Many users, after purchasing a high refresh rate monitor, eagerly connect it to their computer ready to experience buttery-smooth visuals, only to find that the screen refresh rate test consistently shows 60Hz, and even the system settings offer no higher options. This situation is not uncommon, and in most cases it is not a problem with the monitor itself, but rather a broken link in the chain of connection cables, driver configuration, or system settings.

This article will systematically sort out the common reasons why a screen refresh rate test shows only 60Hz, troubleshooting one by one from cable bandwidth, system display settings, graphics card drivers, and in-game limitations, and provide corresponding solutions and frame rate test verification techniques to help you completely break free from the shackles of 60Hz.

1. First Confirm Whether the Monitor Itself Supports High Refresh Rates

Before troubleshooting external factors, first confirm that the monitor model actually supports the target refresh rate. Some users mistakenly assume that simply connecting a high refresh rate monitor will automatically be recognized by the system at its maximum refresh rate, but in reality, the monitor's specifications need to work in conjunction with the interface and cable to deliver full performance.

  • Check the monitor specifications: Confirm the maximum refresh rate the monitor supports at the target resolution. For example, some 4K monitors only support 60Hz, but can support 144Hz at 2K.
  • Check the monitor's OSD menu: Use the monitor's built-in menu to view the current input resolution and refresh rate. Some monitors require manually enabling a "high refresh rate" mode or "response time acceleration" feature in the menu.
  • Confirm the interface version: The HDMI or DP interface version on the monitor must be high enough. For example, HDMI 1.4 cannot support 1080p 240Hz; you must use HDMI 2.0 or DP 1.2 or higher.

If the monitor itself does not support high refresh rates, then no external settings will help. You can only replace the monitor or lower the resolution to increase the refresh rate.

2. Insufficient Cable and Interface Bandwidth Is the Most Common Cause

Even if both the monitor and graphics card support high refresh rates, if the connecting cable in between has insufficient bandwidth, the system will still automatically limit to 60Hz. This is the most easily overlooked link when a screen refresh rate test shows only 60Hz.

  • HDMI cable version: When using an HDMI 1.4 cable to connect a 2K 144Hz monitor, the system can only output 60Hz due to insufficient bandwidth. You need to replace it with an HDMI 2.0 or higher cable.
  • DP cable quality: Low-quality or overly long DisplayPort cables may cause signal degradation, prompting the system to automatically lower the refresh rate to maintain stability. It is recommended to use the original cable that came with the monitor, or purchase a VESA-certified DP 1.4 cable.
  • Wrong port connection: If you are using both a discrete graphics card and motherboard integrated graphics, make sure the video cable is plugged into the discrete graphics card's output port, not the HDMI/DP port on the motherboard.
  • Adapter bandwidth limitations: When using HDMI to DVI, Type-C to HDMI, or other adapters, the adapter's own bandwidth may become a bottleneck, preventing the refresh rate from increasing.

After replacing the cable, re-enter the system display settings and check whether a higher refresh rate option appears. If it still only shows 60Hz, you need to continue checking the software-level settings.

3. System Display Settings Not Properly Adjusted

Windows may, by default, recognize the monitor as 60Hz and require manual adjustment. Many users only see the resolution in "Display Settings" but never enter "Advanced Display Settings" to change the refresh rate.

  • Windows 10/11 settings path: Right-click desktop → Display settings → Advanced display settings → In the "Choose a refresh rate" dropdown menu, select the target value (e.g., 144Hz, 240Hz). If no high refresh rate option appears in the dropdown, it means the system has not recognized the monitor's full capabilities, and you need to start with drivers or cables.
  • Resolution and refresh rate matching: Some monitors only support 60Hz at high resolutions. You may need to lower the resolution to 1080p or 2K to enable high refresh rates, depending on the monitor's specifications.
  • Multi-monitor interference: If you have both a 60Hz monitor and a 144Hz monitor connected simultaneously, the system may default to running at the lower refresh rate, or may impose restrictions in certain applications. It is recommended to connect only the main monitor during testing to eliminate interference.
  • Windows Dynamic Refresh Rate: Some Windows 11 devices support a "Dynamic Refresh Rate" feature, where the system automatically lowers the refresh rate based on usage scenarios. Disable this feature in display settings, or select a fixed high refresh rate.

4. Graphics Card Driver and Control Panel Settings

Even if the system display settings have been adjusted to a high refresh rate, settings in the graphics card control panel may override system options, causing the actual output to remain at 60Hz.

  • NVIDIA Control Panel: Open NVIDIA Control Panel → Change resolution → In the "Refresh rate" dropdown menu, select the correct value (e.g., 144Hz), and ensure that options like "Use default color settings" or "Output dynamic range" are not limiting bandwidth.
  • AMD Software: In AMD Software, go to the "Display" or "Display Specs" page, check the current refresh rate setting, and if necessary, manually create a custom resolution and set the refresh rate.
  • Outdated driver version: Update your graphics card driver to the latest version. Older drivers may fail to properly recognize high refresh rate monitors or have compatibility issues.
  • Reset driver to default settings: If you have previously adjusted driver settings, try resetting the graphics card driver to factory defaults, then reconfigure the refresh rate.

5. In-Game Settings Limiting Refresh Rate

Even if the desktop environment is already running correctly at a high refresh rate, some games may still limit the refresh rate when launched, especially older games or games that fail to properly detect the monitor.

  • Game graphics settings: Enter the game's "Display" or "Graphics" settings and check the refresh rate option. Set it to 144Hz or 240Hz instead of the default 60Hz.
  • Fullscreen mode vs. windowed mode: Some games cannot output high refresh rates in borderless windowed mode. Switch to exclusive fullscreen mode and then test the frame rate.
  • Vertical sync settings: When vertical sync (V-Sync) is enabled, the game frame rate will be locked to 60fps or another fixed value, causing the screen refresh rate test to show 60Hz. Disable V-Sync or use G-Sync/FreeSync variable refresh rate technology.
  • Frame rate cap settings: Some games have an in-game frame rate limit. If the cap is lower than the monitor's refresh rate, the actual output frame rate will be lower, but the monitor's refresh rate itself will not change because of this. The two need to be distinguished.

6. Verify Using Frame Rate Test and Refresh Rate Test Tools

After completing the above troubleshooting and settings, use tools to verify the actual results. Screen refresh rate testing and frame rate testing are two related but different concepts:

  • UFO refresh rate test: Open the UFO Test page in your browser and confirm whether the real-time frame rate displayed at the top is close to the target refresh rate. If the monitor has been set to 144Hz, the page should show approximately 144fps.
  • Frame rate detection tools: Use MSI Afterburner, NVIDIA GeForce Experience, or in-game FPS counters in gaming or desktop environments to check the actual rendered frame count and confirm it is not locked at 60fps.
  • Monitor OSD verification: Check the monitor's built-in OSD menu again to confirm whether the refresh rate at the current input resolution is now displayed as the target value (e.g., 144Hz).
  • System information tools: Use tools like HWiNFO or AIDA64 to view the monitor's EDID information and current operating mode to confirm whether the refresh rate matches.

If verification shows that the desktop environment is already running correctly at a high refresh rate but games still only reach 60fps, then you need to adjust settings specifically for the game rather than suspecting the monitor itself.

7. Summary

There are many complex reasons why a screen refresh rate test shows only 60Hz, but the vast majority can be resolved by following the sequence of "check cables → adjust system settings → update drivers → optimize game settings." The core principle is: first confirm that the monitor and graphics card support it, then connect with appropriate cables, and then manually set the refresh rate at the system, driver, and game levels respectively. After each step, it is recommended to rerun the refresh rate test or check the monitor's OSD information to ensure the settings have truly taken effect. Remember, high refresh rates require the entire chain to support it. Negligence in any single link will keep you stuck in the old world of 60Hz.