How to Enable 120Hz or 144Hz on Your Monitor

Quick answer: If your monitor is stuck at 60Hz, you usually just need to select the higher refresh rate in your operating system's display settings, because Windows and macOS default new displays to a safe 60Hz. First make sure your cable and port can carry it — DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0 and newer for 120 or 144Hz, and DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 144Hz. Then set the refresh rate: on Windows under Advanced display, on a Mac under Displays. Update your graphics drivers, enable any "overclock" option in the monitor's menu, and verify with a refresh-rate test. High refresh needs the whole chain — GPU, cable, port, and setting — to line up.

How to enable 120Hz or 144Hz: short answer

• Use the right cable and port — DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0+ (HDMI 2.1 or DP 1.4 for 4K).
• Set the refresh rate in Windows Advanced display or Mac Displays.
• Update your GPU drivers from the manufacturer, not just Windows Update.
• Enable overclock and PC mode in the monitor's menu if needed.
• Verify with a refresh-rate test — the setting can lie.

Quick steps at a glance

Why is my monitor stuck at 60Hz?

When you connect a new monitor, the operating system picks a safe 60Hz mode and never raises it automatically, so you have to enable the higher rate yourself. A 144Hz panel only runs at 144Hz if every link in the chain supports it: the graphics card, its driver, the active resolution, the cable, the monitor's port, and the operating system setting. If any one of those exposes only a 60Hz mode, that's what you get, no matter what the box says. The most common single cause is the cable, followed by the OS setting simply being left at its default. The good news is that the fix is almost never a broken panel, and working through the steps below in order resolves the vast majority of cases. Our refresh rate guide explains what refresh rate does.

Step 1: Use a cable and port that can carry it

The bundled cable is the usual culprit — an HDMI 1.4 lead caps 1440p at 60Hz, so use DisplayPort or a newer HDMI version. Bandwidth depends on the version: HDMI 1.4 manages 1080p at 144Hz on some monitors but only 60Hz at 1440p, HDMI 2.0 handles 1440p at 144Hz, and HDMI 2.1 reaches 4K at 120 to 144Hz. DisplayPort 1.2 comfortably drives 1440p at 144Hz and is the safe default for gaming monitors, while DisplayPort 1.4 adds 4K at 144Hz. Match the cable to both your resolution target and the monitor's port, use a VESA-certified DisplayPort or Ultra High Speed certified HDMI cable, and on a desktop plug into the graphics card's outputs rather than the motherboard's. Getting the cable and port right fixes about half of all cases on its own. Our connections guide compares them in detail.

Step 2: Set the refresh rate in Windows or macOS

Once the cable can carry it, select the high refresh rate manually — your OS won't switch to it on its own. On Windows 11, open Settings, then System, then Display, then Advanced display, choose the correct monitor if you have more than one, open the "Choose a refresh rate" dropdown, and pick 120Hz, 144Hz, 165Hz, or the highest stable option. On a Mac, open System Settings, then Displays, select the monitor, and choose the refresh rate from the menu (a Pro Display or ProMotion Mac shows more options). If the rate you want isn't listed, that points back to the cable, port, resolution, or a monitor setting rather than the OS. After choosing, the screen may flicker briefly as it applies, which is normal.

Step 3: Update your graphics drivers

Outdated or generic graphics drivers can hide a monitor's true capabilities, so install the latest from the GPU maker. Get drivers directly from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel rather than relying on Windows Update, which sometimes installs a generic display driver that limits refresh options. Use the NVIDIA app or GeForce software, AMD Software Adrenalin Edition, or Intel's driver tool, and if problems persist, a clean reinstall with a driver-removal utility clears conflicts. On a Mac, keep macOS itself up to date, since display support ships with the system. After updating drivers, restart and re-check the refresh rate dropdown, as new options often appear once the correct driver is in place.

Step 4: Check the monitor's menu

Some monitors gate their top refresh rate behind a menu setting, so open the on-screen display and look for the relevant options. Find and enable any "Overclock" or "High Refresh" toggle, since the highest rate is sometimes off by default. Set the "DisplayPort Version" to its highest value (often 1.4), make sure the input mode is "PC" rather than "AV" or "Console" — AV mode can cap refresh at 60Hz to match TV standards — and if the rate still won't lock in, toggling FreeSync or G-Sync off and on can force the connection to re-handshake at the higher rate. On a monitor connected over USB-C, choosing the USB 2.0 data option can free up lanes for full video bandwidth. These OSD settings are easy to overlook but frequently hold the missing refresh rate.

Step 5: Verify it's really running

Confirm the refresh rate with a test, because the OS can report 144Hz while the GPU is actually outputting fewer frames. A refresh-rate test site animates moving objects at your display's true rate — they glide smoothly and stay sharp at a real 144Hz, but blur and skip at 60Hz — giving you a three-second visual confirmation. A couple of gotchas to know: if the rate reverts to 60Hz after a reboot, set both Windows and your GPU control panel to the same rate in one session before restarting, since conflicting values are the usual cause. Turn off Windows 11's Dynamic Refresh Rate for gaming and set a high-performance power plan, as power saving can cap refresh. And on a gaming laptop, if the external screen sticks at 60Hz, enable the MUX switch or discrete-GPU mode in the vendor app so the display runs off the dedicated GPU. Running a 144Hz-rated panel at 144Hz is completely normal and doesn't wear it out.

Why can't I get 144Hz at 4K?

4K at 144Hz needs far more bandwidth than 1080p or 1440p, so it requires HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 with compression. At 4K the pixel count is high enough that older connections simply can't carry 144 frames a second: you'll be limited to 60Hz, or the system will fall back to compressed color that softens text. To run 4K at 120 or 144Hz you need HDMI 2.1, or DisplayPort 1.4 using Display Stream Compression, plus a graphics card capable of driving that many pixels at that rate. If your hardware can't reach 4K 144Hz, dropping to 1440p is a common way to unlock a higher refresh. Our 4K 144Hz vs 1440p 240Hz guide and 144Hz vs 240Hz guide weigh the trade-offs.

Which Kuycon monitor for high refresh?

To reach these rates, use DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1 and set the refresh rate in your OS. Browse 144Hz monitors, 240Hz monitors, or all monitors, and our high refresh gaming guide helps you choose.

Quick recommendation

Enabling high refresh is usually a five-minute job once you know the order. Start with the cable and port, since a bundled HDMI 1.4 lead is the single most common reason a 144Hz monitor runs at 60Hz — switch to DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0 and newer, or HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 for 4K. Then set the refresh rate manually in Windows Advanced display or Mac Displays, update your GPU drivers from the manufacturer, and enable any overclock and PC mode options in the monitor's menu. Finally, verify with a refresh-rate test so you know the frames are real. A Kuycon high-refresh panel like the P27D at 144Hz or the Q32S at 240Hz delivers the smooth motion you paid for, as long as the whole chain supports it. Match GPU, cable, port, and setting, and the difference is immediately visible.

Frequently asked questions

How do I enable 144Hz on my monitor?

Set it in your OS display settings after confirming your cable and port can carry it. On Windows, go to Settings, System, Display, Advanced display, and choose 144Hz. On a Mac, open System Settings, Displays, and pick the refresh rate. First make sure you're using DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0 and newer, then update your GPU drivers and enable any overclock option in the monitor's menu if 144Hz isn't listed.

Why is my monitor stuck at 60Hz?

Because the OS defaults new displays to 60Hz, or a cable, port, or setting only exposes that mode. Windows and macOS pick a safe 60Hz when they detect a new monitor and don't raise it automatically. The most common blockers are a low-bandwidth cable like HDMI 1.4, the refresh rate left at default, an outdated GPU driver, or an overclock toggle switched off. It's almost never a broken panel.

What cable do I need for 144Hz?

DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0 and newer, matched to your resolution. DisplayPort 1.2 handles 1440p at 144Hz and is the safe choice for gaming monitors; DisplayPort 1.4 adds 4K at 144Hz. HDMI 2.0 does 1440p at 144Hz, and HDMI 2.1 does 4K at 120 to 144Hz. Avoid the bundled HDMI 1.4 cable, which caps 1440p at 60Hz. Use a certified cable rated for your target.

How do I change the refresh rate in Windows 11?

Open Settings, then System, then Display, then Advanced display, and choose a refresh rate. Select the correct monitor if you have several, open the "Choose a refresh rate" dropdown, and pick 144Hz or the highest stable option. If the rate you want isn't there, the cause is usually the cable, port, resolution, driver, or a monitor menu setting rather than Windows itself.

How do I change the refresh rate on a Mac?

Open System Settings, then Displays, select the monitor, and choose the refresh rate. The refresh rate option appears for displays that support more than 60Hz. If your high-refresh monitor only shows 60Hz, check that you're using DisplayPort or a capable USB-C or HDMI connection, and that macOS is up to date. Some options may require selecting the native resolution first.

Why can't I get 144Hz at 4K?

4K at 144Hz needs HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 with compression, plus a capable GPU. The high pixel count means older connections can't carry 144 frames a second at 4K, so you're capped at 60Hz or pushed to compressed color. Use HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 with Display Stream Compression, and a graphics card that can drive 4K at that rate. Dropping to 1440p is a common way to unlock higher refresh.

Does HDMI support 144Hz?

Yes, depending on the version and resolution. HDMI 1.4 can do 1080p at 144Hz on some monitors but caps 1440p at 60Hz. HDMI 2.0 handles 1440p at 144Hz, and HDMI 2.1 reaches 4K at 120 to 144Hz. So HDMI works for 144Hz, but you need the right version for your resolution — for high-refresh gaming, DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1 is the safer choice.

Do I need to update my graphics drivers for 144Hz?

Often yes — outdated or generic drivers can hide higher refresh options. Install the latest driver directly from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel rather than relying on Windows Update, which may use a generic display driver that limits refresh rates. If issues persist, a clean reinstall clears conflicts. On a Mac, keep macOS updated. New refresh rate options often appear once the correct driver is installed.

What is monitor overclocking?

It's a menu option that lets some monitors run above their standard refresh rate. Many gaming monitors include an "Overclock" toggle in their on-screen menu that unlocks the panel's top rate, such as 165Hz or 180Hz, which is off by default. Enabling it is safe on panels designed for it and simply exposes the higher rate in your OS. If your maximum refresh is missing, this toggle is worth checking.

How do I know if my monitor is really running at 144Hz?

Use a refresh-rate test site to confirm the real rate. These animate moving objects at your display's actual refresh rate — smooth and sharp at a true 144Hz, blurry and skipping at 60Hz. This matters because the OS can report 144Hz while the GPU outputs fewer frames due to a cable or driver issue. The test gives you a quick visual check that the frames are genuinely there.

Why is the 144Hz option missing from my settings?

Usually the cable, port, resolution, driver, or an off overclock toggle. If 144Hz doesn't appear in the dropdown, work through the chain: switch to DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0 and newer, plug into the GPU not the motherboard, update your graphics driver, and enable Overclock in the monitor's menu. At very high resolutions like 4K, you also need enough bandwidth, so a weaker connection hides the option.

Does DisplayPort or HDMI give a higher refresh rate?

DisplayPort is generally the safer choice for high refresh on a PC. DisplayPort tends to expose a monitor's highest refresh rates and is the default for gaming monitors, with DP 1.4 handling 4K at 144Hz. HDMI 2.1 is also excellent and is needed for consoles. For a PC gaming setup chasing high refresh, DisplayPort is usually the most reliable; either works if the version matches your resolution.

Want smooth high-refresh motion? Kuycon's P27D 4K 144Hz and Q32S 240Hz QD-OLED deliver it over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1. See all 144Hz monitors →

Achievable refresh rates depend on your GPU, cable, port, resolution, and monitor; confirm each monitor's supported rates on its product page. Steps reference Windows 11 and macOS as of 2026 and may vary by version; third-party tools are not affiliated with Kuycon. Specifications are based on publicly available information and may change. Product references are for comparison purposes only.