Unlock 120/144/240 Hz & HDR for Gaming

Q: I get stutter at high refresh.

Don’t stack V-Sync and VRR, cap FPS slightly below max refresh, use Exclusive Fullscreen, and check power plan and background apps.

Unlock 120/144/240 Hz and HDR for Games

Get the smoothest motion and richer colors by correctly configuring high refresh rates and HDR. Display EX helps you set per‑display refresh, toggle HDR per app, and enforce the right color mode.

Step‑by‑step

Verify cables, ports and OSD

Use DisplayPort 1.4/2.0 or HDMI 2.0/2.1 where required. Connect directly to the GPU (avoid old hubs). In the monitor OSD, set the higher refresh mode (e.g., 144 Hz/Overclock).

Update GPU drivers and firmware

Install the latest graphics driver. If your monitor/GPU offers firmware updates, apply them to unlock new modes and VRR improvements.

Set native resolution and high refresh

Windows Settings → System → Display → Advanced display → Choose your monitor → Select 120/144/240 Hz. In Display EX, set per‑display refresh in your gaming profile.

Enable and calibrate HDR

Toggle HDR for the gaming monitor only. Run Windows HDR Calibration. Adjust SDR content brightness. Save a Display EX profile with HDR On for the target game.

HDR looks dim? Increase the monitor HDR brightness or tone‑mapping setting and verify the correct color space in GPU control panel.

Use the right window mode

Prefer Exclusive Fullscreen to hit peak refresh and reduce latency. Borderless may limit refresh on some configurations.

Tune sync and VRR

If your display supports variable refresh rate, enable VRR. Disable double V‑Sync (don’t stack in‑game and driver). Cap FPS slightly below max refresh to avoid spikes.

Troubleshoot “144 Hz not showing”

Try another cable/port, set a lower color depth or 4:2:2 chroma at 4K if bandwidth‑limited, ensure the monitor’s overclock/144 Hz mode is enabled, and confirm the app uses Exclusive Fullscreen.

Gaming & HDR FAQ

Q: Windows doesn’t show 144 Hz — what now?

A: Check cable/port specs, monitor OSD refresh mode, GPU drivers, and bandwidth limits. Try a different cable or reduce color depth/chroma to unlock 144 Hz.

Q: HDR looks dim or washed out.

A: Calibrate with Windows HDR tool, increase HDR brightness on the monitor, and avoid mirroring HDR with SDR. Use a per‑app HDR profile in Display EX.

Q: I get stutter at high refresh.

A: Don’t stack V‑Sync and VRR, cap FPS slightly below max refresh, and use Exclusive Fullscreen. Check background apps and power plan (High performance).