Why does V-Sync cap my 144 Hz monitor at 120 FPS?

The connection can matter too. Check the monitor’s specifications and use DisplayPort if that is the recommended connection. Some displays only reach their maximum refresh rate through DisplayPort, or require a particular cable and an overclock option.

First check that the monitor itself is actually running at 144 Hz, not just Windows. Some displays require an overclock or a setting such as “144 Hz mode” in the monitor’s on-screen menu. Also verify the game’s own frame-rate limit and make sure dynamic refresh rate is disabled in Windows if it is enabled.

The exact monitor model, graphics card, game, and whether the frame rate exceeds 120 when uncapped would help narrow this down. If it is capped at 120 even with V-Sync and all in-game limits disabled, the restriction is probably coming from the display mode, driver settings, monitor configuration, or the game itself rather than V-Sync alone.

If your monitor and GPU support FreeSync or G-Sync, enable adaptive sync in the monitor menu and the graphics driver. A common setup is to enable V-Sync in the graphics control panel, leave it disabled in the game, and cap the frame rate a few frames below the refresh rate—around 141 FPS for 144 Hz. This keeps adaptive sync active and avoids hitting the V-Sync ceiling.