Windows 10: Windows Forcing Refresh Rate to 40Hz even when set to 60Hz

For for the past 2 months this has been happening. Though it was due to a windows setting and I've sent feedbacks, but after surfing the internet, I realized that the problem was that windows always forces the display refresh rate to 40Hz. This issue is unbearable.

:)

 

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Hi Stephen,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I can imagine the inconvenience you are experiencing and will certainly help you in the right direction to fix the issue. However, I would appreciate if you could answer a few questions to narrow down the issue in order to provide you with better assistance.

1. What is the make and model of the computer?
2. What is the Windows 10 version and Build installed? (Type winver in Windows search/Run command) to provide the details.
   

The maximum refresh rate you can use depends on your monitor. If you have multiple monitors connected to your PC, each has its own separate refresh rate setting.



I would suggest you to try the below suggested methods and check if it helps.



Method 1

Check your Cables

Some monitors may have both HDMI and DisplayPort connections, but may be limited to a 60Hz refresh rate when connected via HDMI. In this case, you'd need to use a DisplayPort cable. Check your monitor's specifications or setup guide for more information.



If you're using HDMI, you'll want to ensure you're using a "high speed" HDMI cable and not an older "standard" HDMI cable.

In this scenario I would suggest you to replace the cable with the higher quality display and check the status of the issue.





Method 2

Update Graphics driver

Integrated graphics or older discrete graphics might not support your monitor's refresh rate. Be sure your graphics card supports the monitor's resolution and refresh rate. You need to update your Graphics drivers.

Refer the article
Update drivers in Windows 10 for the steps.



If the issue still persists, I suggest you to get in touch with the manufacturer support for the further assistance.





Regards,

Muralidhar

Microsoft Community Moderator

 

How to set default refresh rate

I've no control in the resolutions dropdown, and of course I can select the exact mode I want from List all modes.

But what I'm trying to accomplish is for Windows to recognize 60hz as the default refresh rate when changing resolutions (when I'm not specifying the refresh rate).

That comes in handy when running applications (mostly games) which let you select resolutions but not refresh rates. And yes, those applications do support the resolution/60hz combination I want for them.

So that's why this thread is titled "How to set a default refresh rate". If it's no possible, then so be it. But I could swear that before the Windows Creator's update, changing resolutions didn't lower my refresh rate.

 

How to set refresh rate 60Hz on the TV when connected to HDMI?

I've connected my laptop(Windows 10) with the TV using an HDMI cable. The resolution of the laptop is 3840x2160 and the refresh rate 60Hz.

The TV's resolution is automatically set as 3840x2160 also, but the refresh rate shows 30Hz.



I cannot change the refresh rate to a higher rate, because the option is not available.




Now, when I change the resolution of the TV to 1920x1080, I'm able to change the refresh rate to 60Hz.





Why can't I put the resolution as 3840x2160 and the refresh rate at 60Hz for the TV? Does the issue have to do with the HDMI cable, or Windows?

My TV's max refresh rate is 120Hz. Supposedly I should get that option also, but it's not showing there.