Windows 7 - Screen Refresh Rate - Display Settings

**Brink**

How to Change the Screen Refresh Rate in Windows 7

Information

This will show you how to change the screen refresh rate for you monitor to the Hertz rate you want for it in Windows 7.

Note

The refresh rate is the Hertz frequency at which the screen is redrawn. A flickering monitor can contribute to eyestrain and headaches. Increasing the screen refresh rate to at least 75 hertz for CRT monitors and 60 hertz for LCD monitors while using the native resolution will generally produce less flicker and strain on your eyes. The available rate and resolution options are based on the video adapter and it's driver, and of course your monitor and it's drivers (if available).

Warning

Windows 7 does not allow for each user to have their own screen refresh rate. Changing the screen refresh rate in one user account will change it for all user accounts on the computer.
You may need to change your screen resolution before changing the refresh rate because not every screen resolution will support all of the same refresh rates.
Make sure the Color Depth (Colors) is set to True Color (32 bit) to help have the best picture on your monitor.

Here's How:

1. Right click on a empty space on the desktop and click on Screen Resolution. (See screenshot below)

2. Select the monitor Display you want to change the screen refresh rate for. (See screenshot below step 3)
NOTE: You will only be able to select a different display if you have more than one monitor connected.

3. Click on the Advanced settings link. (See screenshot below)

4. To Change Only the Screen Refresh Rate
A) Click on the Monitor tab. (See screenshot below step 4C)

B) Select an available Screen refesh rate from the drop down menu.
WARNING: It is recommended to leave the Hide modes that this monitor cannot display box checked to prevent possible damage to your monitor.

C) Click on OK.

D) Go to step 6.

5. To Select from a List of All Display Modes
A) Click on the Adapter tab, and on the List All Modes button. (See screenshot below)

B) Select the display mode with the screen resolution, color depth, and screen refresh rate that you want to use, and click on OK. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: It is recommended to use a native screen resolution with a True Color (32-bit) color depth.

C) Click on OK. (See screenshot below step 5A)

6. Click on Yes to confirm the screen refresh rate change. (See screenshot below)

7. Click on OK. (See screenshot below step 3)

That's it,
Shawn

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**sHaDoW8185** · 05-26-2009

That is a nice way to go about seeing all the options one has for the screen resolutions and color depths and all that are there; however, for me there is no option for 1280x960x32@100Hz even though my monitor supports it. It physically disappears when you check the box in the monitor tab for hide display modes that the monitor cannot support. I still am unable to do 100Hz at 1280x960, but can do it at 1280x1024...go figure. This lack of modes available to my monitor extends even beyond a monitor driver as I have made my own that specifies that the monitor can achieve refresh rates of 100Hz and higher at 1280x960 at all color depths. I have even done some registry editting to no avail. I just don't know why Windows 7 won't let me get the refresh rate of 100Hz at my resolutions I care about.

**Brink** · 05-26-2009

Hello sHaDoW8185,

You might see if this tutorial may be able to help you force the settings, but be sure to read the warning there first.

**Kolda** · 09-20-2009

I did as instructed, but the result is the same furt. I tried the programs and nothing. When you set the directions and my monitor (CRT) goes out and writes "OUT OF SCAN RANGE" Its maximum frequency is 160Hz. For the second PC I have the same problem (different monitor) and writes me "OUT OF RANGE". Is someone who would know about that advice?? PLS

Windows 7 - Screen Refresh Rate - Display Settings

Screen Refresh Rate - Display Settings

Screen Refresh Rate - Display Settings problems?