There is no question that a higher refresh rate is good for your eyes. Are you struggling to find out why your 144Hz monitor won’t run past 60Hz, despite spending a fortune on it?
If you’ve done everything possible, but your 144Hz monitor is still running at 60Hz, here are the most common causes and how you can fix your monitor and jump back into the action.
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How to set a 60Hz monitor to 144Hz?
Enable 144Hz on Windows 10
If you want to enable a 144Hz refresh rate on your 60Hz monitor, here are a few steps to follow:
- Go to the settings on Windows 10 and click on System in the Settings.
- Click on the Display tab and select Display adapter properties, then Monitor tab.
- Select 144Hz from the menu of the screen refresh rate.
- Click Apply, then Ok to activate 144Hz on your monitor
Enable 144Hz on Windows 7/Windows 8
- Right-click on any black space on your monitor. Tap screen resolution.
- Choose Advanced Settings.
- Click on the monitor tab and choose the 144Hz refresh rate.
Why is my 144Hz Monitor Running at 60Hz?
Your monitor is set at 60Hz by default
If your 144Hz monitor isn’t running past 60Hz, one of the most common issues is that it could be set at 60Hz by default.
To change this, navigate to the Settings> System> Display> Advanced Display Settings> Display Adapter Properties. Tap on “Monitor” and select your preferred refresh rate from the menu.
At this point, you can choose the various refresh rates supported by your monitor. If you’ve plugged your HDMI 2.0 cable into the right port, you will start using 144Hz if your monitor supports the refresh rate.
Use of an unsuitable HDMI or Display Port
If you want to enjoy a high refresh rate, you should pay attention to the ports your monitor comes with.
Some monitors come with both DisplayPort and HDMI ports but will be limited to a lower refresh rate when connected via HDMI. In this case, you should use a DisplayPort cable.
The standard HDMI cable won’t support 144Hz; therefore, it is easy to notice why your monitor won’t run past 60Hz. Look for a 144Hz-compatible cable to enjoy the highest refresh rates. If you bought a brand new 144Hz monitor, it should have such a cable in its original packaging.
Your graphics drivers are outdated
Although this is rare, outdated graphics drivers can limit your monitor’s Hz. This can happen if you’ve not used your computer for a long time or have not updated the GPU drive for some years.
Ensure that your GPU drivers are up to date with the relevant GPU software. If you have an AMD GPU, go for AMD software.
The monitor may not actually support 144Hz
If you bought your monitor for hundreds of dollars, it doesn’t mean it can support a 144Hz refresh rate. You may have bought a 60Hz monitor unknowingly.
Just Google your monitor’s model and look for its specifications on reliable websites such as Amazon or the manufacturer.
You can also check its refresh rate in the settings.
If you’re using Windows 10, go to Settings> System> Display> Advanced Display Settings> Display Adapter Properties. Then, click on the Monitor Tab and choose your preferred refresh rate from the menu. What you can see on the drop-down menu is what your monitor can handle.
Your console does not support 144Hz
If you’ve confirmed that you have a 144Hz monitor, but it can only show 60Hz, then your console might not be supporting 144Hz. For instance, all PS4 and Xbox One models have a max refresh rate of 60Hz. However, Xbox Series X and PS5 can support a 120Hz refresh rate. Therefore, your console might not support 144Hz unless you play games on a PC.
The cables are in the wrong ports
Finally, your monitor may fail to run at 144Hz if you plug in the right cables in the wrong ports. Although it seems like a silly mistake, it happens. Therefore, ensure that the cables are plugged into the right ports.
Benefits of 144Hz over 60Hz
Setting a 60Hz monitor to 144Hz can provide many benefits to the user. Some benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Reduced input lag, making the display feel more responsive
- Smoother images that are less prone to tearing and stuttering
- The ability to run at a higher frame rate than your monitor’s native refresh rate without introducing any additional input lag or visual artifacts.
- A higher refresh rate is better for your eyes.
FAQs
Why do some 144Hz monitors fail to work at 60Hz?
Some 144Hz monitors may not work at 60Hz because they are designed to operate at a high refresh rate. If you want to run a 144Hz monitor at 60Hz, you need to change the settings on the monitor.
Why does my 144Hz monitor only have a 60Hz refresh rate?
Your monitor may be using a technique known as “overdrive” to run at 144Hz. This method can cause some artifacts in images, so it’s not enabled at a 60Hz refresh rate.
What is the refresh rate of a 144Hz monitor?
A 144Hz monitor has a refresh rate of 144Hz. This means it refreshes an image 144 times per second, leading to a more smooth and more responsive image.
Conclusion
If you’re having problems with your 144Hz monitor, I hope this guide will help you get back into playing your favorite games at a 144Hz refresh rate. Before buying your favorite monitor or console, ensure it can run at a 144Hz refresh rate.