There's another factor that can stop your 144Hz monitor from hitting its advertised refresh rate, and it has nothing to do with Windows at all. Windows still won't use 144Hz until you tell it toYou have to do it yourselfCloseEven if your monitor and cable both support 144Hz, Windows won't switch to it automatically. Your graphics driver might be holding you backimage credit - self captured (Tashreef Shareef) - No Attribution RequiredIn some cases, an outdated graphics driver may not correctly detect your monitor's capabilities. That's why I make it a habit to check my refresh rate after installing major Windows or graphics driver updates. Spending more on a monitor doesn't automatically make it betterBuying a 144Hz monitor is only half the equation, and I think this is the part most buying guides conveniently leave out.