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Troubleshooting6 min read

Why Is My 144Hz Monitor Only Showing 60Hz? Troubleshooting Guide

A complete checklist to unlock 120Hz, 144Hz, 165Hz, or 240Hz on your gaming monitor across Windows, macOS, DisplayPort, and HDMI.

Published: 2026-02-12Reviewed: 2026-08-30
Interactive Diagnostic Tool
Refresh Rate Test

Detect and verify your monitor native refresh rate in Hertz (60Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz, 240Hz, 360Hz+).

Launch

1.1. Operating System Display Adapter Settings

By default, both Windows and macOS frequently initialize newly connected high-refresh displays at a safe 60Hz baseline. In Windows, navigate to Settings > System > Display > Advanced Display, and select 144Hz from the refresh rate dropdown. On macOS, check System Settings > Displays.

2.2. Cable Interface Bandwidth (HDMI vs DisplayPort)

Older HDMI 1.4 cables and ports do not support 144Hz at 1440p resolution. Ensure you are using a certified DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.0/2.1 cable connected directly to your dedicated graphics card rather than the motherboard port.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I verify if my browser is actually running at 144Hz?

Launch the FPSRate Refresh Rate Test. It samples your display presentation cadence across 300 animation frames and reports your exact active refresh rate in real time.