Gaming Laptop Stuck at 60Hz? How to Fix Refresh Rate

Why your gaming laptop might show 60Hz

A gaming laptop's display has a maximum refresh rate, which is the number of times the screen updates each second. This value is set by the panel hardware and is listed in the laptop's specification sheet. However, the operating system may start at a safe, lower setting to ensure compatibility with basic graphics drivers.

Another reason is that the display might be using the integrated graphics instead of the dedicated GPU, which may not be configured to run the panel at its highest refresh rate. The NVIDIA RTX 50 Series laptops page describes Max-Q technology that balances performance and power, but the refresh rate itself is controlled by the operating system and the display driver.

Windows may also apply a power-saving mode that caps the refresh rate while running on battery to conserve energy. When you plug in the charger, the higher rates often become available again.

If you see a lower value than the maximum listed in your laptop's specifications, the first step is to check the display settings in Windows.

How to check your laptop's rated refresh rate

Look up the exact model on the manufacturer's official page or in the documentation that came with the laptop. The refresh rate is part of the display specifications, along with screen size, resolution, and panel type.

If you need help identifying the model, use the Windows System Information tool or the laptop's own support app. The guide on checking official specs walks through the process.

Also, note that the refresh rate is independent of the GPU. A higher refresh rate display can be driven by any modern graphics chip, but the setting must be enabled. For example, Apple's MacBook Air technical specifications list external display support at 4K with 144Hz and 240Hz, showing that these rates are used in consumer displays.

How to set the correct refresh rate in Windows

Windows 11 provides a direct setting to change the refresh rate. Open Settings, go to System, then Display, then Advanced display. Under Choose a refresh rate, select the highest value your panel supports. The exact steps are covered in the guide on changing the refresh rate.

If the list shows only a lower value, such as 60Hz, your panel may not support higher rates, or the display driver may be outdated. Update the graphics driver from the GPU vendor's website, which the driver update guide explains.

Some laptops also have a dedicated control app, such as the ones from ASUS, Lenovo, or MSI, where you can set performance profiles that affect the refresh rate. The performance software guide covers these tools.

Why the refresh rate might switch to 60Hz on battery power

To extend battery life, many gaming laptops automatically lower the refresh rate when unplugged. This is a power-saving feature that can be adjusted in the Windows power plan or in the laptop's own software. If you are running on battery and see a lower rate, plug in the charger and see if the option for a higher rate appears.

The battery life guide provides more context on how laptops manage power. You can also configure power plans to keep the full refresh rate when on battery: power plans.

What to do if the refresh rate options are missing

If the advanced display settings do not list a refresh rate above the default, check whether the laptop is using the integrated GPU. Some laptops have a switchable graphics mode that can be toggled in the BIOS or in the GPU control software. The switch GPU mode guide explains the process.

Also verify that the display connection is not loose; this is rare on a laptop because the screen is internal, but a flawed connection could limit the refresh rate. If you cannot find a solution, the laptop may have a panel that actually has a lower maximum refresh rate, even if you expected otherwise.

Finally, some games or applications may force a lower refresh rate to conserve resources. The frame rate limit guide can help you adjust those settings.

Choosing a laptop with the refresh rate you want

When buying a gaming laptop, the refresh rate is a key specification. Look for panels that list a refresh rate above the default, such as 144Hz or 240Hz. Our buying guides for 144Hz laptops and 240Hz laptops compare the specifications of available models.

For competitive play, where every millisecond matters, a higher refresh rate can display more frames per second, making fast motion appear clearer. The esports laptop guide highlights models built for this.

Keep in mind that the refresh rate is just one part of the display. The resolution and panel type also affect image quality. The display resolution guide explains the trade-offs.

Refresh rate and your gameplay

The refresh rate determines how many times the screen updates each second, and a higher rate can make motion appear more continuous. For fast-paced titles, this can help you track movement more easily, though the exact effect depends on the graphics card and the game's settings.

When you are choosing a gaming laptop, the refresh rate is one specification to match to the type of games you play. Competitive shooters often benefit from a higher rate, while single-player adventures may prioritize resolution or graphics memory. The buying guides on this site group laptops by their display and performance specifications.

What to pick for your play

Questions

Why is my gaming laptop stuck at 60Hz?

The refresh rate is set to a lower value in the Windows display settings. Change it to the highest option your panel supports under Advanced display settings.

Can I run a higher refresh rate on battery power?

Some laptops lower the refresh rate to save battery. Plug in the charger and the higher rate option may appear in the display settings.

Do I need a special cable for higher refresh rates?

For the internal display, the connection is built in. For an external monitor, use a cable that supports the refresh rate, and check the external monitor's own settings.

What if my laptop only shows 60Hz after updating drivers?

If the manufacturer lists a higher refresh rate for your model, check the GPU control panel and verify the laptop is using the dedicated GPU, not the integrated one.