Microsoft has recently announced the launch of Windows 11 OS by the end of October. With this next-generation operating system, Microsoft aimed at improving the user experience. Previously, millions of Windows 10 users reported the appearance of random bugs and glitches.
Moreover, in some Windows 10 PCs, there were battery drainage and overheating issues. Microsoft has resolved all the potential Windows 10 problems in Windows 11. The battery-saving feature of Windows 10 was unable to conserve battery.
Microsoft finds out while playing games, the Windows PC is consuming more battery. Because a high refresh rate is required for streaming intensive games. Did you know 120Hz refresh rate drains more battery compared to 60Hz? Yes! And, for this reason, Microsoft introduced an exclusive feature in Windows 11 OS. With Dynamic Refresh Rate, Windows 11 PCs will automatically change the refresh rates.
When you are editing documents, DRR will convert the refresh rate to 60Hz. And, when you play multiplayer games like Valorant, it will change to 120Hz. In its latest conference, Microsoft unraveled a few more details about DRR.
Are you wondering what those could be? Here, we have compiled detailed information about this new feature Windows 11 OS.
1. Which Applications are Compatible with Windows 11’s Dynamic Refresh Rate?
Well, this Dynamic Refresh Rate is currently limited to a few Microsoft apps. And, these include Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Photos, and Microsoft Office. Additionally, this feature might roll out in Microsoft Whiteboard and Microsoft Sticky Notes.
Do you use Snip & Sketch to annotate screenshots? Then, here’s good news for you! Microsoft stated that DRR would work in this screen capturing app as well. Moreover, the users can expect to have DRR in Microsoft To-Do, Drawboard PDF, and Inkodo.
That’s not all! Even, this feature might work in a few Adobe applications. And, these include Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Acrobat. However, Microsoft announced that DRR might support more on-demand apps in the future. But, the developers didn’t reveal anything more about DRR’s availability. And, if you lose any data from any Microsoft/Adobe app, contact the Smart Data Recovery experts.
2. What are the Requirements for using Dynamic Refresh Rate?
Microsoft clearly mentioned that this feature would only work in advanced laptops. This means DRR won’t be supported on Windows PCs. But, make sure the laptop has at least a 120Hz fresh rate.
DRR will work in laptops that have a higher refresh rate, and these include 144hZ, 240Hz, and 300Hz as well. And, if you want to use DRR, it’s important to have a high-end graphics driver. Don’t have a WDDM 3.0? Then, you can’t use Dynamic Display Rate even after having a Windows 11 PC. But, if you don’t know the Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) number, consider checking it first.
3. Steps to Check the Windows Display Driver Version:
Start with tapping on the Start button, and then write “dxdiag”. Right after that, choose the “Display” option from the searched results. Move to the “Display 1” section first. Did you get the “Drivers” section? Yes! From there, look for the “Driver Model” option. If it’s “WDDM 3.0”, then there is no need to change the graphic driver. But, if you have WDDM 2. X or 2.0, then you have to install a new graphics card.
Consider updating the graphics driver before switching from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Microsoft has already started working with renowned graphics drive manufacturers. And, their aim is to offer advanced graphics cards that will support DRR in Windows devices. So, you might have to wait for a long time until these compatible drivers are introduced.
4. What Else Need to Be Checked?
Along with these, you need to check the Variable Refresh Rate of the Windows laptops. Do you know what VRR is? Basically, Visual Refresh Rate helps eliminate system lags and a sudden drop in the frame rate.
VRR determines how often the screen’s image will refresh based on the frame rate. Though, many Windows users tend to think VRR and DRR work in the same way. But, both of them work in different patterns. If you don’t know whether the laptop has VRR or not, follow these steps:
- You have to first move to the Windows Settings section. Right after that, head towards the “System” option.
- Once you get to the “Display” section, tap on that and then go to “Graphics”.
- After getting into the “Default graphics settings” option, look for VRR.
Didn’t find a Variable Refresh Rate section? Then, probably you are using an older version of Windows OS. Because VRR technology only supports Windows 10 laptops. And, you will get an improved version of VRR that will be there in Windows 11.
5. Where to Find Dynamic Refresh Rate in Windows 11 OS?
To use Dynamic Refresh Rate, you need to first enable it. After installing Windows 11 OS, go to the “Settings” app. And, from there, search for the “System” option and tap on it immediately. Right after that, choose the “Display” option first, and then select “Advanced Display”.
Now, it’s time to set a refresh rate which the laptop requires. Opt for the “Dynamic” option to complete the DRR activation process. Once you choose this option, the display will remain either 60Hz or 120Hz refresh rate.
Don’t want to use the Dynamic Refresh Rate option? But, do you know how you can disable it? No! Once you get into the System section, from the Settings menu, go to “Display”. Opt for the “Advanced display” option then. Choose the required refresh rate to change the “Dynamic” option.
You will be prompted with a list of refresh rates that the laptop supports. Choose 120Hz, if you own a Microsoft gaming laptop. But, if you mostly use the laptop for editing videos or photos, go with a 60Hz refresh rate.
6. When Windows 11’s Dynamic Refresh Rate Changes the Refresh Rate to 120Hz?
Many Windows users made contradictory statements about Dynamic Refresh Rate. Some believe that this feature always remains at a 120Hz refresh rate. Though it’s partially true, Microsoft didn’t yet confirm that. Usually, Windows 11’s DRR changes the refresh rate for the apps that run at 60Hz. Even the refresh rate will be changed while using a 90Hz Microsoft/Adobe application.
7. Why Did Microsoft Add Dynamic Refresh Rate in Windows 11?
Windows users reported that while using heavy-weight apps, Windows 10 drains more battery. Thus, Microsoft integrated DRR to extend the laptop’s battery life. Now, you can work on the laptop for hours without charging frequently. But, how much battery the in-built Windows 11 feature will conserve is yet to be revealed. It can be expected that Microsoft will reveal this within a month.
8. Switch to Windows 11 OS to Unleash Infinite Possibilities!
Are you still using Windows 10 OS? It’s time to switch to a better and upgraded version of it. Windows 11 was about to roll out on June 21, but due to a pandemic, the release got delayed. Currently, the beta version of Windows 11 is available for users. To use that, you need to first go to the Windows settings. And, from there, select the “Updates & Security” option.
Can you see the “Windows Preview Program”? Choose that option and complete the update process by tapping on “Get Started”. Though Microsoft claims the Windows 11’s beta program is bug-free. But, the users have already faced random bugs and glitches while using it.
So, it’s suggested not to use the beta version, and it can cause disruption while working. Wait for a few months, and then update the OS to reap additional benefits.
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[MBA in Finance]
Nazim Khan is an expert in Microsoft Excel. He teaches people how to use it better. He has been doing this for more than ten years. He is running this website (TechGuruPlus.com) and a YouTube channel called "Business Excel" since 2016. He shares useful tips from his own experiences to help others improve their Excel skills and careers.
