Introduction
Changing your monitor’s refresh rate in Windows 11 can have an upside and a downside. For example, switching to a higher refresh rate gives you smoother onscreen motion, making it ideal for games and movies. However, a higher refresh rate consumes more power, which is a big problem if you’re using a laptop. No matter your reason, changing the refresh rate on your Windows 11 computer can be done quickly and easily.
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Steps to Change Windows 11 Refresh Rate
- Navigate to your Windows 11 home screen, and then press the “Windows” and “I” keys at the same time.
- Make sure “System” is selected in the menu on the left side of the screen, and then click “Display” in the list of options on the right side of the screen.
- Scroll down this screen to the Related Settings section, and then click “Advanced Display.” The Advanced Display screen opens.
- Click the drop-down in the Select A Display field at the top of the screen and choose the display you want to change the refresh rate for. The information for that specific display will be shown in the Display Information section.
- Click the drop-down field in the Choose A Refresh Rate section to see a list of available refresh rates supported by your display, and then choose what you want to be your new Windows 11 refresh rate. Your monitor will start operating with the new refresh rate, and a pop-up will be shown asking if you want to keep these display settings.
- Click “Keep Changes” if you want to keep your new refresh rate. The pop-up box will close and your monitor will operate with the new refresh rate going forward.
Reasons to Change Your Windows 11 Refresh Rate
1. Improved Visual Quality
A higher refresh rate results in smoother and more fluid motion on the screen. Upgrading the refresh rate to a higher frequency gives you a more immersive visual experience, whether you are gaming, watching videos, or working. A higher refresh rate reduces motion blur and ghosting, making it easier to track fast-moving objects. This results in a more lifelike and natural viewing experience that’s free from distracting visual artifacts.
2. Reduced Eye Strain
A higher refresh rate reduces onscreen flicker, making it easier to use a computer for extended periods of time. This results in less eye strain and fatigue, making it a great option for those who spend long hours in front of their computers. The reduction of flicker also helps prevent headaches, which is a common issue for those who spend a lot of time looking at screens.
3. Compatibility with High-Refresh-Rate Monitors
High-refresh-rate monitors are becoming increasingly popular, and by changing the refresh rate, you can ensure that your Windows 11 system takes full advantage of the monitor’s capabilities. This results in a more fluid and responsive experience, making it easier to complete tasks and enjoy multimedia content.
4. Gaming Performance Improvement
For gamers, a higher refresh rate can provide a competitive edge. By providing more responsive and smoother gameplay, it becomes easier to track fast-moving objects and make split-second decisions. The elimination of motion blur and ghosting results in a more immersive gaming experience that provides a significant advantage over your opponents.
5. Elimination of Screen Tearing
Screen tearing occurs when the refresh rate and the frame rate of a game or video are out of sync. This results in a distracting visual artifact that can ruin an otherwise enjoyable experience. By increasing the refresh rate, screen tearing can be eliminated, providing a smoother visual experience.
