Windows 11 now supports display refresh rates up to 5,000Hz after its latest update — Here's why that matters for everyone, not just gamers

Microsoft released non-security Windows 11 preview update KB5079391 on March 26, and with it comes a handful of display improvements, including support for "refresh rates above 1000 Hz."

In terms of display perks, the update likewise improves "auto-rotation and HDR reliability" while also improving power efficiency for sleeping monitors connected via USB4.

Unfortunately, Microsoft pulled the update on March 27 after it discovered installation issues. Regardless, the listed improvements will make their way to your PC eventually.

The 1,000Hz refresh rate support is certainly the most exciting part of the update. This year at CES 2026, several manufacturers, including Acer, AOC, and Philips, unveiled dual-mode gaming monitors hitting 1,000Hz, albeit at an HD (720p) resolution.

Exactly how high above 1,000Hz isn't specifically mentioned by Microsoft in its update notes. However, a blog post at Blur Busters (which first spotted the 1,000Hz Windows 11 news) explains how the company's founder, Mark Rehjon, played a key role in convincing Microsoft that it needed to raise refresh rate support all the way to 5,000Hz.

👉 How to change display refresh rates on Windows 11

This update with support for 5,000Hz refresh rates should keep Windows 11 up to speed with emerging hardware for at least several years, as we're now just starting to hear word of 2,000Hz displays.

In the Blur Busters blog, it's confirmed that "multiple manufacturers" have plans to launch 2,000Hz display panels by 2030. Blur Busters posits that while there are certainly diminishing returns to monitor refresh rates, the human eye is capable of benefiting from five-digit figures.

Windows 11's KB5079391 update also adds "rich image descriptions on Copilot and Copilot+ PCs" when using Narrator, as well as the design of dialog boxes in the "Other" section of the Accounts settings menu. This update applies to Windows 11 version 25H2, 24H2, and 26H1.

Why do display refresh rates matter so much?

A display's refresh rate signifies how many times the panel can update an image in one second. If you're working with a 60Hz display, for example, the image on the screen updates 60 times per second. A 120Hz display updates 120 times per second, and so on.

For the average PC user who sits down in front of a screen to browse the web, read email, and handle some spreadsheets, a higher refresh rate generally means superior eye comfort with reduced strain over time. As someone who stares at a screen all day, I'm always interested in maximizing refresh rates.

Refresh rates are particularly important for PC gamers. Low refresh rates lead to a choppier image, resulting in motion blur and input lag. Most PC gamers shoot for at least a 144Hz refresh rate — a sweet spot that I'm personally fond of — although competitive esports gamers almost always go for the highest refresh rate possible.

When gaming, a higher refresh rate means you can see a clearer picture and respond faster. It's that simple.

What do you think about 5,000Hz refresh rate support in Windows 11?

How long do you think we have until 5,000Hz refresh rates are common in high-end monitors? How high of a refresh rate does your current PC monitor have? Is there a point where you'll call it good enough? Are we already there? Let me know in the comments section below!

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