Now that Windows 11 is here and it will expand to more and more PCs and laptops over time, you have a chance to discover all the new features available in the new operating system. Although there are many new features in Windows 11, one of the most refreshing (pun intended) changes is the addition of ‘Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR)’. So if you’ve just upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and are wondering what DRR is in Windows 11, here is everything you need to know about Dynamic Refresh Rate and how to enable DRR in Windows 11.
Dynamic Refresh Rate in Windows 11
This guide explains and covers any questions you might have about DRR in Windows 11. Use the table below to jump to your specific question or read through for more information.
What is the Refresh Rate?
Before we start explaining what DRR is, it is important to understand what DRR is. refresh rate itself. Simply put, Refresh Rate speed a screen where a screen is constantly refreshed sense of movement. Refresh rates are measured as: Hertz (Hz) this is the number of times the screen is refreshed per second. A higher refresh rate means more frames will appear per second and the movement will be smoother. Check out the example below to see the difference.
As you can clearly see, the 120 Hz phone feels much smoother and fluid to the eye. Displays come in various refresh rates, and gaming monitors obviously offer higher refresh rates as a feature. In addition, technologies such as Nvidia DLSS rely on providing higher frame rates.
What is Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) in Windows 11?
Dynamic Refresh Rate It is a new feature in Windows 11 for displays with higher refresh rate. The DRR feature gives Windows control of the refresh rate and allows it to adjust it dynamically. This means that Windows 11 will switch back and forth between a lower and a higher refresh rate depending on what you’re doing. Dynamic Refresh Rate feature is included in Windows 11 to optimize power consumption and extend battery life.
E.g – If you have a screen with 120Hz refresh rate will monitor your DRR use cases and adjust the refresh rate accordingly. For everyday tasks like email, documents that don’t require a lot of smooth movement, the refresh rate will be 60Hz to save battery life. However, when it comes to scrolling and inking that require smoother movement, the Dynamic Refresh Rate will be set to 120 Hz to be more responsive. However, the DRR only available for laptop screens and nothing else.
How is it Useful?
Since most new mid-range laptops come with high refresh rate displays, it’s only natural that you want to use that power. But the higher the refresh rate, the more battery percentage it consumes. Also, systems with higher refresh rates always work on it. Necessary manually Set to 60Hz as needed. It’s not possible to do this every five minutes for apps.
Using Dynamic Refresh Rate in Windows 11 gets the job done. Since DRR is system dependent, the whole process is automatic and the user will not have to lift their finger. This will allow you to get fine balance always between fluidity and battery life. DRR only available for a few select applications Adobe and Microsoft Currently on Windows 11. However, it is expected that the feature will become available for more applications over time.
What are the requirements?
To use Dynamic Refresh Rate in Windows 11, you will need a laptop display that supports: variable refresh rate (VRR) and refresh rate at least 120Hz. For those who don’t know, Variable Refresh Rate is a technology built into certain screens that helps them. eliminate screen tearing during the game. VRR is important to Dynamic Refresh Rate because it gives it the power to adjust the refresh rate back and forth.
Check If Your Laptop Supports VRR in Windows 11
To find out if your laptop screen supports Variable Refresh Rate Windows 11Follow the steps below:
- To view the options, go to: Settings and clicking on System > Display.
- Scroll down to a section called Related Settings and you will see graphic.
- click Default Graphics Settings.
- Search for a section titled Variable refresh rate. If you can’t see it, it means your laptop. Does not support VRR.
Check If Your Laptop Supports VRR on Windows 10
Windows 10 users, follow these steps to see if your laptop screen supports VRR.
- Open Settings and click system.
- click view and scroll down and click Graphics Settings
- click Change Default Graphics Settings.
- Again, if you don’t see the option here, your display doesn’t support VRR.
Apart from that, DRR also has the latest Windows Graphics Driver (wddm) 3.0 It is available through Windows Update. You can check the WDDM version you have with the following steps:
- Hit start and type dxdiag.
- select view find the tab and drivers Box.
- You will see your WWDM version next to it. Driver Model.
How to Enable Dynamic Refresh Rate
As of now, Dynamic Refresh Rate only available On the Windows Insider Program Development Channel. So, if you are a part of this and have the Windows 11 preview build, follow the steps below to enable DRR on your laptop.
- open windows Settings and go to System > Display
- Scroll down and down Related SettingsClick Advanced Display
- select the drop down menu next to Choose a refresh rate and select a rate with Dynamic next to it. It will look like this.
And that’s it! Dynamic Refresh Rate is now enabled on your laptop and you will see the changes immediately. If you meet the DRR requirements and still don’t see the option, do not worry. Microsoft is currently working with manufacturers to roll out the feature to all systems, so it’s only natural that you haven’t seen it yet. Return to this setting after an update or two.
If you want, you can also disable Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) by going to the same settings and choosing a different refresh rate from the drop-down menu.
Will DRR Get Into The Game Path?
Simply, Number. The good thing about Windows 11’s Dynamic Refresh Rate is that it doesn’t get anywhere near your games or settings. So the games you have will continue to run in the configuration you left them in and will remain untouched.
Use Dynamic Refresh Rate to extend battery life
This was our guide to help you understand and get started with DRR in Windows 11. Hopefully, you have enabled dynamic refresh rate on your Windows 11 PC and are enjoying a smoother experience with better battery life. If your PC doesn’t support dynamic refresh rate yet, don’t worry because Microsoft is working with PC manufacturers to bring the feature to more laptops with high refresh rate displays.
If you have any doubts, let us know in the comments and share your experience with DRR as well.
