Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) in Windows 11 works by automatically adjusting the display’s refresh rate based on the current task to balance performance and power consumption. Here’s how it functions:
- Automatic Switching: Windows 11 seamlessly switches between a lower refresh rate and a higher refresh rate depending on what you’re doing on your PC.
- Power Saving: For everyday productivity tasks like email or document editing, the display refreshes at a lower rate (e.g., 60 Hz) to conserve battery life.
- Enhanced Performance: For tasks that benefit from smoother motion, such as inking and scrolling, it switches to a higher refresh rate (e.g., 120 Hz) to provide a more responsive experience.
- Supported Applications: DRR is currently supported in specific applications for smoother inking (e.g., Microsoft Office, Edge, Whiteboard) and scrolling (Microsoft Office).
- Hardware Requirements: To use DRR, you need a laptop with a display that supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and a refresh rate of at least 120 Hz.
- Driver Support: DRR requires a graphics driver (WDDM 3.0 or higher) that supports this feature.
- User Control: Users can enable or disable DRR through Windows Settings by selecting a refresh rate with “Dynamic” in the name.
- Gaming Compatibility: DRR does not interfere with game settings, allowing games to run at their configured refresh rates.
- Battery Saver Integration: In newer Windows 11 builds, when Battery Saver is enabled, the system will remain at the lower refresh rate until Battery Saver is disabled.
By dynamically adjusting the refresh rate, DRR aims to provide an optimal balance between smooth visual performance and energy efficiency, particularly beneficial for laptop users.