How to Check Hz on Your Monitor
Your monitor's refresh rate, measured in Hz, determines how many times per second the screen updates. A monitor running at 60Hz refreshes 60 times per second; a 144Hz monitor refreshes 144 times per second.
Knowing your actual current Hz matters because Windows sometimes reverts to a lower rate after updates, driver changes, or connecting a second display - even if your monitor supports higher. This guide shows every method to check your current Hz on Windows 11, Windows 10, and Mac, plus an online tool you can use to verify the result.
Why Your Current Hz Might Be Lower Than Your Monitor Supports
A 144Hz monitor does not automatically run at 144Hz. Windows selects a refresh rate when a display is connected, and it often picks 60Hz as a safe default - especially after a fresh Windows install, connecting a monitor via HDMI instead of DisplayPort (HDMI 1.4 caps at 60Hz at 1440p), a graphics driver update that reset display settings, or adding a second monitor.
Checking your current rate takes 30 seconds and tells you immediately whether you are actually using the performance you paid for.
Method 1: Windows 11 Display Settings (Easiest)
- Right-click anywhere on your desktop and select Display settings.
- Scroll down and click Advanced display.
- Look for the Refresh rate field under Display information.
- The number shown (e.g., 144Hz) is your current active refresh rate.
Note: If you have multiple monitors, select the correct one from the dropdown at the top before checking.
Method 2: Windows 10 Display Settings
- Right-click on your desktop and select Display settings.
- Scroll down to Related settings and click Advanced display settings.
- Click Display adapter properties for Display 1 (or whichever monitor you want to check).
- Click the Monitor tab.
- The Screen refresh rate field shows your current rate.
Method 3: NVIDIA Control Panel
If you have an NVIDIA GPU, the control panel shows the refresh rate alongside resolution in one place.
- Right-click your desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
- Under Display in the left menu, click Change resolution.
- Select your monitor from the top.
- The Refresh rate dropdown shows the current setting.
This method is useful because it also shows every rate your monitor supports, not just the current one.
Method 4: AMD Radeon Software
- Right-click the desktop and open AMD Radeon Software.
- Click the Settings gear icon.
- Go to Display.
- Your current refresh rate is listed next to the resolution.
Method 5: Mac
On macOS Ventura and later:
- Open System Settings (the gear icon in the Dock or Apple menu).
- Click Displays.
- Your current refresh rate is shown. On ProMotion displays (MacBook Pro, Studio Display), it adjusts dynamically up to 120Hz depending on content.
On older macOS (Monterey and earlier):
- Open System Preferences.
- Click Displays.
- Hold Option and click on the Scaled option to reveal Hz settings that are hidden by default.
Method 6: Online Refresh Rate Test
An online tool gives you an independent second opinion on what your browser reports. It is useful for verifying that the rate shown in Windows settings matches what your display is actually running.
Use the Refresh Rate Test to see your monitor's current Hz in your browser. If the result is lower than what Windows reports, check that your cable supports the full rate and that the monitor's OSD (on-screen display) is not capping it.
Why Is My Hz Lower Than Expected?
| Possible Cause | Fix |
|---|---|
| HDMI 1.4 cable at 1440p or 4K | Switch to DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0/2.1 cable |
| Windows reverted after driver update | Go to Advanced display and change manually |
| Monitor OSD capped at lower rate | Open monitor's on-screen menu and check settings |
| Refresh rate not set in NVIDIA/AMD panel | Use the GPU panel to set the target rate explicitly |
| Monitor at 60Hz default after fresh install | Change in Advanced display settings to max supported |
How to Change Your Refresh Rate
Once you know your current rate, changing it to the maximum supported by your monitor takes one extra step. In Windows 11, go back to the same Advanced display settings screen, click the Refresh rate dropdown, and select the highest available option. Click Keep changes when prompted.
For the best gaming experience, pair a high refresh rate with a stable frame rate. See the FPS vs Refresh Rate guide for why they need to work together.
Quick checks you can run right now: the refresh rate test detects your monitor's live Hz in the browser, and the FPS test shows your rendered frame rate. If the detected Hz is lower than your monitor's spec, follow how to increase monitor refresh rate (or the Windows 11 version) to unlock it.