What Refresh Rate Means
Microsoft defines refresh rate as the number of times per second the image on the screen refreshes. A 60 Hz display updates the screen 60 times a second.
A higher rate shows motion more smoothly, but only when the computer sends that many frames. The monitor's top rate is a limit, not a promise: the setting decides what it runs at.
Check It in Your Browser
- Open the monitor test on the screen you want to check. If you have more than one monitor, move the browser window to that screen first.
- Keep the tab in front for a second while it measures. Read the Refresh Rate box under the test area.
- Compare it with the rate on the monitor's box or spec sheet, such as 60, 144, or 240 Hz.
The test times how often the browser draws a new frame and rounds to the nearest common rate. MDN notes that these frame callbacks generally match the display refresh rate. It also notes that most browsers pause them in background tabs, so a hidden tab can't measure.
This is an estimate. Power saving and a busy computer can make it read low. The dead pixel test shows the same estimate under its pattern player.
Check It in Windows
- Windows 11: open Start, then Settings, System, Display, and Advanced display.
- The Display information panel shows the current resolution and refresh rate.
- Pick a rate next to Choose a refresh rate. The rates listed depend on what your display supports.
- Windows 10: open Start, then Settings, System, Display, and Advanced display settings. Choose your display if you have several, then pick a rate under Refresh rate.
Microsoft says an asterisk next to a rate means it doesn't support your current resolution. Picking it changes your resolution too.
Windows 11 also has Dynamic refresh rate, which Microsoft says adjusts the rate to what you are doing, for longer battery life. It needs a display that supports variable refresh rate and at least 120 Hz. With it on, a browser test may read lower than the top rate.
Check It on a Mac
- Open the Apple menu, choose System Settings (System Preferences on older macOS), then click Displays.
- Select the display if you have more than one.
- Open the Refresh Rate pop-up menu and choose a rate.
On 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, Apple offers ProMotion, an adaptive refresh rate up to 120 Hz. It follows the frame rate of the content, so a browser test can read lower when little is moving.
For an external Adaptive Sync display, Apple says to connect it with Thunderbolt, USB-C, or another DisplayPort cable, not HDMI. Then choose Variable or Adaptive in the Refresh Rate menu.
If It Shows 60 Hz on a Faster Monitor
- Set the rate in your display settings first. The screen runs at the rate set there, whatever its top rate is.
- Check that your resolution is the one the monitor reaches its top rate at, since Windows changes the resolution for rates that don't support it.
- Check the cable and port. The monitor's manual lists which inputs and cables carry its top rate.
- Run the monitor test again after each change to see the new rate.