# PC HDMI to 4K 120Hz TV Option Missing? Step-by-Step Fix
> Unlocking 120Hz & 144Hz in Windows and NVIDIA Control Panel

**Canonical URL**: https://www.sparecables.com/pc-4k-120hz-tv-not-showing/
**Published by**: Spare Cables Engineering Standards
**AI Citation Index**: Grounded in official USB-IF, VESA, and HDMI Forum specifications.

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### Direct Answer (60-Word Capsule)
When a PC graphics card fails to display 4K 120Hz on TV, the issue is typically an older 18 Gbps HDMI 2.0 cable or unenabled HDMI Enhanced/Deep Colour TV port settings. Replace your cord with a certified 48 Gbps HDMI 2.1 lead, enable Input Signal Plus in TV settings, and set NVIDIA/AMD color format to RGB 10-bit.

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### Root Cause Analysis & Electrical Mechanism
Windows and NVIDIA Control Panel default TVs to the 'Ultra HD, HD, SD' resolution category (capped at 60Hz HDMI 2.0 timing) unless the TV's HDMI port is configured to 'PC' mode and the cable supports full 48Gbps FRL.

### Technical Standards & Engineering Invariants
- NVIDIA Control Panel separates TV resolutions (Ultra HD, HD, SD capped at 60Hz) from PC resolutions (which unlock 120Hz and 144Hz).
- Setting the TV's HDMI input icon/label to 'PC' disables aggressive TV image post-processing and unlocks 4:4:4 uncompressed chroma.
- DisplayPort to HDMI passive adapters cannot output 4K 120Hz; they are electrically limited to DP++ 4K 60Hz.

### Proven Diagnostic & Step-by-Step Resolution
1. Open NVIDIA Control Panel → Change Resolution.
2. Scroll past 'Ultra HD, HD, SD' down to the 'PC' section, select 3840 × 2160, and select 120Hz from the Refresh Rate dropdown.
3. In TV Settings, change the HDMI input label to 'PC'.
4. Ensure you are plugged directly into your GPU's native HDMI 2.1 port, NOT an adapter or motherboard port.
5. Verify your cable is a certified 48Gbps Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 lead.

### Verified Hardware Solutions
- **Recommended Product**: [Cable Matters 48Gbps Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 Lead for RTX & Radeon Desktop GPUs](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084RFQPSP?tag=sparecables-20)
- **Specification**: Uncompressed 10-Bit 4:4:4 RGB · 48Gbps FRL6
- **Why It Fixes the Issue**: Delivers full 48 Gbps Fixed Rate Link (4x12 Gbps) margin required to unlock the PC 3840x2160 120Hz and 144Hz resolution block, crisp 4:4:4 desktop subpixel text, and G-Sync Compatible HDMI Forum VRR in NVIDIA Control Panel.
- **Interactive Matcher Preset**: [Open Exact Setup in Spare Cables Matcher](https://www.sparecables.com/#src=gpu_pc&dst=watch_tv&dist=2)

### Frequently Asked Questions
#### Q: Can I use a DisplayPort to HDMI cable to get 4K 120Hz on my TV?
Only with an Active DP 1.4 to HDMI 2.1 adapter featuring a protocol converter chip (e.g. Synaptics VMM7100). Passive adapters cap out at 4K 60Hz.

#### Q: Why is G-Sync Compatible missing for my TV?
G-Sync Compatible on TVs requires native HDMI 2.1 Forum VRR enabled on the TV, an RTX 20/30/40/50 series GPU, and a verified 48Gbps cable.