How to stop Windows 11 from automatically changing my refresh rate automatically? (DRR not available for my laptop)

Question

I have an MSI Cyborg 15 A13VF. Whenever my laptop switches its power source from battery to a charger it blinks black for a second then back on (same happens when it switches from charger to battery). I have narrowed down the issue to the changing in refresh rates when switching. When on battery power, the laptop is at 60.32Hz, but when it shifts to charger it goes up to 144.42Hz. If I switch this back to 60.32Hz and unplug the laptop there is no blinking! However when I put it back on the charger it switches back to 144.42Hz.

My laptop does not support DRR, so according to the forums this shouldn't be happening. Yet it is. How do I stop this from switching automatically? This is a massive issue as ever since I got this laptop during high intensity usage it switches from battery power and charger power without any disturbance to the charging port. After getting my laptop repaired 2 weeks ago it still does this. I have also follow suggestions saying to try to lower the power usage of processing in the power management plans and this has not helped either. So the only solution currently available to me is preventing automatic switching of refresh rates.

Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers.

Answer 1

Hi there, I am Pau, an Independent Advisor and I'm here to help. To completely address this, we will set the refresh rate by adjusting both Windows and GPU settings.

Step 1: Is to adjust the Refresh Rate Manually (Applicable to Both Power Modes)

Navigate to > Settings > System > Display

Move your cursor downward > Select Advanced display

Select a refresh rate > Adjust to 60.32Hz (or your desired stable value)

Connect the charger > Follow the same steps again to ensure it remains secured

Step 2: To Turn off Refresh Rate Switching through the NVIDIA Control Panel

Right-click on the desktop and select Open NVIDIA Control Panel.

Navigate to > Display > Adjust resolution

In the Refresh rate section, adjust it to 60Hz (or the same value as previously used).

Select Apply > Confirm the changes

Perform this action for both the On Battery and Plugged In situations to ensure the refresh rate is consistent across profiles.

Step 3: Need to Avoid Interference from Power Plans

Navigate to > Control Panel > Power Options

Select Change plan settings next to your current plan

Select the option to modify advanced power settings

Access Display settings > Enable Refresh Rate Switching (if applicable)

Adjust the settings for both On battery and Plugged in to either match the same value or to Disabled.

Open the Intel Graphics Settings or the Graphics Power Plan, if it is present.

Adjust all settings to Maximum Performance or an equivalent option

Step 4: Verify OEM Utility Settings (MSI Center)

Launch the MSI Center application, provided it is installed on your device.

Navigate to > Features > User Scenario or Display Settings

Turn off any options associated with “Smart Brightness,” “ECO,” “Refresh Rate,” or “Performance on Battery.”

Adjust the profile to High Performance or User Defined while ensuring the settings are locked.

This step can be omitted if MSI Center is not in use.

Step 5: Turn off Panel Self Refresh (For Intel Systems Only)

Right-click on the desktop and select Open Intel Graphics Command Center.

Navigate to > Power > Display Power Savings

Turn off Panel Self Refresh for both battery and plugged-in modes.

This is optional, Secure BIOS Display Configurations

If the problem continues, access the BIOS and look for any settings related to refresh rate or power-based graphics switching. Set the refresh rate to a fixed value or turn off dynamic graphics if the option is present. Please consult the MSI support documentation for the precise steps required.

After implementing these adjustments, your refresh rate will remain stable at 60.32Hz or any specified value, independent of battery or charging conditions.

Kindly inform me if the problem persists or if you require assistance with any step.

Have a good one!

Kind regards,

Pau

Answer 2

Hey Pau,

Thank you for your response! I could not complete step 2 or 3 due to those settings not being available to me at all (simply weren't appearing), however step 4 seemed to have been the silver bullet for this issue! I am extremely grateful.

You are a legend,

Abzu