How to Find Out Your Display Refresh Rate

Understanding your display's refresh rate helps optimize your viewing experience and maximize your hardware's capabilities. This guide covers multiple methods to check your monitor's refresh rate across different operating systems and devices.

Understanding Refresh Rate

A display's refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), represents how many times per second your screen updates with new images. A 60 Hz display refreshes 60 times per second, while a 144 Hz display refreshes 144 times per second. Higher refresh rates create smoother motion and reduce visual artifacts.

Windows 11 and 10 Methods

The simplest way to check your refresh rate in Windows 11 or 10 is through the Settings app. Navigate to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings. Under "Choose a refresh rate," you'll see your current setting and available options.

For a more detailed analysis, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on your desktop
2. Select Display settings
3. Scroll down and click Advanced display settings
4. Click Display adapter properties
5. Select the Monitor tab
6. Look for "Screen refresh rate" in the dropdown menu

Windows users can also verify their refresh rate through the NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Software if using dedicated graphics cards.

macOS Refresh Rate Check

Apple devices handle refresh rates differently. To check your Mac's display refresh rate:

1. Click the Apple menu
2. Select About This Mac
3. Click System Report
4. Select Graphics/Displays
5. Look for "Refresh Rate" under display information

M1 and M2 Macs with ProMotion technology automatically adjust their refresh rates between 24 Hz and 120 Hz based on content and usage.

Linux Display Rate Verification

Linux users have several command-line options to check their refresh rate. Open a terminal and use:

1xrandr | grep -A 1 connected

This command displays connected monitors and their current refresh rates. For a graphical interface, most desktop environments provide display settings similar to Windows.

Browser-Based Testing

Modern browsers can help verify your actual refresh rate. The Screen Resolution Analyzer and Refresh Rate Checker tools provide accurate measurements of your display's capabilities.

Mobile Device Refresh Rates

Android users can check their refresh rate in Settings > Display > Advanced. The exact path may vary by manufacturer. Many Android phones now support variable refresh rates up to 120 Hz.

iPhone users with ProMotion displays (iPhone 13 Pro and newer) automatically adjust between 10 Hz and 120 Hz. The system handles these adjustments without user intervention.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

If your display isn't running at its advertised refresh rate, verify these factors:

1. Cable specifications support the desired refresh rate
2. Graphics drivers are updated
3. Display settings are configured correctly
4. Monitor's on-screen display (OSD) settings match system settings

DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 cables support higher refresh rates at higher resolutions. Older cables may limit your maximum refresh rate.

Verifying Actual Performance

To confirm your display operates at the set refresh rate, use the Dead Pixel Checker and motion tests. These tools help identify display issues and verify smooth motion at your chosen refresh rate.

Professional Applications

Content creators and professionals should pay special attention to refresh rates when working with video content. A display running at 60 Hz might not accurately represent how 24 fps or 30 fps content will appear to end users.

Hardware Considerations

Monitor specifications list maximum refresh rates under specific conditions. These rates often depend on:

• Resolution settings
• Connection type
• Graphics card capabilities
• Operating system support

Always check your specific monitor's documentation for supported refresh rates at different resolutions.

Future-Proofing Your Setup

When purchasing new displays, consider refresh rate capabilities alongside resolution. Modern gaming monitors offer refresh rates up to 360 Hz, while professional displays might prioritize color accuracy over high refresh rates.

For optimal performance, match your display's refresh rate to your typical use case. Gamers benefit from higher refresh rates, while content creators might prefer consistent, lower refresh rates that match their output format.