144Hz Monitor Only Showing 60Hz in Windows 11, Why?

Is your 144Hz monitor only showing 60Hz in Windows 11? It’s a bummer, especially if you’re into gaming or need that sweet, smooth visual for your work. Let’s get straight to figuring out why this is happening and how to fix it so you can enjoy your monitor at its full 144Hz glory.

Also see: How to Change Desktop Screen Refresh Rate in Windows 11

Solution 1: Cable Compatibility and Quality

Identifying the Right Cable

One big reason your 144Hz monitor might show only 60Hz is if you’re using the wrong cable or a low-quality one. The type of cable really matters for the refresh rate your monitor can achieve.

• For most 144Hz monitors, a DisplayPort cable works best. It supports high refresh rates and resolutions.
• If you’re using HDMI, make sure it’s version 2.0 or higher, as older versions might not cut it for higher refresh rates.
• For DVI, it has to be a Dual-Link DVI cable because a Single-Link DVI cable can’t handle 144Hz.

Cable Quality Matters

Even with the right type of cable, poor quality can mess things up. Make sure you get a cable from a trusted maker, and check if it has good ratings or certifications to handle high data speeds.

Linked issue: Mouse Lag on 4k Monitor or TV Screen (Fix)

Solution 2: Graphics Driver and Settings Optimization

Updating Graphics Drivers

Old or wrongly installed graphics drivers can also cause trouble. To keep things running smoothly:

• Always check for the latest updates for your graphics driver on the manufacturer’s website, like NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel. Don’t just wait for Windows Update.
• Sometimes, starting fresh with a clean installation of the graphics driver can fix problems. It wipes all old settings and puts in the latest driver.

Configuring Graphics Settings (Refresh Rate)

Tweaking your graphics settings can also help:

• If you have an NVIDIA card, use the NVIDIA Control Panel to make sure your monitor is set to the highest refresh rate available.
• AMD users, check the AMD Radeon Software under ‘Display’ settings for something similar.

Monitor Detection

Make sure your computer really knows your monitor. If it’s listed as a ‘Generic PnP Monitor’ in Device Manager, it might not let you get to higher refresh rates. Try updating the monitor driver or picking the right model manually to fix this.

Learn more: Generic PnP Monitor Windows 11/10 Driver Download Problem

Solution 3: Windows Display Settings Adjustment

Accessing Advanced Display Settings

Sometimes, adjusting your display settings in Windows 11 is all you need:

1. Go to Settings > System > Display.
2. Select Advanced display settings under the display you’re setting up.
3. Look for a dropdown menu to change the refresh rate. Pick 144Hz if it’s there.

Multi-Monitor Considerations

Using more than one monitor? The setup can affect refresh rates. Sometimes, having different refresh rates on each can make the faster one go slower. Try disconnecting the other monitor or setting them to the same refresh rate to see if that helps.

Related resource: Game Stuttering and Lag on Dual Monitor (Fix)

Solution 4: Monitor Settings and Overclocking

Adjusting Monitor On-Screen Display (OSD) Settings

Your monitor’s own menu might also limit the refresh rate:

• Get into your monitor’s OSD (On-Screen Display) menu.
• Find settings related to refresh rate or display.
• If your monitor has an Overclock (OC) mode that lets you go higher with refresh rates, make sure it’s turned on.

Firmware and Compatibility

• Check for firmware updates for your monitor. Sometimes new updates can improve things or fix bugs.
• Make sure your monitor actually supports 144Hz natively. Some might need specific settings or conditions to hit those higher rates.

Similar problem: Why is My 240Hz Monitor Only Showing 144Hz?

Solution 5: Custom Resolution and Refresh Rate

Creating a Custom Resolution

If nothing else works, try making a custom resolution:

1. Open your graphics card’s control panel (like NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Settings).
2. Find display settings and look for a way to create a custom resolution.
3. Enter your monitor’s resolution and set the refresh rate to 144Hz.
4. Be careful here, as wrong settings can mess up your display. If you can’t adjust it, see: NVIDIA Control Panel Custom Resolution Greyed Out.

Testing and Applying Changes

• Try the “Test” feature to make sure everything looks good with the new settings.
• If it works, go ahead and apply the settings. If not, you might need to adjust things a bit.

Recommended read: 16:10 vs 16:9 Aspect Ratio for Gaming: Which is Better?

To summarize

If your 144Hz monitor is stuck at 60Hz in Windows 11, make sure you’re using the right cable, keep your graphics drivers up to date, adjust your graphics and monitor settings, and maybe even create a custom resolution. All these steps can help you enjoy the smooth experience your monitor was meant to deliver. Think of your monitor and PC as a team that needs the right setup to work well together.