Although the Windows 10 October 2020 Update is only a minor refresh for compatible devices, you'll still find some exciting improvements, including the ability to change the refresh rate of the display using the Settings app. (Check out our full Windows 10 October 2020 Update review for details on this release.)
On computing, refresh rate refers to the number of times per second an image refreshes on the screen through a process measured in Hertz (Hz). Typically, the quicker an image refreshes on the screen, the better the viewing experience will be (as long as you don't overclock the display). In contrast, a slower refresh rate usually can cause flickering, eye strain, and headaches.
In the past, you had to go through the now-dated Control Panel experience, but starting with the October 2020 Update, Windows 10 adds a new configuration option in the "Advanced display settings" page inside Settings.
In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to change your computer's display refresh rate using the newly added option available starting with the October 2020 Update.
How to change monitor refresh rate using Settings
To change the display refresh rate on Windows 10 October 2020 Update, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Display.
- Under the "More displays" section, click the Advanced display settings option.
- Under the "Choose display" section, select the display to change its settings (if applicable).
- Under the "Refresh Rate" section, use the drop-down menu and select the appropriate rate for your display.
Once you complete the steps, the display will start using the new refresh rate that you selected. The options available will depend on the monitor and graphics card capabilities.
If the display is rated for a higher refresh and the option isn't available, try lowering the resolution. Sometimes, the monitor supports a higher refresh rate, but only when using a specific resolution. If you're still having a problem, then you may want to reinstall the graphics driver.
Although you no longer need to open Control Panel to adjust the refresh rate settings, you can still use the old experience by clicking the Display adapter properties option available on the Advanced display settings page.
