Windows 11 Gains Support for Ultra-High Refresh Rate Gaming Monitors, Up to 5000Hz

Microsoft is pushing the boundaries of display technology with a novel Windows 11 Insider build that adds support for gaming monitors boasting refresh rates exceeding 1,000Hz. This update prepares the operating system for the emerging market of ultra-high refresh rate displays, potentially reaching up to 5,000Hz.

What’s New in the Latest Update?

The latest Windows Insider builds, 26100.8106 and 26200.8106, now accommodate monitors reporting refresh rates above 1,000Hz. This change, implemented on March 12, 2026, follows earlier builds in the Dev Channel (26300.7965 from March 6, and 26300.7966 on March 11) which served as servicing test updates without new features. VideoCardz first reported on this development.

Beyond refresh rate support, the update similarly improves the accuracy of monitor size reporting through WMI monitor APIs for displays using DisplayID. HDR reliability is enhanced for displays with non-compliant DisplayID 2.0 blocks, auto-rotation after sleep is improved, and USB controller power consumption is reduced during sleep when using native USB4 monitor connections.

The Rise of High Refresh Rate Monitors

While 1,000Hz monitors are currently niche, primarily available in China, models like the Philips Evnia 27M2N5500XD and AOC AGON Pro AGP277QK are leading the charge. These 27-inch monitors offer 2560×1440 resolution at 540Hz, with the ability to switch to 1280×720 at 1000Hz.

The benefit of increasing refresh rates, while diminishing with each step, is a reduction in input lag and improved motion clarity. Moving from 500Hz to 1,000Hz reduces input lag by approximately one millisecond. However, experts suggest that the benefits may be more noticeable when paired with faster response times, such as those found in OLED displays.

Blur Busters’ Influence and Future Potential

The push for higher refresh rate support came from Blur Busters founder Mark Rejhon, who successfully advocated for the increase to 5,000Hz. Microsoft confirmed the change, stating it would be available in the Windows Insider Dev channel and subsequently rolled out to retail versions of Windows 24H2 and later. VideoCardz reports that Blur Busters believes motion blur could be virtually eliminated on smaller screens at around 1,000Hz, and potentially undetectable up to 10,000Hz.

While 5,000Hz may seem excessive for traditional gaming, it could prove beneficial in virtual reality (VR) headsets, where achieving refresh rates above 120Hz remains a challenge.

Other Windows 11 Updates

Alongside the display enhancements, Microsoft is also revising the Settings > System > About page, updating the device information card on the Settings Home page, and improving the performance of the Settings Home page. Microsoft is rolling out “Xbox Mode” to Windows 11 in April, bringing a controller-optimized gaming interface to the operating system. VideoCardz details this new feature.

Microsoft is also working with Intel and NVIDIA on DirectX features to improve AI performance in games and reduce shader compilation stutter. VideoCardz covers these advancements.