Alex Ruben
How to Change Your Screen Refresh Rate Using NVIDIA Control Panel
Changing your screen’s refresh rate can significantly enhance your gaming and viewing experience, providing smoother visuals and reducing screen tearing. This guide will walk you through the process of adjusting the refresh rate on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 system using the NVIDIA Control Panel. Follow these steps to get the best performance from your monitor and graphics card.
Before you start, ensure you have the latest NVIDIA drivers installed. You can download them from the NVIDIA Driver Download page. Additionally, make sure your monitor supports higher refresh rates, as most modern gaming monitors do.
Step 1: Open NVIDIA Control Panel
To begin, you need to access the NVIDIA Control Panel. You can do this by following these steps:
- Click on the Start menu.
- Type
NVIDIA Control Panelin the search bar. - Select NVIDIA Control Panel from the search results and click to open it.
Step 2: Navigate to Change Resolution
Once the NVIDIA Control Panel is open, you will need to find the option to change your screen resolution:
- In the left sidebar, click on Display.
- Then select Change resolution.
Step 3: Select Your Monitor’s Native Resolution
In the Change Resolution section, you’ll see a list of available display modes:
- Make sure to select your monitor’s native resolution under the PC tab. This ensures you are using the optimal resolution for your display. For example, a common native resolution is
1920 x 1080.
Step 4: Adjust the Refresh Rate
After selecting the correct resolution, you can now adjust the refresh rate:
- Scroll down to the Refresh rate drop-down menu on the right side of the window.
- Select the highest refresh rate available for your monitor. This is typically indicated next to the resolution.
Step 5: Apply Changes
To save your new settings, follow these steps:
- After selecting the refresh rate, click on the Apply button at the bottom right of the window.
- A confirmation dialog will pop up. If the screen displays correctly, confirm the changes. If not, it will revert to the previous settings automatically.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
If you experience issues with your display after changing the refresh rate, consider the following:
- Ensure your monitor supports the selected refresh rate. Check the monitor’s specifications if you’re unsure.
- Update your NVIDIA graphics drivers for optimal performance.
- If your changes do not apply, try restarting your computer and repeat the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is screen refresh rate?
The screen refresh rate is the number of times per second that the image on your screen is refreshed. A higher refresh rate leads to smoother motion and is especially beneficial for gaming.
Can I set a refresh rate higher than my monitor’s specification?
No, you should not exceed the maximum refresh rate specified by your monitor, as this can lead to display issues or damage.
How do I know what my monitor’s native resolution is?
You can typically find this information in the user manual of your monitor or by checking the manufacturer’s website.