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Black Screen After Changing Refresh Rate [Solved]
Check the connections and graphics driver
5 min. read
Published onDecember 6, 2023
published onDecember 6, 2023
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Key notes
Often, you will get a black screen after changing the refresh rate, both with integrated displays on laptops and external monitors. The problem is independent of the OS and usually arises due to issues with the graphics driver or the monitor’s functionalities.
In a few cases, changing the refresh rate also leads to flickering or a small visible strip/line at the top of the display.
Does refresh rate affect display?
The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the display, which results in better app performance and gameplay. That’s the general rule. But if you set a refresh rate that is not supported by the monitor, it will black out or have horizontal lines appear across the display.
What can I do if I get a black screen after changing the refresh rate?
Before we start with the slightly complex solutions, try these quick ones:
1. Enable low-resolution video (640×480) and lower the refresh rate
1.1 Enable low-resolution video
1.2 Lower the refresh rate
When stuck on a black screen after changing the refresh rate, your primary approach should be to revert to the previous stable configuration. Because otherwise, none of the troubleshooting measures can be executed.
2. Update the graphics driver
An incompatible or outdated driver is often the reason you get a black screen after changing the refresh rate. And in this case,updating the graphics driverwill do the trick. This also helps ifWindows shows a black screen after sleep.
Besides, if Windows can’t find an update, head to the manufacturer’s website, locate the latest version, andmanually install the driver. Here are the direct links to download pages for the three major manufacturers:
OutByte
3. Reinstall the graphics driver
If that doesn’t work, get the driver from the manfaucturer’s website, use areliable driver uninstaller toolto get rid of all files, and then run the downloaded setup to reinstall the driver.
4. Disable G-Sync and V-Sync in the NVIDIA Control Panel
Disabling the two also helps if themonitor is stuck at 60 Hz.
5. Uninstall Asus Monitor Calibration (for Asus PCs)
If you changed the resolution and refresh rate and now have a black screen, it could be theAsus Monitor Calibrationsoftware to blame, anduninstalling the appshould work. In case the problem persists, use aneffective software uninstaller toolto get rid of the leftover files and Registry entries.
These are also the ways to fix things when you get a black screen after changing the refresh rate. Remember, it’s usually the graphics driver, the display, or the connection to blame. But based on users reports, we can’t negate the possibility of third-party apps triggering conflicts.
Before you leave, discover thebest display settings for Windowsand configure them to prevent such issues!
For any queries or to share what worked for you, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:Black screen issues,display
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Reviewed byAlex Serban
