How to Change the Refresh Rate on a Gaming Laptop

Why refresh rate matters for gaming

The refresh rate of a laptop display is how many times per second the screen updates its image. A higher refresh rate, such as 144Hz or 240Hz, makes motion appear more fluid, which is especially useful in fast-paced games where you need to track moving objects. The refresh rate is a fixed property of the panel, but the operating system and graphics driver must be set to use it. Many gaming laptops ship with the display set to a lower rate, like 60Hz, to save power, so you may need to change it manually.

If you leave the refresh rate at 60Hz on a 144Hz panel, you are not seeing the full capability of the display. The difference is noticeable in games with quick camera movements: at 60Hz, the image updates 60 times a second, while at 144Hz it updates 144 times a second. This can reduce perceived blur and make aiming feel more responsive. For competitive play, a higher refresh rate is often considered an advantage, but it also requires the graphics card to render enough frames to match. The refresh rate is separate from the graphics card's frame output; the display can only show as many frames as its refresh rate allows. For a deeper look, read our gaming laptop refresh rate guide.

When you change the refresh rate, you are telling Windows and the graphics driver to output at a rate the panel supports. The available rates are determined by the display's native specifications and the connection between the graphics card and the screen. On a laptop, the internal display is directly connected, so the supported rates are listed in the settings. You should always choose the highest rate that the panel supports, which is usually the native refresh rate advertised in the laptop's specifications. For help choosing a laptop with the right refresh rate, see the best gaming laptops guide.

Checking your laptop's native refresh rate

Before changing the refresh rate, you need to know what your laptop's display supports. The native refresh rate is part of the laptop's specifications, often listed as 144Hz, 165Hz, 240Hz, or 360Hz. You can find this information in the product documentation or the manufacturer's website. The display's native rate is the maximum it can handle; setting it higher is not possible, and setting it lower is a waste of the panel's capability.

In Windows, you can see the current refresh rate by going to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display. This page shows the refresh rate currently in use and lists the available rates for the built-in display. If the list does not show the expected high rate, it may be because the display is set to a power-saving mode or the graphics driver is not configured correctly. Updating the graphics driver can sometimes reveal additional refresh rate options.

The refresh rate is not the same as the resolution. A display can have a native resolution, like 2560x1440, and a native refresh rate, like 240Hz. Both are set independently. When you change the refresh rate, you are not changing the resolution. The laptop's graphics card must be capable of driving the display at the chosen resolution and refresh rate, but for the internal display, the connection is designed to support the native rate. For esports-focused laptops, see best esports gaming laptops.

Changing the refresh rate in Windows

The most straightforward way to change the refresh rate is through Windows Settings. This method works for any laptop, regardless of the graphics card brand. Here are the steps:

1. Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings, or go to Settings > System > Display. 2. Scroll down and click Advanced display. 3. Under Choose a refresh rate, select the highest value available, such as 144Hz or 240Hz. 4. Click Keep changes when prompted to confirm.

After changing, the display will briefly go black and then come back at the new rate. If you do not confirm the change, Windows will revert to the previous setting after a few seconds. This is a safety feature to prevent you from selecting a rate the display cannot handle. If the highest rate is not listed, check that the display is set to its native resolution, as some rates are only available at certain resolutions.

Windows 11, as described in the Microsoft specifications, requires a display that is high definition (720p) and greater than 9 inches diagonally, but it does not specify refresh rate requirements. The refresh rate options are provided by the display driver, so having the latest graphics driver installed is important. If you have an NVIDIA or AMD graphics card, you can also use their control panels, which may offer additional options.

Changing the refresh rate in the NVIDIA Control Panel

For laptops with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics card, you can change the refresh rate in the NVIDIA Control Panel. This method is useful if you want to set a custom rate or if the Windows settings do not show the desired option. The NVIDIA Control Panel is installed with the graphics driver and can be accessed by right-clicking the desktop and selecting NVIDIA Control Panel.

In the NVIDIA Control Panel, go to Display > Change resolution. Under the Resolution list, select the native resolution of your laptop's display. Then, under the Refresh rate dropdown, choose the highest rate available, such as 144Hz or 240Hz. Click Apply to save the change. The display will briefly go black and then come back at the new rate.

The NVIDIA Control Panel also allows you to create custom resolutions with different refresh rates, but this is not recommended for the built-in display. The native refresh rate is the one the panel is designed for, and using a higher rate may cause artifacts or damage. Stick to the rates listed in the dropdown, which are the ones the display supports. NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 50 Series laptops are designed for high-refresh-rate gaming, and the control panel reflects the capabilities of the display. For the latest RTX 50 series options, check the best RTX 5070 gaming laptops.

Changing the refresh rate in AMD Software

If your gaming laptop has an AMD Radeon graphics card, you can change the refresh rate using AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition. This application is installed with the AMD graphics driver and provides a central place to adjust display settings. To open it, right-click the desktop and select AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition, or find it in the Start menu.

In AMD Software, go to the Display tab. Under the Display section, you will see the current resolution and refresh rate. Click the Refresh Rate dropdown and select the highest rate available, such as 144Hz or 240Hz. Click Apply to save the change. The display will adjust to the new rate.

AMD Software also shows information about the display, including the supported refresh rates. If the highest rate is not listed, ensure the display is set to its native resolution. Some laptops have a feature called Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) that can be enabled, but this is separate from the base refresh rate. The base refresh rate should be set to the native value for the best experience.

Troubleshooting missing refresh rate options

If you do not see the expected refresh rate in the settings, there are a few common causes. First, check that the laptop is plugged in. Some laptops limit the refresh rate to 60Hz when running on battery to save power. Plugging in the power adapter can unlock the higher rates. Second, update the graphics driver. Outdated drivers may not expose the full range of refresh rates supported by the display.

Another possibility is that the display is set to a lower resolution. Some refresh rates are only available at the native resolution. For example, a 1440p display might only support 240Hz at 1440p, not at lower resolutions. Set the resolution to the native value and then check the refresh rate options.

If the issue persists, check the laptop's power plan. In Windows, the power plan can affect display performance. Go to Settings > System > Power & battery and select the Best performance power mode. This can enable higher refresh rates. Additionally, some laptops have a built-in utility, such as a manufacturer's control center, that may have its own refresh rate setting. Consult the laptop's manual for specific instructions.

What to pick for your play

The refresh rate you choose depends on the type of games you play and the capabilities of your laptop. For competitive shooters and esports titles, a higher refresh rate like 240Hz can provide a smoother experience, but it requires a graphics card that can output enough frames. For single-player games with detailed graphics, a 144Hz display is often sufficient, and the graphics card can focus on rendering higher quality images.

When selecting a gaming laptop, consider the refresh rate as part of the overall package. A laptop with a 144Hz display is a good balance for most players, while a 240Hz display is better for those who prioritize competitive play. The graphics card must be able to match the refresh rate to fully benefit. For example, an RTX 5060 laptop GPU is paired with displays up to 240Hz in many models, but the actual frame output depends on the game and settings.

If you are unsure what to choose, start with a 144Hz display, which is widely available and offers a significant improvement over 60Hz. For esports-focused players, a 240Hz display is worth considering. The guides below can help you find a laptop that matches your preferred refresh rate and performance level.

What to pick for your play

Questions

Why is my refresh rate stuck at 60Hz?

The refresh rate may be limited to 60Hz when the laptop is running on battery power. Plug in the power adapter and check the settings again. Also, ensure the graphics driver is up to date and the display is set to its native resolution. If you're considering a new laptop, check the best 144Hz gaming laptops for models with higher refresh rates.

Can I set a refresh rate higher than my display's native rate?

No, the display's native refresh rate is the maximum it can support. Setting a higher rate is not possible and could damage the display. Always choose the highest rate listed in the settings, which is the native rate. For more on refresh rate fundamentals, see the gaming laptop refresh rate guide.

Does changing the refresh rate affect battery life?

Yes, a higher refresh rate consumes more power because the display updates more often. If you want to save battery, you can lower the refresh rate to 60Hz when on battery, but for gaming, a higher rate is recommended when plugged in. For portable options, see best portable gaming laptops.

What is the difference between refresh rate and frame rate?

Refresh rate is how many times the display updates per second, while frame rate is how many frames the graphics card renders per second. They work together: the display can only show as many frames as its refresh rate, so a high refresh rate is needed to see high frame rates. For a detailed explanation, read the gaming laptop refresh rate guide.