How to Enable Variable Refresh Rate in Windows 11

Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) helps your monitor match its speed to your game. This makes your games look smoother and stops the screen from tearing. It works best with monitors that support technologies like G-SYNC or FreeSync. By syncing your monitor to your graphics card, you eliminate stuttering and visual glitches.

Why use VRR?

Games often have different frame rates. If your screen refresh rate is stuck at one speed, you might see glitches or stuttering. VRR fixes this by syncing the two together. This creates a seamless experience where your monitor adjusts its refresh rate in real-time to match the output of your GPU.

What happens when done?

Once enabled, your games will run more fluidly, especially older games that do not have built-in support for VRR. You will notice less screen tearing and a more responsive feel during fast-paced gameplay.

Hardware Requirements

To use VRR, your system must meet specific hardware standards:

• A monitor that supports Adaptive Sync, G-Sync, or FreeSync.
• A DisplayPort 1.2 or HDMI 2.1 cable.
• A graphics card that supports WDDM 2.7 or higher.
• The latest GPU drivers installed from your manufacturer’s website.

Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) vs VRR

While VRR is for gaming, Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) is for general use. DRR automatically switches between a low and high refresh rate to save battery life on laptops. VRR is focused on matching the monitor to the game’s frame rate to prevent visual artifacts.

How to enable VRR via Settings

This is the easiest way to turn the feature on or off.

1. Open the Windows Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard.
2. Click on the System button on the left menu.

   

3. Click on the Display tile.

   

4. Scroll down and click on Graphics.

   

5. Click on Advanced graphics settings at the bottom.
6. Toggle the switch for Variable refresh rate to On.

   

How to enable VRR via Registry Editor

Note: This method requires administrative privileges. Be careful, as changing registry settings can affect your system.

1. Open the Windows Registry by pressing the Windows key + R, typing regedit, and pressing Enter.
2. Navigate to this path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\DirectX\UserGpuPreferences
3. If the UserGpuPreferences folder is missing, right-click the DirectX folder, select New, and create a Key named UserGpuPreferences.

   

4. Right-click in the empty space on the right side. Select New, then String Value. Name it DirectXUserGlobalSettings.
5. Double-click DirectXUserGlobalSettings and set the Value data to 1 to turn it on, or 0 to turn it off.

   

Troubleshooting

If the option is missing, ensure your GPU drivers are updated. Check that your monitor is connected via a compatible cable and that Adaptive Sync is enabled in your monitor’s physical OSD menu.

Summary

Variable Refresh Rate makes your gaming experience much smoother by syncing your monitor to your game’s performance. You can enable this easily through your Windows display settings or by adjusting the registry if you prefer a more technical approach. For more details, see the official Microsoft display settings documentation.