The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →To use a monitor’s faster refresh rate, select a supported rate in Windows Advanced display, then check the game’s own display and frame-rate settings. The monitor’s advertised maximum may not be available at every resolution or through every PC connection, so verify both the refresh rate and resolution after applying a change.
What refresh rate changes
Refresh rate is how many times per second a display updates: 60 Hz means 60 updates per second. A higher setting can make motion look smoother, but the rate Windows offers depends on the display and its supported modes. Microsoft explains the setting in its Windows refresh-rate guide.
Identify the monitor you want to configure
If you use more than one display, first make sure Windows has selected the monitor you mean to change. Open Settings > System > Display and select Identify to show a number on each screen. If a connected monitor is missing, use Detect. See Microsoft’s multiple-monitor instructions.
For an external monitor, check that its cable is connected to the PC or dock and that Windows detects it. Available modes can depend on the monitor, the PC or graphics hardware, and the connection. Check the monitor’s specifications and the PC or GPU maker’s port capabilities if a mode is missing; there is no universal cable rule that establishes which rate every setup can support.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Select a refresh rate in Windows
Windows 11
- Open Start > Settings > System > Display > Advanced display.
- If more than one display is connected, select the monitor you want to configure.
- Next to Choose a refresh rate, select the desired supported rate.
- Check the displayed resolution and refresh rate after applying the change.
Windows 10
- Open Start > Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings.
- Choose the intended display from the dropdown.
- Select the desired supported refresh rate.
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Its documented display controls remain available, but the operating system is no longer supported by Microsoft. The Windows 11 and Windows 10 paths above are documented in Microsoft’s refresh-rate guide.
In Windows 11, Advanced display reports the current resolution and refresh rate and whether variable refresh rate (VRR) is supported. An asterisk beside a rate means it is not supported at the current resolution; choosing it changes the resolution. If that happens, check the resolution again and choose a rate-resolution combination that meets your needs.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Check the game’s display and frame-rate settings
The Windows setting configures the display mode for the desktop; it does not guarantee that every game uses the same resolution, display mode, refresh rate, or frame rate. Open the game’s display, video, or graphics menu and check the options it actually provides. Depending on the game, these may include resolution, fullscreen or windowed mode, refresh rate, V-Sync, and a frame-rate limit. Labels and available controls vary, so there is no single menu path that applies to every game.
If a game seems to run below the desktop’s selected rate, check its own settings before changing Windows again. Also consider the Windows 11 features below if they apply to your setup.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteRank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
Choose adaptive refresh features only when compatible
AMD FreeSync
FreeSync requires compatible equipment. AMD’s general setup is to install AMD Software: Adrenalin, enable FreeSync in the monitor’s on-screen settings, and then check or enable it in AMD Software under Gaming > Display. AMD documents support over DisplayPort or HDMI on compatible equipment; that does not mean every monitor, GPU, driver, and connection combination supports it. Follow AMD’s FreeSync guidance and check that the feature is enabled on both the display and in the graphics software.
If your game’s frame rate regularly exceeds the display’s refresh rate, AMD recommends enabling V-Sync or capping the frame rate for a tear-free image. Which approach suits you depends on the game and your preferences; do not assume a particular cap value without checking the display and game.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Windows 11 Dynamic Refresh Rate
Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) is an adaptive Windows feature, not simply the fixed maximum-rate selection in Advanced display. Microsoft says it requires a VRR-capable screen with a refresh rate of at least 120 Hz. DRR can limit the maximum refresh rate of some games; if a game runs slower than expected, try disabling DRR. See Microsoft’s refresh-rate guidance.
Optimizations for windowed games
Windows 11’s Optimizations for windowed games targets compatible DirectX 10 and DirectX 11 games running in windowed or borderless mode. On supported displays, it can enable features including VRR. To find it, open Settings > System > Display > Graphics, change the relevant option, and restart the game. Per-app settings can disable the optimization; on a PC with multiple GPUs, Microsoft also provides a performance preference. Details are in Microsoft’s windowed-game optimization guide.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Troubleshoot a missing or unexpectedly low refresh rate
- The expected rate is missing: confirm the correct monitor is selected, check the current resolution, and verify the monitor and PC or GPU port specifications. Windows only offers modes the display supports.
- A rate has an asterisk or the resolution changed: that rate is not supported at the current resolution. Select a supported rate-resolution combination and check the result in Advanced display.
- Only one monitor is using the faster rate: refresh settings are shown for the selected display. Select each monitor in Advanced display and configure it separately.
- A game appears capped below the desktop rate: inspect the game’s own display and frame-rate options. If DRR is enabled on Windows 11, test whether disabling it changes the result.
- VRR or FreeSync is unavailable: verify compatibility among the monitor, GPU, driver, and connection; enable FreeSync in the monitor’s on-screen settings and check its status in AMD Software.
- Game FPS regularly exceeds refresh: AMD recommends V-Sync or a frame-rate cap for tear-free presentation. Choose based on the game and your preferences.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
