Microsoft Edge is Testing Variable Refresh Rate in Windows 11/10

So far, Microsoft has introduced Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) in Windows 10 and Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) in Windows 11. As the name implies, such features allow your device to set the refresh rate dynamically. For example, if you have a 120Hz display, the device will switch to 120Hz for handwriting input and scrolling, and switch back to 60Hz for other normal tasks. this helps balance performance and power consumption.

Edge browser is testing an increased refresh rate when scrolling

Now, Microsoft Edge is adding support for the technology that allows the browser to increase the refresh rate when scrolling and decrease it when reading email or blog posts, resulting in smoother scrolling and longer battery life.

The feature is currently being tested in the Microsoft Edge Canary browser, with the "Boost screen refresh rate when scrolling" flag in version 99. Before you can use it, your computer needs to support VRR or DRR and have the right drivers - fortunately, many newer laptops already support this feature.

Hardware requirements to use Dynamic Refresh Rate on Windows 11:

To use Dynamic Refresh Rate, your laptop screen needs to support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and the refresh rate needs to be at least 120Hz

In addition, Dynamic Refresh Rate requires a graphics driver (WDDM 3.0) that supports it (available via Windows Update). Microsoft says it is working with its graphics partners to bring updated graphics drivers that support the Dynamic Refresh Rate feature to the Windows Insiders program. As a result, some people may have to wait a while before they can use DRR.

How to check if your computer supports Dynamic Refresh Rate:

Open “Settings”, then select “System” > “Display” > “Advanced display settings”.

In "Refresh Rate" section, see if there is an option with "Dynamic" in the name.

If so, select this option and then you can try "Boost screen refresh rate when scrolling" in the latest Edge Canary browser.