A non-working refresh rate is usually caused by settings, driver issues, or hardware limits — and it can be fixed. If you see stuttering, a locked 60Hz, or your monitor won’t show higher refresh options, this article explains why Refresh rate doesn’t work in Windows 10 and how to solve it. You’ll learn the most common causes (software, cables, monitorEDID, settings) and step-by-step fixes to restore the correct refresh rate.
You will learn how to check and change Windows refresh rate settings, update or clean drivers, verify cable and port capabilities, correct monitor drivers and EDID, adjust GPU control panels, and when to escalate to hardware replacement.
Key Takeaway
If your refresh rate doesn’t work in Windows 10, first verify the Windows display setting and the physical connection (cable/port), then update or reinstall graphics and monitor drivers; most problems are fixed by using the correct cable (DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0+), installing the latest GPU drivers, and selecting the desired rate in Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings.
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| Wrong refresh rate selected in Windows | Change it in Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings. |
| Outdated or corrupted GPU drivers | Update or clean-install GPU drivers from vendor (NVIDIA/AMD/Intel). |
| Cable or port limitations (HDMI/DVI/DP) | Use a cable and port rated for the target refresh (e.g., DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0+). |
| Monitor not using correct EDID/driver | Install the monitor INF/driver from the manufacturer. |
| Cloned/mirrored displays or multi-monitor mode | Use extended desktop or set refresh per-monitor in advanced display settings. |
| GPU control panel overrides Windows setting | Change refresh rate in GPU control panel (NVIDIA/AMD/Intel). |
| Resolution scaling incompatible with high refresh | Set a supported resolution for the desired refresh rate. |
| Power plan or battery saver limiting performance | Switch to High performance in Power Options. |
| Third-party software or V-Sync limiting FPS | Disable frame limiters/V-Sync in apps or check background software (e.g., RivaTuner). |
Detailed Fixes for “Refresh rate doesn’t work in Windows 10”
1) Wrong refresh rate selected in Windows
Why it causes the problem
Windows allows selecting refresh rates per monitor; if set incorrectly you’ll be stuck at the wrong value.
Step-by-step solution
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to System > Display.
- Scroll down and click Advanced display settings.
- Under “Choose display,” select the affected monitor, then open Refresh rate and select the desired value (e.g., 144 Hz).
- Click Apply and confirm.
Notes/tips: If the desired rate is missing, continue to the other sections — the missing option usually indicates a driver, cable, or monitor limitation.
2) Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers
Why it causes the problem
GPU drivers communicate supported modes and can limit available refresh options if outdated or corrupt.
Step-by-step solution
- Open Device Manager: right-click Start and choose Device Manager.
- Expand Display adapters, right-click your GPU, choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
- Prefer vendor downloads: go to NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel website and download the latest driver for your GPU model.
- For a clean install: use the vendor installer’s “Custom / Clean Install” option (NVIDIA/AMD offer this).
- If problems persist, uninstall driver and use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode, then reinstall latest driver from vendor.
Commands/tools to check:
- Run dxdiag: Press Windows + R, type dxdiag, Enter, check Display tab for driver details.
Notes/tips: DDU removes residual files that can cause conflicts; always download drivers from official vendor sites.
3) Cable or port limitations (HDMI/DVI/DisplayPort)
Why it causes the problem
Older cables or ports cannot carry higher bandwidths needed for high refresh at high resolutions. For example, HDMI 1.4 often limits to 60Hz at 4K, while HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2+ supports higher rates.
Step-by-step solution
- Identify which cable and port you’re using (HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI).
- Check monitor and GPU ports: ensure both support your target refresh (refer to manufacturer specs).
- Replace cable with a certified high-bandwidth cable: DisplayPort 1.2/1.4, HDMI 2.0/2.1, or Dual-link DVI for older setups.
- If laptop: try the laptop’s DisplayPort over USB-C/Thunderbolt if available.
- After changing the cable, repeat refresh selection in Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings.
Notes/tips: Use shorter, high-quality cables for best signal; cheaply made cables can fail at high bandwidths.
4) Monitor EDID or wrong monitor driver
Why it causes the problem
EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) tells Windows what refresh rates a monitor supports. If EDID is wrong or Windows uses a generic monitor driver, options may be limited.
Step-by-step solution
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Monitors and see if it lists your monitor by name. If it shows Generic PnP Monitor, it might need a manufacturer driver.
- Download the monitor driver (INF) from the monitor manufacturer’s support page.
- In Device Manager, right-click the monitor > Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers and point to the downloaded INF.
- Restart Windows and re-check Advanced display settings.
Notes/tips: Some monitors require manufacturer drivers to enable features and exact EDID profiles. If the manufacturer does not provide drivers, try Windows Update.
5) Multiple displays, cloning, or mirror mode
Why it causes the problem
When displays are cloned/mirrored, Windows will use the highest common mode supported by all monitors — often limiting refresh to the lowest value.
Step-by-step solution
- Press Windows + P and select Extend (instead of Duplicate).
- Open Settings > System > Display and select each monitor to set refresh rate individually under Advanced display settings.
- If you must mirror displays, set both monitors to a rate supported by both or use a single high-bandwidth output with an MST hub where supported.
Notes/tips: For multi-monitor gaming, ensure both the GPU and monitors support desired refresh rates per-output.
6) GPU control panel overriding Windows settings
Why it causes the problem
Vendor control panels (NVIDIA Control Panel, AMD Radeon Settings, Intel Graphics Command Center) can set or lock custom resolutions and refresh rates independent of Windows.
Step-by-step solution
NVIDIA:
- Right-click desktop > NVIDIA Control Panel.
- Go to Display > Change resolution, choose monitor and select refresh rate.
- If needed, click Customize to create a custom resolution (requires caution).
AMD:
- Right-click > AMD Radeon Settings or Adrenalin.
- Go to Display, set desired refresh or create custom resolution.
Intel:
- Open Intel Graphics Command Center or Intel Graphics Control Panel.
- Choose Display and change refresh rate or create custom modes.
Notes/tips: After changes, reboot. If a control panel shows a different rate than Windows, prefer the vendor tool for forcing custom modes.
7) Resolution or color depth incompatible with high refresh
Why it causes the problem
Certain combinations of resolution, color depth (10-bit), or chroma subsampling increase required bandwidth and can restrict refresh options.
Step-by-step solution
- In Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings, check the current resolution.
- Set resolution to a standard option supported by your monitor and GPU (e.g., 1920×1080 or 2560×1440).
- If using 4K at a high refresh, ensure cable and ports support it (HDMI 2.1 or DP 1.4) and reduce color depth/chroma if necessary.
- Use GPU control panel to adjust color depth or chroma subsampling if needed.
Notes/tips: Lowering color settings temporarily can confirm if bandwidth is the limiting factor.
8) Power plan or battery/performance mode limiting
Why it causes the problem
Laptops may throttle GPU output on battery or in power-saving modes, which can prevent higher refresh operation.
Step-by-step solution
- Open Control Panel > Power Options or from Settings open System > Power & sleep > Additional power settings.
- Select High performance or create a custom plan that disables CPU/GPU throttling.
- On laptops, ensure Windows battery saver is off and plug in the charger.
- Check manufacturer power utilities (Dell Power Manager, Lenovo Vantage) and set performance mode.
Notes/tips: Some laptops have BIOS/UEFI options related to graphics performance — check those if issues persist.
9) Third-party software, V-Sync, or frame limiters
Why it causes the problem
Background utilities (frame limiters, RivaTuner, game settings with V-Sync) or overlays can cap frame output and give the impression refresh isn’t working.
Step-by-step solution
- Close or disable overlay apps (Steam overlay, Discord overlay, MSI Afterburner, RivaTuner).
- In games, disable V-Sync or FPS limiters in the game settings and test.
- Use test tools like TestUFO (web) to verify monitor refresh independently of apps.
- If an overlay is suspected, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and end the third-party process.
Notes/tips: Some apps reapply settings at startup — check startup apps in Task Manager > Startup.
Advanced diagnostics and when to contact support
- Use diagnostic websites and tools: open testufo.com in a browser to visually confirm refresh rate and frame timing. Use GPU monitoring tools (MSI Afterburner, GPU-Z) to see actual rendered FPS.
- Check Windows Event Viewer for driver-related errors: Event Viewer > Windows Logs > System and filter for warnings/errors around Display or nvlddmkm (NVIDIA) or amdkmdag (AMD).
- If every software and cable test fails, test the monitor with another PC or test PC with another monitor to isolate the faulty component.
- Contact monitor or GPU manufacturer support if the monitor fails to report expected modes or the GPU isn’t providing expected outputs. If hardware is defective, consider RMA under warranty.
Notes/tips: Keep screenshots of settings and logs when contacting support — they help speed diagnosis.
FAQ
How can I verify the actual refresh rate Windows is using?
Open Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings — it shows the active refresh rate. You can also use dxdiag (Windows + R, type dxdiag) and check the Display tab, or use TestUFO in a browser to measure.
Can I force a refresh rate that’s not listed?
Yes, vendor GPU control panels (NVIDIA/AMD/Intel) allow custom resolutions and refresh rates; proceed cautiously and use monitor specs — forcing unsupported modes can damage some hardware.
Does Windows 10 limit refresh rate on laptops?
Windows doesn’t arbitrarily limit refresh rate, but power plans, battery saver, or laptop firmware can throttle GPU output. Set Power Options to High performance and use manufacturer performance settings on laptops.
Why does my monitor show higher refresh in OSD but not in Windows?
If the monitor OSD shows the mode but Windows does not list it, the issue is likely EDID, cable, or driver problems. Install the monitor INF, use a high-bandwidth cable, and update GPU drivers.
Is HDMI always worse than DisplayPort for refresh rates?
Not always — HDMI 2.0 and 2.1 support high refresh rates; the older HDMI 1.4 is the limiting factor. DisplayPort historically offered more bandwidth earlier, so check the versions of both the GPU and monitor ports.
Conclusion
Most instances where Refresh rate doesn’t work in Windows 10 are solved by checking the Windows refresh setting, using a correct high-bandwidth cable/port, and updating or clean-installing GPU and monitor drivers. Start with the simple checks (Settings and cables), then move to driver updates, control panel overrides, and diagnostics before seeking hardware support.
