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If a high-refresh-rate monitor is stuck at 60Hz, start in Windows at Settings > System > Display > Advanced display. Select the affected monitor and choose a refresh rate that is available at your intended resolution. If the higher rate is missing, check the monitor’s input settings and the entire connection path—GPU port, cable, adapters or dock, and monitor input—because every link must support the resolution and refresh rate together.
Why a high-refresh-rate monitor can show 60Hz
Windows may be set to 60Hz, the wrong display may be selected, or the chosen resolution may not offer the rate you expect. Windows 11’s Dynamic Refresh Rate setting can also affect the rate observed in some games. If the higher mode is not available at all, a port, cable, adapter, dock, or monitor input may limit the connection.
Hz means screen updates per second: Microsoft explains that a 60Hz display updates 60 times per second in its Windows refresh-rate guide.
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- Open Settings > System > Display > Advanced display.
- If more than one display is connected, use the display selector to choose the monitor that appears to be stuck at 60Hz.
- Check the displayed resolution, then open the refresh-rate menu and select the desired rate if it is listed for that display.
- Confirm the setting and check whether the monitor now reports or visibly runs at the selected rate.
Microsoft notes that the available refresh rates depend on the display’s supported modes. A rate marked with an asterisk does not support the current resolution; choosing it changes the resolution to achieve that rate. To avoid an unintended resolution change, look for the target rate while using the monitor’s intended or native resolution. See Microsoft’s instructions and explanation of starred rates.
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- QHD Resolution (2560 x 1440) has 1.7 times the pixel density of Full HD for incredibly detailed pinsharp images
- HDR10 provides brighter highlights and nuanced shadow for added depth - making every scene feel more vivid and realistic
- The 180Hz refresh rate minimizes lag for gameplay with ultra-smooth action. Plus, the 1ms response time helps capture your moves in real-time, allowing you to react fast for gaming precision
- AMD FreeSync reduces choppiness, screen lag and image tearing, ensuring that your fast-paced, complex in-game action is stable with minimal stutter
- Ergonomic stand allows for tilt, pivot and height adjustments to maximize gaming comfort
If the higher refresh rate is missing
Check the monitor and chosen input
Some monitors expose different modes depending on the input or monitor-side setting. Check the monitor’s on-screen controls and its manual or specification table for the supported resolution-and-refresh combinations on the input you are using. The exact menu path varies by model.
Check the complete connection path
Confirm that the GPU output, cable, any adapter or dock, and monitor input can all carry the target resolution and refresh rate together. DisplayPort and HDMI have bandwidth and cable-class requirements; the right cable depends on the specific devices and mode, not just the connector name.
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- Incredible Images: The Acer KB272 G0bi 27" monitor with 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution in a 16:9 aspect ratio presents stunning, high-quality images with excellent detail.
- Adaptive-Sync Support: Get fast refresh rates thanks to the Adaptive-Sync Support (FreeSync Compatible) product that matches the refresh rate of your monitor with your graphics card. The result is a smooth, tear-free experience in gaming and video playback applications.
- Responsive!!: Fast response time of 1ms enhances the experience. No matter the fast-moving action or any dramatic transitions will be all rendered smoothly without the annoying effects of smearing or ghosting. A 120Hz refresh rate speeds up the frames per second to deliver smooth 2D motion scenes in gaming and video.
- 27" Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen IPS Monitor | Adaptive-Sync Support (FreeSync Compatible)
- Refresh Rate: Up to 120Hz | Response Time: 1ms VRB | Brightness: 250 nits | Pixel Pitch: 0.311mm
VESA says certified DisplayPort cables support HBR2, which is capable of 4K at 60Hz, and recommends reputable or certified cables for reliable operation. Higher-bandwidth configurations may require a cable rated for the relevant link. HDMI Licensing Administrator distinguishes cable classes: its HDMI 2.1b overview associates up to 48 Gbps with Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable, while its HDMI 2.2 material describes Ultra96 cable support for the highest HDMI 2.2 bandwidth modes. Those figures describe cable capabilities, not a guarantee that a particular computer-and-monitor combination supports a given mode. Check the device specifications and target mode before replacing a cable.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsA certified DisplayPort cable with a rating suited to the exact GPU, monitor, and target mode may be worth considering if the cable path is the limiting factor. A cable cannot add a higher-refresh mode that the GPU port, monitor input, or display itself does not support. VESA’s guidance is available at DisplayPort cable certification and VESA’s cable and adapter information.
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Review Dynamic Refresh Rate in Windows 11
In Windows 11, return to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display and inspect the Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) setting, if shown. Microsoft says DRR requires compatible hardware and can limit the maximum refresh rate of some games. As a diagnostic, turn DRR off and check whether the game’s observed rate changes. Windows 10 does not support DRR. Microsoft’s guide covers the feature and its requirements at Change the refresh rate on your monitor in Windows.
Check drivers if expected modes remain absent
If the expected modes still do not appear after checking the display, resolution, and connection, obtain the graphics driver through Windows Update or the computer or GPU manufacturer’s official support route. Then revisit Advanced display and check the available modes. The correct driver depends on your computer and graphics hardware.
Rank #4
- 32 Inch curved 1500R gaming monitor, 240Hz high refresh rate for gameplay
- Performance: 240Hz refresh rate, Full HD 1920*1080P resolution, 1ms MPRT response time, Built-in FreeSync technology, Anti-flicker, Low blue light
- Interfaces: HDMI up to 240Hz, DP 1.4 up to 240Hz, Earphone Jack, No speakers built-in. One DP cable comes with the package
- Display Colors: 125% sRGB color gamut, 16.7M display colors, 300 Nits brightness, HDR technology, 3500:1 contrast
- Ergonomic Design: 1500R curved, Tilt: -5°~15°, VESA Compatible (100 x 100mm), 178° Wide Viewing Angle.Recommended distance of playing games in this monitor is about 1.2 meters.
When you use more than one monitor
In Advanced display, verify the selected display before changing its rate; settings apply to the monitor currently selected. Also check that Windows is using the external-display configuration you intend. Microsoft’s guidance for multiple displays is at How to use multiple monitors in Windows.
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What to check before buying a cable
- Look up the supported refresh rate at your target resolution for both the GPU’s output and the monitor’s input.
- Check the cable’s certification or rating against the bandwidth needed for that mode.
- Include every adapter, dock, or other device between the computer and display in the compatibility check.
- Replace or bypass the cable path only if it is a plausible limit; a newer cable will not overcome a 60Hz-only port or supported display mode.
There is no universal rule that HDMI or DisplayPort always provides the higher refresh rate. The supported mode depends on the particular ports, cable, intermediate devices, and resolution.
Best Value
- Smooth motion: 240Hz refresh rate and fast 0.5ms response time provide crisp visuals and fluid movement with less input lag.
- Seamless gaming: FreeSync Premium and HDMI VRR eliminate tearing for smooth, responsive PC and console gameplay.
- Fast IPS: Faster 0.5ms response with excellent color accuracy across wide IPS viewing angles.
- Rich color: 99% sRGB color coverage delivers vivid, detailed imagery with strong accuracy.
- Eye comfort: TÜV Rheinland 3‑star certified display lowers blue light while preserving color quality.
Windows version note
The steps above describe Windows 10 and Windows 11. Microsoft states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025; menu labels or support availability can change, so check Microsoft’s current refresh-rate guidance for the version you use.
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