Monitor Stuck at 60Hz? You’re Not Alone
If your monitor supports 144Hz but Windows is stuck at 60Hz, the issue is usually not the monitor.
In most cases, it’s caused by the wrong cable, display settings, GPU driver issues, or Windows configuration.
This guide explains simple fixes that work for most people.
Common Reasons This Happens
Your monitor may be stuck at 60Hz because:
•HDMI cable or port limitation
•Wrong refresh rate selected in Windows
•GPU drivers not installed or outdated
•Incorrect display adapter settings
•Using laptop HDMI instead of GPU output
Fix 1: Change Refresh Rate in Windows (Most Common)
1.Right-click on the desktop
2.Click Display settings
3.Scroll down → Advanced display
4.Under Refresh rate, select 144Hz
5.Click Apply
If 144Hz is not visible, continue to the next fixes.
Fix 2: Use the Correct Cable (Very Important)
Many monitors do not support 144Hz over HDMI, especially older ones.
Best option:
•DisplayPort cable (recommended)
If using HDMI:
•Make sure it’s HDMI 2.0 or higher
•Cheap HDMI cables often lock refresh rate to 60Hz
Try switching to DisplayPort if possible.
Fix 3: Check GPU Control Panel
For NVIDIA users:
1.Open NVIDIA Control Panel
2.Go to Change resolution
3.Select your monitor
4.Choose 144Hz under refresh rate
5.Apply
For AMD users:
1.Open AMD Adrenalin
2.Go to Display
3.Set refresh rate to 144Hz
Fix 4: Update or Install Graphics Drivers
Missing or outdated GPU drivers can lock refresh rate.
1.Open Device Manager
2.Expand Display adapters
3.If you see “Microsoft Basic Display Adapter”, install proper GPU drivers
4.Restart after installing
Fix 5: Check Monitor Settings (OSD Menu)
Use the buttons on your monitor:
•Open monitor menu (OSD)
•Check refresh rate / input source
•Make sure performance mode is enabled if available
Special Cases
Laptop Shows 144Hz Monitor but Stuck at 60Hz
•Make sure the cable is connected to the GPU port, not motherboard
•Some laptops limit HDMI output to 60Hz
144Hz Option Missing Completely
•Wrong cable
•Wrong port
•Old GPU that doesn’t support 144Hz
Final Thoughts
In most cases, a DisplayPort cable + correct Windows setting fixes this issue immediately.
If your monitor supports 144Hz, Windows can use it — once everything is set correctly.