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Display & ScreenGuide

Why Does My 144Hz Monitor Only Show 60Hz?

Your 144Hz monitor shows 60Hz when Windows is set to 60, the cable or port limits bandwidth, or a driver is missing. Here is how to unlock the full rate.

5 min read

Your 144Hz monitor shows only 60Hz most often because Windows is still set to 60Hz, the cable or port cannot carry the bandwidth, or a graphics driver is missing. Set the refresh rate to 144 Hz in Advanced display settings, use DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0 or newer, and update your driver. Running at the wrong resolution can also hide the higher rate.

Why this happens

  • Windows defaults new displays to 60Hz, so the higher rate is simply not selected yet.
  • The cable is HDMI 1.4 or a low grade cable that cannot carry 144Hz, so only 60Hz is offered.
  • The monitor is plugged into the motherboard video port, using integrated graphics, instead of the dedicated graphics card.
  • The resolution is set too high for the connection bandwidth, so the driver falls back to 60Hz.
  • An old or generic display driver does not report the full refresh rate list.

Is this normal?

Yes. It is very common for a new 144Hz monitor to arrive running at 60Hz until you change the setting or fix the cable.

Does it cause any problems?

No damage occurs, but you lose the smooth motion you paid for, and fast games and cursor movement feel less fluid.

How to fix or check it

  1. Make sure the cable is plugged into the graphics card ports, usually lower on a desktop, not the motherboard ports.
  2. Use a DisplayPort cable, or an HDMI 2.0 or newer cable rated for high refresh rates.
  3. Update your Nvidia, AMD, or Intel graphics driver, then restart.
  4. Open Settings, System, Display, Advanced display, and choose 144 Hz under Choose a refresh rate.
  5. If 144 Hz is greyed out or missing, set the resolution to the native value first, then try again.
  6. Some monitors have an Overclock or high refresh mode in their on-screen menu that must be turned on.

Frequently asked questions

I selected 144Hz but it dropped back to 60. Why?

That points to a cable or port that cannot hold the signal at that resolution. Try a certified DisplayPort cable or lower the resolution one step to confirm.

Does integrated graphics limit refresh rate?

It can, and plugging into the motherboard port instead of the graphics card is a frequent cause. Move the cable to the graphics card outputs.

Do I need a special cable for 144Hz?

You need DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0 or newer at the resolution you want. Old HDMI 1.4 cables commonly cap the monitor at 60Hz.

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