Windows is automatically kicking your high-refresh monitor back to 60Hz without telling you
Aug 17, 2026 | Guides
By default, Windows sets the refresh rate to 60Hz when you first boot a new PC or reinstall Windows, regardless of your monitor’s native refresh rate. This is why one of the most popular pieces of advice for Windows users is to manually increase the refresh rate in Windows Settings after getting a new PC or reinstalling Windows. The catch is that Windows can revert your monitor’s refresh rate to 60Hz in many other situations as well, without notifying you.