How to Check Monitor Refresh Rate: Step-by-Step Guide

Your monitor’s refresh rate affects visual smoothness during gaming, video-watching, or browsing. A higher rate (e.g., 144Hz) reduces motion blur, while 60Hz suffices for basic tasks. This guide shows how to check it across Windows, Mac, laptops, external displays, and fixes common issues.

Part1：What Is Monitor Refresh Rate? (Quick Overview)

• Definition: Measures how many times the screen updates images per second (unit: Hz). For example, 60Hz refreshes 60 times/second, 144Hz 144 times/second.
• Why it matters: 120Hz+ (common in gaming monitors) makes fast-moving content smoother; 60Hz works for office work/streaming but may lag for intense tasks.
• Key note: Maximum refresh rate depends on hardware (ordinary monitors top at 60Hz, gaming ones up to 240Hz) and connection (HDMI 2.1/DisplayPort 1.4 support higher rates than old HDMI versions).

Part2：How to Check Monitor Refresh Rate on Windows (11 & 10)

For Windows 11

1. Right-click empty desktop space.
2. Select Display settings.
3. Scroll to Related settingsand click Advanced display.
4. Under “Choose a display to view or change its settings,” select your monitor (if multi-screen).
5. Click Display adapter properties for Display X(X = monitor number).
6. Go to Monitortab—current and available refresh rates (e.g., 60Hz, 144Hz) are under “Screen refresh rate.”

For Windows 10

1. Right-click desktop and select Display settings.
2. Scroll to bottom and click Advanced display settings.
3. Select your monitor (if multi-screen) under “Choose display.”
4. Click Display adapter properties for Display X.
5. Go to Monitortab—refresh rate is in “Screen refresh rate” dropdown.

Pro tip: If no high refresh rate (e.g., monitor supports 144Hz but only 60Hz shows), check if HDMI/DisplayPort cable is up-to-date (use 2.1/1.4 version) or update graphics driver via Device Manager.

Part3：Checking Refresh Rate on Mac (macOS Sonoma & Ventura)

For macOS Sonoma (14.x) or Ventura (13.x)

1. Click Apple menu in top-left.
2. Select System Settings.
3. Click Displays in left sidebar.
4. Select your monitor (e.g., MacBook’s “Built-in Retina Display,” or external monitor name).
5. Hold Option key—hidden “Refresh Rate” option appears.
6. Click “Refresh Rate” drop down to see current and available rates.

For Older macOS Versions (Monterey or Earlier)

1. Open System Preferences via Apple menu.
2. Click Displays.
3. Hold Option key and click Scaled
4. Refresh rate menu shows below resolution options—view details here.

Part4：How to Find Refresh Rate on Laptops (Built-In & External Monitors)

For Built-In Laptop Screens

Follow Windows/Mac steps above:

• Windows laptop: Right-click desktop → Display settings → Advanced display → Monitor tab.
• MacBook: Apple menu → System Settings → Displays → Option key + Refresh Rate.

For External Monitors Connected to Laptops

1. Connect external monitor via HDMI, USB-C, or DisplayPort.
2. Windows: In “Advanced display settings,” select external monitor (labeled with model name, e.g., “Dell S2721D”) from “Choose a display” list.
3. Mac: In “Displays” settings, select external monitor, then hold Option to see refresh rates.

Common issue: If external monitor’s rate is lower than expected, confirm cable supports high rates (e.g., USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode for 144Hz; basic USB-C only for 60Hz).

Part5：Common Issues: Why Can’t You Check Monitor Refresh Rate?

• Outdated drivers: Windows: Update graphics driver via Device Manager or manufacturer app (e.g., GeForce Experience). Mac: Update macOS via System Settings → General → Software Update.
• Faulty cables/ports: Try a new HDMI/DisplayPort cable or switch to another port—damaged cables limit rate options.
• Monitor hardware limits: If monitor only supports 60Hz, no higher rates appear. Check manual or manufacturer website (e.g., ASUS, Dell) for max rate.
• Duplicate displays mode: Windows “Duplicate these displays” uses the lowest common rate of all monitors. Switch to “Extend these displays” to adjust individually.

Part6：FAQs About Checking Monitor Refresh Rate

Q1: Can I check without system settings?

Yes:

• Windows: Press Win + R, type dxdiag, Enter → Display tab → “Monitor” lists refresh rate.
• Mac: No built-in shortcut; use third-party apps like free Refresh Rate Pro(App Store).

Q2: Ideal refresh rate for gaming?

• Casual gaming: 60Hz.
• Smoother gameplay: 120Hz–144Hz.
• Competitive gaming: 240Hz (needs powerful GPU for high frame rates).

Q3: Does higher rate drain laptop battery?

Yes—120Hz uses more battery than 60Hz. Lower rate in battery mode via display settings.

Q4: How to confirm max refresh rate?

Check monitor box, manual, or manufacturer spec page (e.g., Dell S2722DGM lists 165Hz on Dell’s site).

Conclusion

Checking refresh rate is simple across devices. For gaming/fast-paced tasks, use 120Hz+ (if monitor supports); 60Hz works for basic work. When upgrading, confirm refresh rate first to match your needs.

References

1. Microsoft Support – How to Change Your Monitor’s Refresh Rate on Windows 11: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/how-to-change-your-monitor-s-refresh-rate-in-windows-11-787f433e-664d-4d55-b44e-04c0a376a616
2. Apple Support – Adjust Display Refresh Rate on Mac: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203286
3. Tom’s Hardware – How to Check Monitor Refresh Rate (All Devices): https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/check-monitor-refresh-rate