The marker changes the decision
Microsoft says an asterisk beside a refresh-rate option means the rate does not support the current resolution. Selecting it causes Windows to change resolution to achieve that timing. Read the marker before assuming only motion will change.
This explains a common comparison problem: a faster mode can also make the desktop less sharp because the active resolution changed. Without recording both values, the viewer may blame the application for a system-mode difference.
Compare complete mode pairs
Open Advanced display for the intended screen and write down its current resolution and rate. Select a supported option only after deciding whether the linked resolution change is acceptable. Inspect the resulting mode and normal text as well as video.
Use the same short motion passage for comparison. Keep the source and TV processing fixed. A resolution tradeoff may suit one task but not another; there is no reason to call the highest refresh figure the correct choice for every viewing session.
Make the result recoverable
Keep the previous usable mode in your notes and use the system’s recovery prompts if the screen becomes unreadable. Avoid undocumented custom timing changes merely to remove the marker.
A useful support report includes both mode pairs and the actual change observed. That provides a concrete display question instead of a broad claim that Windows reduced video quality.
Questions answered
What does the asterisk mean?
That rate requires a change from the current resolution, according to Microsoft.
Is a higher refresh option always a free improvement?
No. It may involve a resolution tradeoff and does not change the original video’s frame rate.
Sources & further reading
Official references for the subjects discussed. Service terms and device software can change.