   
   
3. Hold down the Option key to reveal hidden refresh rates
   
   
4. Select your desired rate (60Hz, 75Hz, 120Hz)
   
   

PS5 Console

1. Go to Settings → Screen and Video
   
   
2. Select Video Output
   
   
3. Enable 120Hz Output
   
   
4. Your game must support 120Hz to activate the mode
   
   

Using HDMI:

• Check that your HDMI cable is 2.0 or higher
  
  
• Your monitor must support the refresh rate on that input (some only allow 144Hz over DisplayPort)
  
  
• Adjust settings via Windows or macOS, and verify GPU control panel output
  
  

Part 4: Troubleshooting – Why You're Stuck at 60Hz

If you can't switch above 60Hz, one of these might be the reason:

• Outdated cable: HDMI 1.4 or VGA cables often limit to 60Hz
  
  
• Monitor limitation: Some screens only support higher Hz via specific ports
  
  
• GPU bottleneck: Older GPUs may not support higher refresh rates on certain resolutions
  
  
• Driver issues: Missing or outdated drivers can lock you into default settings
  
  
• Wrong resolution: Some monitors only support 75Hz+ at lower resolutions
  
  

Part 5: FAQ – Refresh Rate Questions Answered

Q: Why is my 144Hz monitor stuck at 60Hz?

You're likely using a cable or port that doesn’t support 144Hz. Try switching to DisplayPort or a certified HDMI 2.0+ cable.

Q: Does refresh rate affect ghosting or lag?

Yes. Higher refresh rates, when combined with proper overdrive settings, can reduce ghosting and perceived input lag.

Q: How do I unlock higher refresh rates?

Use a modern cable, ensure GPU and monitor support the rate, and select it manually in settings.

Q: Is 75Hz good enough for gaming?

Yes—for casual and mid-level gaming. However, 120Hz or 144Hz provides a noticeable difference in FPS titles.

Q: Why can’t I change the Hz on my monitor?

You may be on a non-supported resolution, using an outdated cable, or your system might require a driver update.

Part 6: Summary Table – Refresh Rate Settings by Platform

Platform	Steps to Change Hz	Common Issues
Windows 10/11	Display Settings → Advanced Display → Refresh Rate	Limited by cable or GPU output
macOS	System Settings → Displays → Advanced → Option key	Options may be hidden without Option key
PS5	Screen & Video → Enable 120Hz Output	Game + monitor must both support 120Hz
HDMI Devices	Use HDMI 2.0 or higher + supported monitor	HDMI 1.4 limited to 60Hz at 1080p/1440p

Part 7: Portable Monitor with 75Hz – Cevaton N2

If you're looking for a flexible display that supports high refresh rates across all your devices, the Cevaton N2 Portable Monitor is a smart solution.

Why Cevaton N2?

• 75Hz Full HD IPS display: Smoother than 60Hz with better viewing angles
  
  
• Plug-and-play via USB-C or Mini HDMI
  
  
• Supports Windows, macOS, Android, PS5
  
  
• Lightweight (1.27kg) with magnetic rotating stand
  
  

It’s ideal for remote work, mobile gaming, and extending your screen space—without being locked into 60Hz.

🔗 Product Page: https://cevaton.com/products/n2-portable-monitor-for-laptop

Final Thoughts – Make Your Monitor Work Smarter

Changing your refresh rate can dramatically improve your digital experience—from smoother gameplay to reduced eye fatigue. Just make sure your monitor, cable, and GPU all support your desired rate.

And if you want flexibility across devices, Cevaton N2 offers refresh rate freedom in a portable package—ready to perform wherever you work or play.

References

• https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/view-display-settings-in-windows
  
  
• https://www.howtogeek.com/762245/how-to-change-the-refresh-rate-of-your-monitor-on-windows-11/
  
  
• https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210980
  
  
• https://cevaton.com/products/n2-portable-monitor-for-laptop