how to enable 144hz on monitor

So you just picked up a 144Hz monitor, plugged it in, fired up your favorite game, and something feels wrong. The motion is still blurry and scrolling through websites looks choppy. That's because most monitors ship locked to 60Hz by default, and knowing how to enable 144Hz on your monitor is the one thing standing between you and buttery smooth gameplay.

Per VESA standards, a 144Hz display refreshes the image 144 times per second. That cuts motion blur by roughly 60% compared to a standard 60Hz panel. But that smoothness only happens when every link in the chain supports it.

Let's walk through exactly what needs to happen, from cable to operating system.

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Quick Answer

Open Windows display settings. Go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display. Click the refresh rate dropdown and select 144Hz.

Click Keep Changes. If 144Hz is missing, swap to a DisplayPort cable and plug into your graphics card. macOS users go to System Settings > Displays > Refresh Rate.

Why Your Monitor Might Be Stuck at 60Hz

A 144Hz monitor running at 60Hz defeats the whole purpose. But this is the most common complaint we hear from readers. The culprit is almost always one of three things.

Wrong cable. Many monitors ship with an HDMI 1.4 cable in the box. That cable handles 1080p at 144Hz fine, but it falls flat at higher resolutions. At 1440p, HDMI 1.4 tops out around 75Hz.

At 4K, you get 30Hz. Your monitor is physically limited by the cable's bandwidth.

Wrong port. Modern GPUs have multiple ports. If you plugged into the motherboard's video port instead of the graphics card, you are running on integrated graphics. Integrated graphics cannot output 144Hz in most cases.

Even on a high-end system, the motherboard port defaults to 60Hz.

Forgotten setting. Some monitors require you to enable 144Hz in their own on-screen display menu first. This is especially true for monitors that advertise "overclockable" refresh rates. The monitor ships set to 60Hz, and you must manually unlock the higher rate in the monitor's OSD.

Outdated driver. A stale graphics driver might not expose higher refresh rates even when the hardware supports it. Windows can also default to a generic driver that lacks the proper resolution and refresh rate profiles for your monitor.

The Three Things That Control 144Hz

Getting 144Hz working comes down to three components. Miss one and you stay stuck at 60Hz.

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Your graphics card and which port you plug into. The GPU is the engine. It generates the frames. But the port you choose matters.

DisplayPort on a modern GPU supports higher bandwidth than most HDMI ports. Plugging into the motherboard directly bypasses the GPU. The golden rule is simple: plug your monitor cable into the horizontal ports on your graphics card, not the vertical cluster near the USB ports.

Your cable's bandwidth limits. The cable is the highway. A narrow highway limits traffic. HDMI 1.4 has a bandwidth of about 10 Gbps.

DisplayPort 1.4 has roughly 32 Gbps. That means a DisplayPort 1.4 cable can carry 1440p at 144Hz with room to spare. An HDMI 1.4 cable at the same resolution and refresh rate will refuse to cooperate.

Always check the cable's version. It is usually printed on the cable jacket or listed in the box specifications.

Your operating system and driver settings. This is the software layer. Windows 10 and 11, macOS, and Linux each have a display settings menu where the refresh rate is selected. If the hardware and cable are correct, the OS will show 144Hz as an option.

If it does not, the problem is upstream, not in the OS. We cover the exact steps next.

Step-by-Step: Enable 144Hz on Windows (10 and 11)

Windows makes this straightforward. But the exact menu path changed slightly between Windows 10 and 11. Here is the path that works on both.

Image source: Wikimedia Commons / Mack Male from Edmonton, AB, Canada (CC BY-SA)

Step 1 – Check Your Cable and Port

Before touching any settings, confirm the physical connection. Make sure the cable is connected to the GPU, not the motherboard. Check that the cable supports the resolution and refresh rate you need.

If in doubt, use a DisplayPort cable rated for 1.2 or higher.

Step 2 – Update Your Graphics Driver

Outdated drivers cause missing options. Run the driver update tool for your GPU.

• NVIDIA: NVIDIA App or GeForce Experience, check for updates.
• AMD: AMD Software Adrenalin Edition, check for updates.
• Intel: Intel Driver and Support Assistant.

Do a clean install if you are switching GPU brands or upgrading from an old driver. This removes conflicting profiles.

Step 3 – Change the Refresh Rate in Display Settings

• Right click on the desktop and select Display Settings.
• Scroll down and click Advanced Display.
• Under Choose a Refresh Rate, click the dropdown.
• Select 144Hz (or the highest option available).
• Click Keep Changes when the confirmation prompt appears.

Your screen may flicker briefly. That is normal. If the screen goes black, wait 15 seconds.

Windows automatically reverts to the previous setting. If it does not, restart in Safe Mode and roll back the driver.

Step 4 – Verify It's Actually Running at 144Hz

The dropdown shows 144Hz, but is it really working? Run the UFOTest (a browser-based motion test). The on-screen UFO will move smoothly and the counter at the top should display 144 FPS.

You can also open your monitor's OSD menu and navigate to the information section. Many monitors display the current refresh rate and resolution there.

Step 5 – Enable in Games

Setting the desktop to 144Hz is only half the battle. Some games have their own refresh rate settings. Open the game's video or display settings and confirm it is set to 144Hz.

Also disable V-Sync and any frame rate cap during testing. A capped frame rate makes 144Hz pointless.

Step-by-Step: Enable 144Hz on macOS

macOS treats external displays differently. The process is simpler but has a few quirks.

• Open System Settings (System Preferences on older macOS versions).
• Click Displays.
• Look for Refresh Rate in the display settings panel.
• Select 144Hz from the dropdown. If you do not see it, hold the Option key while clicking the Scaled resolution button. This reveals additional refresh rate options.

Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, M4) support 144Hz over USB-C and Thunderbolt 3/4. Intel-based Macs may require a specific cable or adapter. If you are using an HDMI connection, ensure it goes through an adapter that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode or HDMI 2.0.

Not all USB-C hubs handle high refresh rates properly.

If the option is still missing, the cable or adapter is the bottleneck. Switch to a direct USB-C to DisplayPort cable. That is the most reliable combination for high refresh rates on a Mac.

Step-by-Step: Enable 144Hz via Monitor OSD (Overclocking)

Some monitors ship with a safety cap at 60Hz or 120Hz. You have to unlock the 144Hz mode inside the monitor's own menu. This is common on budget 144Hz panels and "overclockable" models that can hit higher rates than advertised.

How to check your monitor's OSD

Press the joystick or button on the monitor bezel. Look for a menu option called System, Setup, OSD Settings, or Information. Navigate to the refresh rate or overclocking submenu.

Specific naming varies by brand.

• Acer / AOpen: Look for "Over Clock" or "Max Refresh Rate" under Gaming / System.
• ASUS: Go to System Setup > Overclocking. Enable "Maximum Refresh Rate."
• BenQ: Navigate to System > Display > Refresh Rate. Some models have a separate "Overdrive" setting that affects motion clarity, not the max refresh rate.
• LG: Go to Settings > General > Overclock.
• MSI: Go to Gaming OSD > Overclocking. Set the slider to 144Hz or higher.
• Samsung: Go to System > Gaming > Refresh Rate.

What if your monitor does not have an overclock setting?

Then the monitor is likely rated for 144Hz natively. The cap is not in the OSD. Move on to the cable and software checks.

If your monitor advertised "overclockable" but you cannot find the setting, check the manual (search "monitor model overclock OSD" online). Some monitors require you to enable it in the OSD before the OS will show the higher rate.

Important: Overclocking a monitor beyond its rated refresh rate can void the warranty. It can also cause permanent damage to the display panel if pushed too far. Only use the manufacturer's own overclock feature.

Never force a custom refresh rate using third-party tools unless you fully understand the risks.

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Decision Tree – What to Do When 144Hz Doesn’t Appear

You followed every step. Still no 144Hz. Here is a decision tree based on the exact symptom you are seeing.

Branch A: No option above 60Hz in Windows

If the refresh rate dropdown only shows 60Hz or 59.94Hz, the OS does not detect the monitor's EDID information for 144Hz. This usually means a hardware or cable problem.

• First, swap the cable to a DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.0+ cable. Avoid using an old HDMI 1.4 cable unless you are at 1080p.
• Second, try a different port on your GPU. Sometimes one DisplayPort or HDMI port fails to negotiate higher bandwidth.
• Third, check your monitor's OSD for a "DisplayPort 1.2/1.4" toggle. Some monitors default to DP 1.1 which limits bandwidth. Set it to the highest version supported.
• If still nothing, boot into Safe Mode and use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) to remove the graphics driver completely. Then reinstall the latest driver.

Branch B: Black screen after changing refresh rate

You clicked 144Hz and the screen went dark. Do not panic. Windows will automatically revert after 15 seconds if you do not click "Keep Changes." Wait the timer out.

If it does not revert, restart the PC. During boot, press F8 or Shift+Restart to enter safe mode.

Once in safe mode, the screen will work at a basic resolution. Open Device Manager, expand Display Adapters, right-click your GPU, and select Roll Back Driver. Alternatively, set the refresh rate to 60Hz in safe mode's low-resolution display settings.

After restarting normally, the issue is fixed.

Branch C: Monitor shows “Input Not Supported”

The signal you are sending is outside the monitor's supported resolution and refresh rate combination. This happens when you set a custom resolution or overclock too aggressively.

• Connect using a different cable (HDMI instead of DisplayPort, or vice versa). The new cable may negotiate a compatible mode.
• Press the monitor's auto-adjust button if it has one.
• Use the monitor's OSD to check the input timing. Set Windows back to a known good refresh rate (60Hz) and resolution. Then incrementally increase.

Branch D: Dual-monitor setup caps the refresh rate

Running a 144Hz monitor alongside a 60Hz monitor can cause the 144Hz display to drop to 60Hz. This is a known Windows bug related to how the GPU handles memory clock speeds.

• Try setting both monitors to the same refresh rate (if possible, run the secondary at 120Hz or cap at 144Hz).
• If the secondary monitor is 60Hz, set it as the primary display temporarily. Then switch it back.
• Update your GPU driver. Newer drivers handle mixed refresh rates better.
• In the NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Adrenalin, check "Multi-display performance mode" settings. Set it to "Maximum performance."

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Mistakes to Avoid (That Cause Most Problems)

Most people who struggle with 144Hz make one of these errors.

Using an old HDMI cable on a 1440p or 4K monitor. The cable that came with your old console or cable box is likely HDMI 1.4. It cannot push 1440p at 144Hz or 4K at anything above 60Hz. Use a certified HDMI 2.1 cable or a DisplayPort cable rated for the bandwidth.

Plugging into the motherboard instead of the GPU. This is the single most common mistake. The motherboard video ports connect to the CPU's integrated graphics, not your gaming graphics card. Even if you have a high-end GPU, the monitor will be limited to whatever the integrated graphics can output.

Always plug into the rear ports that are horizontal and spaced apart from the motherboard cluster.

Forgetting to enable 144Hz in the monitor's own menu. As covered, some monitors hide the higher refresh rate behind an OSD toggle. If you skip this step, no software tweak will work.

Leaving V-Sync or frame limiters on during testing. V-Sync in games or global frame caps in GPU control panels can limit the refresh rate. While testing, disable all frame limiters. Set the game's V-Sync to Off.

Once you confirm 144Hz works, you can re-enable V-Sync to prevent screen tearing.

Assuming the monitor is "plug and play." Most 144Hz monitors require a deliberate change in both the OSD and the operating system. It is not automatic. If you skipped both steps, you are at 60Hz.

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Which Cable Do You Actually Need? (Quick Spec Reference)

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This table shows the minimum cable version required for common 144Hz scenarios. Match your resolution and monitor specs to the row.

If you are unsure which cable version you own, look at the connector. DisplayPort cables often have a "1.2" or "1.4" printed on the plug. HDMI cables have a version printed on the cable jacket (e.g., "High Speed HDMI Cable" = 1.4 or 2.0; "Ultra High Speed" = 2.1).

If the cable has no marking, it is safest to buy a new certified cable.

Our recommendation: For new setups as of 2026, use a DisplayPort 1.4 cable for any monitor above 1080p. For 1080p, a certified HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2 cable is fine. Avoid no-name cables.

Stick with brands that certify their cables (e.g., Cable Matters, Monoprice, Anker, or the cable that came with the monitor).

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Expert Tips for a Stable 144Hz Experience

Getting 144Hz working is one thing. Keeping it stable and consistent is another.

Set a custom resolution in the GPU control panel. If your monitor supports 144Hz but Windows only shows 120Hz, you can manually add a 144Hz mode. In NVIDIA Control Panel, go to Change Resolution > Customize > Create Custom Resolution. Enter 144Hz at your native resolution.

Only do this if the monitor is rated for 144Hz and the cable supports it.

Update your monitor's firmware. Some monitor manufacturers release firmware updates that fix EDID errors or improve compatibility with newer GPUs. Check the support page for your exact monitor model. A firmware update can solve "144Hz not detected" issues instantly.

Disable GPU power saving features. In the NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Adrenalin, look for "Power Management Mode" and set it to "Prefer Maximum Performance." This prevents the GPU from downclocking when it detects a 60Hz refresh rate from a secondary monitor or from idle.

Use a DisplayPort cable with a latch. DisplayPort cables can become loose over time. A loose connection causes intermittent signal drops and refresh rate errors. Cables with a locking latch (like Cable Matters latched DP cables) stay secure.

Check your motherboard BIOS settings. Some motherboards disable integrated graphics automatically when a discrete GPU is installed. If you have a hybrid graphics laptop, ensure the dedicated GPU is being used for the external monitor. In the BIOS, look for "Primary Display" and set it to "PEG" (PCI Express Graphics) instead of "IGFX."

Test with a different device. Borrow a friend's laptop or console that supports 144Hz. If that device gets 144Hz on your monitor, the problem is your PC. If it also fails, the monitor or cable is the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a 144Hz monitor need a special graphics card?

Any GPU that supports the required resolution and refresh rate will work. For 1080p 144Hz, a GTX 960 or RX 570 is enough. For 1440p 144Hz, aim for an RTX 2060 or RX 5700 or newer.

Can I use a 144Hz monitor with a laptop?

Yes, if your laptop has a DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0 port, or USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode. Check your laptop's specs. Many gaming laptops support 144Hz out of the box.

Why does my 144Hz monitor feel laggy in some games?

The game may be running below 144 FPS. Drop your graphics settings or enable VRR (FreeSync / G-Sync) to smooth out frame rate dips. Also disable any frame rate caps.

Does DisplayPort always work better than HDMI for 144Hz?

For 1440p and above, yes. DisplayPort 1.4 offers more bandwidth than HDMI 2.0. For 1080p 144Hz, both work fine.

HDMI 2.1 matches DP 1.4 for 4K 144Hz.

Final Decision Guide – Your Next Step Based on Your Setup

If 144Hz appears in the settings dropdown: You are done. Verify with a motion test and enjoy.

If 144Hz is missing: Swap to a DisplayPort cable rated 1.2 or higher. Plug into the GPU directly. Check the monitor OSD for a refresh rate or overclock toggle.

Update your GPU driver. If the problem persists, test the monitor on another device to isolate the fault.

If you get a black screen: Let Windows revert automatically. Boot into safe mode and roll back the driver. Use a different cable or port.

If your dual monitor setup caps the rate: Set both displays to matching refresh rates if possible. Update drivers and set GPU power mode to maximum performance.

That is everything you need to get 144Hz running on your monitor. Plug in the right cable, toggle the setting, and you are good to go.