Why 144hz Monitor Only Showing 60hz? [Updated Guide]

The world of high refresh rate monitors has brought a new level of visual fluidity and responsiveness to gaming and multimedia experiences. However, it can be quite perplexing when your 144Hz monitor stubbornly refuses to go beyond 60Hz.

In this article, we delve into the common causes behind this issue, ranging from incorrect settings to hardware limitations, to shed light on the reasons behind this confounding phenomenon. Join us as we unravel the mysteries and discover solutions to unlock the full potential of your 144Hz monitor.

Why is the 144hz Monitor Only Showing 60hz?

If your 144Hz monitor is only displaying a refresh rate of 60Hz, there could be a few potential reasons for this issue:

1. Incorrect Monitor Settings:

The first step is to access your monitor’s settings menu. The method to access the settings can vary depending on the model. Still, most monitors have physical buttons on either the front or side of the screen or an on-screen display (OSD) accessed through a combination of buttons.

Consult your monitor’s manual or look for instructions for your model to access the settings menu. Once in the settings menu, navigate to the display or monitor settings and look for an option related to the refresh rate. Make sure it is set to 144Hz if available.

Graphics Card Limitations:

The capability of your graphics card plays a crucial role in supporting higher refresh rates. Check the specifications or documentation of your graphics card to confirm if it supports a 144Hz refresh rate.

Older or entry-level graphics cards may have limitations and may not be capable of driving a monitor at that high refresh rate. Consider upgrading to a more capable model if your graphics card is incompatible.

Connection Type Limitations:

The cable you use to connect your monitor to your computer can impact the refresh rate. Some cables have limited bandwidth, preventing them from supporting higher refresh rates. For example, if you use an HDMI cable, ensure it is 1.4 or higher.

HDMI 1.4 can handle 1080p resolution at 144Hz, while HDMI 2.0 or later is required for higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K at 144Hz. DisplayPort cables are generally recommended for higher refresh rates, so try connecting your monitor using a DisplayPort cable.

Incorrect Display Settings in the Operating System:

Your computer’s operating system settings may override the monitor’s settings. You can access the display settings on Windows by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting “Display settings.” In the Display settings window, scroll down and click on “Advanced display settings.” Next, click “Display adapter properties” to open a new window. Go to the “Monitor” tab for the “Screen refresh rate” option. Select 144Hz from the drop-down menu if available. If 144Hz is not listed, ensure you have installed the appropriate graphics card drivers.

Driver Issues:

Outdated or incompatible graphics card drivers can prevent your computer from recognizing the full capabilities of your monitor. Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (such as NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and search for the latest drivers for your specific graphics card model.

Download and install the drivers following the provided instructions. Once the drivers are updated, restart your computer and check if the 144Hz refresh rate option becomes available in the display settings.

By thoroughly investigating these potential causes and making the necessary adjustments or updates, you should resolve the issue of your 144Hz monitor only displaying a 60Hz refresh rate.

144hz Monitor Stuck at 60hz Windows 10

If your 144Hz monitor is stuck at 60Hz in Windows 10, there are several possible reasons for this issue. Here are some detailed steps to help troubleshoot and fix the problem:

Check Monitor Settings:

Access your monitor’s settings menu using the physical buttons or on-screen display (OSD) interface. Look for an option related to the refresh rate and ensure it is set to 144Hz. Refer to your monitor’s manual for instructions on accessing and adjusting settings.

Update Graphics Card Drivers:

Outdated or incompatible drivers can limit the available refresh rate options. Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (such as NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest drivers for your specific graphics card model. Install the drivers following the provided instructions, and then restart your computer.

Check Connection Type and Cable:

Ensure you use a display cable that supports a 144Hz refresh rate, such as a DisplayPort 1.2 or higher cable. HDMI cables may be limited to lower refresh rates depending on the version. If you use HDMI, verify that you use at least HDMI 1.4 for 1080p resolution at 144Hz. Try using a different cable or port to rule out cable or port-related issues.

Verify Windows Display Settings:

Right-click on the desktop and select “Display settings.” Scroll down and click on “Advanced display settings.” In the new window, click on “Display adapter properties.” Go to the “Monitor” tab and check the available refresh rates in the “Screen refresh rate” drop-down menu. If 144Hz is not listed, proceed to the next step.

Create a Custom Resolution:

You can create a custom resolution if the desired refresh rate is unavailable in the display settings. Right-click on the desktop and select “NVIDIA Control Panel” or “AMD Radeon Settings” (depending on your graphics card).

Look for a section related to custom resolutions or display settings. Create a new custom resolution with a 144Hz refresh rate and appropriate resolution settings. Make changes and check if the 144Hz option appears in the Windows display settings.

Check for Windows Updates:

Ensure that your Windows 10 operating system is up to date. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” Install any available updates and restart your computer if required.

Disable Xbox Game Bar and Game DVR:

These features in Windows 10 can sometimes interfere with proper functioning and higher refresh rates. Open the Settings app, go to Gaming, and turn off the Game Bar and DVR options.

Perform a Clean Boot:

A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs, which can help identify any conflicts causing the issue. Follow the instructions in Microsoft’s official guide on how to perform a clean boot in Windows 10.

144hz Monitor Stuck at 60hz Windows 11

If your 144Hz monitor is stuck at 60Hz in Windows 11, you can try the following steps to troubleshoot and fix the issue:

Update Graphics Card Drivers:

Outdated or incompatible graphics card drivers can prevent your monitor from running at a full refresh rate. Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (such as NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest drivers for your specific graphics card model. Install the drivers following the provided instructions, and then restart your computer.

Verify Windows Display Settings:

Right-click on the desktop and select “Display settings.” Scroll down and click on “Advanced display settings.” In the new window, click on “Display adapter properties.” Go to the “Monitor” tab and check the available refresh rates in the “Screen refresh rate” drop-down menu. If 144Hz is not listed, proceed to the next step.

Create a Custom Resolution:

You can create a custom resolution if the desired refresh rate is unavailable in the display settings. Right-click on the desktop and select “Display settings.” Scroll down and click on “Advanced display settings.” In the new window, click on “Display adapter properties.” Go to the “Monitor” tab and click the “Properties” button. Navigate to the “Driver” tab and click the “List All Modes” button. Select a resolution that supports 144Hz and click “OK.” Make changes and check if the 144Hz option appears in the Windows display settings.

Check Connection Type and Cable:

Ensure you use a display cable that supports a 144Hz refresh rate, such as a DisplayPort 1.2 or higher cable. HDMI cables may be limited to lower refresh rates depending on the version. If you use HDMI, verify that you use at least HDMI 1.4 for 1080p resolution at 144Hz. Try using a different cable or port to rule out cable or port-related issues.

Disable Xbox Game Bar and Game DVR:

Similar to Windows 10, the Xbox Game Bar and Game DVR features in Windows 11 can sometimes interfere with higher refresh rates. Open the Settings app, go to Gaming, and disable the Game Bar and DVR options.

Check for Windows Updates:

Make sure your Windows 11 operating system is up to date. Go to Settings > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” Install any available updates and restart your computer if required.

MSI Monitor Stuck at 60hz PS5

If your MSI monitor is stuck at 60Hz when connected to a PlayStation 5 (PS5) console, there could be a few potential reasons for this issue:

1. Monitor limitations: Check the specifications of your MSI monitor to confirm its supported refresh rates. Some monitors have limitations on the refresh rates they can handle when connected to different devices. Ensure that your MSI monitor can support a refresh rate higher than 60Hz when connected to external devices like the PS5.
2.  PS5 output settings: Access the settings on your PS5 console and navigate to the Display and Video settings. Verify that the output settings are properly configured. Ensure the resolution is set correctly, and check if an option exists to adjust the refresh rate. Set the refresh rate to the highest supported by your MSI monitor, which should be 144Hz.
3.  HDMI cable: Ensure you are using an HDMI cable supporting a higher refresh rate. HDMI cables are available in different versions, and older versions may not support refresh rates above 60Hz. Use an HDMI 2.0 or higher cable to ensure compatibility with higher refresh rates. Additionally, ensure that the HDMI port on your monitor and the PS5 console support the higher refresh rate.
4.  Monitor firmware update: Check for any available updates for your MSI monitor. Visit the MSI website or refer to the monitor’s user manual for instructions on updating the firmware. Firmware updates sometimes include fixes and improvements that can address compatibility issues.
5.  Check PS5 settings for specific games: Some games on the PS5 may have their specific settings for refresh rate and resolution. Check the display settings within the game itself to ensure that the refresh rate is set to the desired value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Encountering a situation where your 144Hz monitor only displays a 60Hz refresh rate can be frustrating. However, by investigating factors such as monitor settings, graphics card capabilities, connection types, and operating system configurations, you can identify and address the root cause of the issue.

Whether it’s adjusting settings, updating drivers, or utilizing compatible cables, taking the appropriate steps can help unlock the full potential of your 144Hz monitor, allowing you to enjoy the smoothness and responsiveness it was designed to provide. Embrace the power of high refresh rates and elevate your visual experience to new heights.