How to check the "Hertz" of a Monitor

Issue: How to Check Monitor Refresh Rate (Hz)

Description: This article provides instructions on how to locate and verify the refresh rate (measured in Hertz, Hz) of your computer monitor on both Windows and macOS operating systems. Understanding your monitor's refresh rate can be important for troubleshooting display issues, optimizing gaming performance, or verifying monitor specifications.

Applies To:

• Windows 10/11 users

• macOS Ventura (13.0) and later (interface may vary slightly on older macOS versions)

• Desktop and laptop computers connected to internal or external displays.

Resolution Steps:

Method 1: Checking Refresh Rate in Windows

1. Open Settings:

   • Click the Start Menu icon (Windows logo) in the bottom-left corner of your screen.

   • Click on the Gear icon to open "Settings," or type "Settings" into the search bar and press Enter.

2. Navigate to Display Settings:

   • In the Settings window, click on "System."

   • In the left-hand menu, select "Display."

3. Access Advanced Display Settings:

   • Scroll down the Display settings page until you find and click on "Advanced display" (or "Advanced display settings" on older Windows 10 versions).

4. View Refresh Rate:

   • In the "Advanced display" window, you will see information about your connected display(s).

   • Look for the field labeled "Refresh rate (Hz)" or "Refresh rate," which will show the current refresh rate of your monitor.

   • If you have multiple monitors, ensure the correct display is selected from the dropdown menu at the top of this window if you wish to check a specific one.

Method 2: Checking Refresh Rate in macOS

1. Open System Settings (macOS Ventura or newer):

   • Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.

   • Select "System Settings..." from the dropdown menu.

   • For older macOS versions (e.g., Monterey, Big Sur), select "System Preferences..."

2. Navigate to Displays:

   • In the System Settings sidebar, scroll down and click on "Displays."

3. View Refresh Rate:

   • In the Displays settings, you will see a representation of your connected display(s).

   • Select the display you wish to check (if you have multiple).

   • Look for the "Refresh Rate" dropdown menu. The currently selected value is your monitor's refresh rate.

   • Note: Not all monitors will have a dropdown for changing the refresh rate if they only support one. In such cases, the refresh rate will simply be displayed.

Troubleshooting / Additional Information:

• No "Refresh Rate" option? Some basic monitors or older integrated graphics might not offer multiple refresh rate options, in which case the setting might be absent or fixed.

• Changing Refresh Rate: If your monitor supports multiple refresh rates, you can often change it directly from these display settings menus. Higher refresh rates generally result in smoother motion, especially noticeable in gaming.

• Monitor Specifications: If you are unsure of your monitor's capabilities, consult its user manual or the manufacturer's website for its official specifications.