Recently, a handful of PC users have reported that the Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) is not showing on Windows 11. This issue raises its head due to many reasons, including outdated drivers, misconfigured settings, and hardware limitations. If you have encountered the refresh rate bug and are looking for ways to resolve it, you have arrived at the right spot. That said, let’s discuss the 16 ways to fix dynamic refresh rate not working problem on Windows 11.
Fix Dynamic Refresh Rate Not Working on Windows 11 24H2
Nabbing and shooting an issue becomes a bit easier when you have a clear idea about what causes it to trigger. So, it would be better to line up all the culprits that invoke the Windows 11 refresh rate issue:
- Unsupported display
- Outdated drivers
- Disabled VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
- Incorrect refresh rate
- Windows version outdated
- Missing GPU support
- Power settings restrictions
- Intel GPU issue
- Hybrid graphics conflict
- Registry misconfiguration
From checking the hardware compatibility to ticking off the software support to flushing out the outdated version of the display driver, this guide is going to break down all the possible ways to sort out the issue.
1. Check if Your Display Supports Dynamic Refresh Rate
It’s worth pointing out up front that the DRR needs a fully supported display with a variable refresh rate, featuring at least a 120Hz refresh rate. Therefore, be sure to check whether or not your display is compatible.
- On your PC, head over to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display and check the refresh rate.
- If your monitor does not support DRR, this option will not show up.
2. Ensure You Are Using Windows 11 Version 22H2 or Later
Note that DRR was introduced in Windows 11 22H2. So, make sure your software is in line with the requirements.
- Open Settings app > Choose Windows Update in the left sidebar and check for updates.
- If needed, make sure to install the latest Windows 11 version to enable DRR.
3. Check If VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) Is Enabled
It’s also important to mention that DRR relies on VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology to work.
- On your PC, launch the Settings app > System > Display > Graphics and enable Variable Refresh Rate if available.
4. Use an HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 Cable
Keep in mind that the older HDMI (1.4 or lower) and DisplayPort versions are not compatible with DRR.
- So, try using a certified HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 cable for better refresh rate support.
5. Switch to the Integrated Display (For Laptops)
As DRR is basically designed for laptop displays, external monitors might not work with it.
- Therefore, try disconnecting external monitors and testing DRR on the built-in display.
6. Reboot Your PC
If the refresh rate bug has continued to haunt you, restart your PC. If a random glitch is causing the problem, the soft reset will help get rid of it.
- Head over to the Start menu > Power icon > Choose Restart.
7. Update Graphics Drivers
Be warned that outdated or incompatible GPU drivers might be blocking DRR from appearing. Hence, make sure to update the graphics drivers.
- Open Device Manager on your Windows 11 device > Display adapters > Right-click GPU > Update driver.
- Now, download and install the latest drivers from Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD websites.
8. Change the Refresh Rate Manually
Sometimes, Windows fails to switch to a higher refresh rate automatically. If you have set the auto-refresh rate, switch to the manual way.
- Head over to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings.
- Now, set the refresh rate to 120Hz or higher manually.
9. Enable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling
DRR relies on GPU acceleration for seamless transitions. Thus, it would be a good idea to activate the hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling.
- On your computer, fire up the Settings app > System > Display > Graphics > Change default graphics settings.
- Now, turn on Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling and restart your PC.
10. Ensure Intel or AMD Graphics Are Active (For Dual-GPU Laptops)
DRR is designed to work best with integrated Intel or AMD GPUs. Yeah, you got that right! It doesn’t get along with the dedicated NVIDIA GPUs.
- Open Device Manager on your PC > Display adapters > Make sure Intel/AMD GPU is enabled.
11. Disable Battery Saver Mode (For Laptops)
Windows may disable high refresh rates to conserve battery when Battery Saver is on. Hence, disable the power saving mode as it might be spoiling your game.
- Open Settings > Power & battery > Disable Battery Saver.
12. Set Power Mode to Best Performance
Windows may limit refresh rates in lower power modes.
- Open Settings > Power & battery > Set Power mode to Best performance.
13. Restart Windows Explorer
Sometimes, the refresh rate settings fail to appear due to glitches in Windows Explorer.
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
- Find Windows Explorer, right-click, and select Restart.
14. Reset Graphics Settings
Corrupt GPU settings can cause DRR issues.
- Open Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
- Click Reset graphics performance settings.
15. Perform a Clean Boot
Conflicting background applications can interfere with refresh rate settings.
- Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
- Under Services, check Hide all Microsoft services and disable non-essential ones.
16. Reset Windows Display Settings
Wrongly configured display settings may come in the way of DRR and stop it from functioning properly. If that’s precisely where you are staring at, reset the entire settings.
- Fire up the Settings app > System > Display > Advanced display settings.
- Click Restore default settings and restart the PC.
Wrapping up…
There you go! I hope you have managed to resolve the Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) not showing issue on your Windows 11 device. In most cases, you can take control of the refresh bug by just checking off the basic times. However, if the problem persists, updating the drivers and resetting the display settings will help resolve it.
