On March 26, Microsoft introduced a non-security preview update for Windows 11, designated as KB5079391. This update brings a suite of display enhancements, notably the capability to support refresh rates exceeding 1000 Hz. Among the improvements, users can expect enhanced auto-rotation and HDR reliability, as well as increased power efficiency for monitors in sleep mode connected via USB4.
However, the excitement was short-lived as Microsoft opted to retract the update on March 27 due to installation complications. Nonetheless, the anticipated improvements are expected to be rolled out to users in due course.
At CES 2026, manufacturers such as Acer, AOC, and Philips showcased dual-mode gaming monitors capable of reaching 1,000Hz, albeit at a resolution of HD (720p). While Microsoft has not specified how much higher than 1,000Hz the new update will support, a blog post from Blur Busters, which initially highlighted the 1,000Hz capability, notes that its founder, Mark Rehjon, played a pivotal role in advocating for refresh rate support to extend all the way to 5,000Hz.
This update, which includes support for refresh rates up to 5,000Hz, positions Windows 11 to remain compatible with advancing hardware trends for the foreseeable future. Reports are already surfacing about the development of 2,000Hz displays, with multiple manufacturers planning to introduce such panels by 2030. Blur Busters suggests that while the benefits of higher refresh rates may diminish, the human eye can still perceive advantages at five-digit refresh rates.
Additionally, the KB5079391 update enriches the user experience by incorporating “rich image descriptions” for Copilot and Copilot+ PCs when utilizing the Narrator feature. It also enhances the design of dialog boxes found in the “Other” section of the Accounts settings menu. This update is applicable to Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 26H1.
Why do display refresh rates matter so much?
The refresh rate of a display indicates how frequently the screen can refresh the image each second. For instance, a 60Hz display refreshes the image 60 times per second, while a 120Hz display does so 120 times per second, and so forth. This metric is crucial for ensuring smoother visuals, particularly in fast-paced gaming and multimedia applications.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
