Now that Windows 11 has arrived, and it extends to many PCs and laptops over time, chances are you'll be checking out all the new features found in the new OS. While there are many new features for Windows 11, one of the most refreshing (targeted) changes is the 'Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR)'. So, if you have just upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and are wondering what DRR Windows 11 here is all you need to know about Dynamic Refresh Rate, and how to unlock DRR Windows 11.
Dynamic Refresh Rate in Windows 11
This guide explains and covers all the questions that may come to your mind about DRR in Windows 11. Use the table below to skip to your specific query or read everything for more information.
What is the Renewal Rate?
Before we begin to define what DRR is, it is important to understand what the Refresh Rate itself is. Simply put, the Refresh Rate is the speed at which the display is constantly refreshing to create a sense of movement. Refresh rates are measured in Hertz (Hz) which is the number of times the display restarts per second. High refresh rate means that most frames will appear in one second and the movement will be smooth. To see the difference, see the example below.
As you can see, the 120 Hz phone feels smooth and wet to the eyes. The displays come with a variety of upgrades and the game monitors clearly offer high renewal prices as a feature. In addition, technologies such as the Nvidia DLSS are based on providing high-quality independent frames.
What is Dynamic Refresh Rate in Windows 11
Dynamic Refresh Rate is a new feature of Windows 11 that is optimized for high-performance upgrades. The DRR feature gives you control over the upgrade rate in Windows and allows you to set it up. What this means is that Windows 11 will switch back and forth between low and high upgrades depending on what you do. The Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) feature is installed on Windows 11 to increase the power consumption and extend battery life.
Example - If you have a indicator with a frequency of 120Hz, DRR will monitor your operating conditions and adjust the update rate accordingly. For everyday tasks such as email, texts that do not require much smooth movement, the refresh rate will be 60Hz to save battery life. However, when it comes to scratching and inserting ink that requires smooth movement, the Dynamic Refresh Rate will be set to 120Hz for maximum response. However, keep in mind that DRR is only available on a laptop display and nothing else.
How Useful Is It?
With new mid-range laptops coming with high-quality refresh displays, it is only natural to want to use that power. However, the higher the charge rate, the more the battery uses. In addition, systems with high levels of renewal are at work at all times. You need to set it to 60Hz manually if needed. Doing that every five minutes of applications is not possible.
Using the Dynamic Refresh Rate on Windows 11 removes the task at your end. Since DRR depends on the system the whole process is automatic and the user will not have to raise a finger. This will ensure that you get the right balance between fluid and battery life at all times. DRR is only available for a few selected applications of Adobe and Microsoft currently Windows 11. However, the feature is expected to be released in some applications later.
What are the Requirements?
To use the Dynamic Refresh Rate on Windows 11 you will need a portable computer display that supports a variable frequency (VRR) and a refresh rate of at least 120Hz. For those unfamiliar with it, Variable Refresh Rate is a technology built into selected screens that help them remove screen cracks during playback. VRR is important for the Dynamic Refresh Rate because it gives it the ability to adjust the refresh rate back and forth.
See if your laptop supports VRR Windows 11
To find out if your desktop computer supports Windows 11 Update Rate, follow the steps below:
Scroll up to display options by going to Settings and then click on System> Display.
Example - If you have a indicator with a frequency of 120Hz, DRR will monitor your operating conditions and adjust the update rate accordingly. For everyday tasks such as email, texts that do not require much smooth movement, the refresh rate will be 60Hz to save battery life. However, when it comes to scratching and inserting ink that requires smooth movement, the Dynamic Refresh Rate will be set to 120Hz for maximum response. However, keep in mind that DRR is only available on a laptop display and nothing else.
- Click Change Default graphic-Settings.
Also, if you do not see the option here, your display does not support VRR.
Additionally Dynamic Refresh rate also requires the latest Windows Graphics Driver (wddm) 3.0 available with Windows Update. You can check the WDDM version you have in the following steps:
Press Start and type dxdiag.
Select the Display tab and check the Drivers box.
You will see your WWDM version next to Driver Model.
How to Enable Powerful Renewal Rate
As of now, Dynamic Refresh Rate is only available on Windows Insider Program Dev Channel. So, if you are part of it and have Windows 11 preview built, follow the steps below to enable DRR on your laptop.
Open Windows Settings and navigate to System> Display
Scroll down and under Related Settings, click Advanced Display
- Select the drop-down menu next to Select refresh rate and select Power level next to it. It will look like this.
And that's it! Dynamic Refresh Rate is now enabled on your mobile computer and you will start to see changes immediately. If you happen to meet the requirements of the DRR and have not yet seen the option, do not worry. Microsoft is currently working with manufacturers to make the feature pushed across systems so it is only natural that you should not see it now. Come back to this setting later after a review or two.
You can also disable the Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) if you want, simply by going to the same settings and selecting a different refresh rate from the drop-down menu.
Will DRR get into play mode?
Simply put, No. The good thing about the Windows 11 Dynamic Update is that it does not go anywhere near your games or its settings. So any games you have will continue to work the same way you left and will remain untouched.
Use the Dynamic Refresh Rate to extend battery life
That was our guide to help you understand and start using DRR on Windows 11. Hopefully, you have enabled a flexible upgrade rate for you Windows 11 PC, and enjoy a smoother experience and better battery life. If your PC doesn't support the latest update rate yet, don't worry because Microsoft is working with PC makers to bring the feature to many laptops with high-quality refresh screens.
If in doubt, let us know in the comments, and share your experience with DRR.