Why is my 144 Hz monitor showing 60 Hz?

1. Check the selected display, not just the advertised specification

In Windows 11, open Settings → System → Display → Advanced display. Choose the target monitor and inspect its resolution and refresh rate. The available rates depend on the display and current mode; some choices also change resolution.

On a supported Mac/display combination, check System Settings → Displays and the refresh-rate menu for that display. Adaptive modes can behave differently from a fixed rate. Record your existing choice before changing it.

Official guidance: Microsoft: change display refresh rate · Apple: change refresh rate on supported displays

2. If the desired mode is missing, check the whole connection

1. Confirm the monitor’s supported resolution/rate combinations in its model-specific manual.
2. Check the computer’s output, cable, adapter and dock against that combination. The connector shape alone does not establish supported bandwidth.
3. If you have a compatible direct connection available, compare it with the dock or adapter, then inspect the system’s available modes again.

Do not purchase a new cable based only on one browser reading. First find out whether the operating system is offering the desired mode at the intended resolution. For managed computers or unfamiliar display settings, use the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Run a consistent browser sample

1. Open the Refresh Rate Test and move the entire browser window onto the target monitor.
2. Keep the tab visible, close heavy background work and start the sample.
3. Repeat under the same conditions. Compare sustained estimates rather than choosing the highest number from several runs.

The test follows animation-frame callbacks. Browsers usually pause these in hidden tabs, and scheduling or power-saving behavior can affect timing. A remote desktop session is another reason to avoid treating the result as a physical panel reading.

Official guidance: MDN: animation-frame timing

4. Decide which difference to investigate

System says 60 Hz: first investigate the selected mode and available connection. System says 144 Hz but the browser stays near 60: compare another browser, foreground-tab behavior and a non-remote session. A varying sample: repeat with stable conditions and check whether an adaptive display mode is selected.

A result close to 144 Hz supports only the observed browser cadence. This test does not certify pixel response time, motion clarity, game frame rate or input latency. Those are different measurements.

Common questions