The refresh rate of a monitor is the number of images it displays per second. A 144 Hz monitor displays 144 images per second, more than twice that of a 60 Hz monitor. So, there is a significant difference between the fluidity of these two monitors. But why is my monitor stuck at 60 Hz even when it can display at 144 Hz?
Your monitor might be capped at 60 Hz for one of many reasons. Firstly, it could be that your computer is set to 60 Hz by default, or the HMDI cable or port you’re connected to does not support 144 Hz. Also, an outdated graphics driver or a console or computer not supporting 144 Hz could be why you are stuck at 60 Hz.
It is frustrating to invest in a 144 Hz monitor and not get the expected value. If you can’t figure out why your 144 Hz monitor is capped at 60 Hz or get it to work at 144 Hz, keep reading this guide as we explain what to do in this case.
Reasons Your 144 Hz Monitor Is Capped at 60 Hz and How To Fix It
To resolve this problem, you need to figure out why your monitor is capped at a lower refresh rate than it should. Below we explain a few factors that might cause your monitor is be stuck at 60 Hz and solutions you can try to get it to work at 144 Hz.
Reason #1: Monitor Set to 60 Hz by Default
While most 144 Hz monitors will connect automatically at 144 Hz, some monitors wouldn’t because they are set to work at 60 Hz by default. However, you can easily change this default setting from your PC.
To change the refresh rate of your monitor with your Windows PC, open the Settings app, and tap on “System”. At the left side panel, ensure the “Display” tab is selected, then scroll down and tap on “Advanced Display Settings”. From there, choose “Display Adapter Properties” and click on the “Monitor” tab. Click on refresh rate, and from the drop-down option, tap on “144 Hz” and then click “OK” to save changes.
Reason #2: HDMI Cable Doesn’t Support 144 Hz
Another thing that could cause your monitor to be stuck at 60 Hz even when it has a higher refresh rate could be the HDMI cable you use. As basic as the HDMI cable may seem, not all HDMI cables support a high refresh rate. The standard HDMI cable does not support a 144 Hz refresh rate.
As such, if you aren’t so tech-savvy, you might end up buying an HDMI cable that doesn’t support a 144 Hz refresh rate. So, check your HDMI cable; if it is not an HDMI 2.0 at the minimum, it most likely wouldn’t be compatible with a 144 Hz refresh rate. To fix this, you must buy a new HDMI cable from a reputable vendor.
Reason #3: Port Doesn’t Support 144 Hz
There are different ways you can connect a monitor to a computer. You can connect most monitors to a computer via the HMDI ports; others use DisplayPort, USB-C port, and even VGA.
Also, the port you connect the monitor to can be why your 144 Hz monitor is capped at 60 Hz. So, when connecting your monitor to any ports, ensure it supports the high refresh rate you seek. However, be aware that these ports offer different advantages and disadvantages. Some computers may support a high refresh rate on their DisplayPort and a low refresh rate on their HDMI port, while on some computers, it might be vice versa.
Reason #4: Outdated Graphics Driver
If you are using an old graphics card or GPU, there is a high tendency that it might not support a high refresh rate. If your PC is upgradeable, you should change the GPU to something more modern, supporting a higher refresh rate.
Similarly, if your GPU driver is outdated, it can also affect the refresh rate of your monitor. Ensure you update your GPU driver with relevant software. If you use an AMD driver, get the correct one from the AMD website, while if you use an Nvidia GPU, get the correct one from the Nvidia website.
Reason #5: Console Doesn’t Support 144 Hz
If you are connecting the monitor to a console, it could be that the console does not support up to 144 Hz refresh rate but only 60 Hz. For example, all models of PS4, even the PS4 Pro, are capped at 60 Hz. So, if you were to plug a 144 Hz monitor into it, the maximum refresh rate you can achieve with it would be 60 Hz.
It is the same with Xbox as the Xbox One is all capped at 60 Hz. However, on the PS5 and the Xbox Series X, you can get up to 120 Hz refresh rate. Similarly, if the game you want to play on the console has graphics settings that only support 60 Hz, the monitor will also be capped at 60 Hz.
Integrated or older discrete graphics might not support a high refresh rate of 144 Hz. So, always confirm with your manufacturer if it supports such a refresh rate.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you can solve your issue with a 144 Hz monitor stuck at 60 Hz with everything from above. Also, while using a monitor at such a high refresh rate might be great for fluidity, it requires more power. So, if your PC is set to energy serving mode, it helps remove it to get the most performance.
