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How to Fix Screen Flickering on Your Computer

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Dealing with screen flickering can be a very frustrating problem and is common among computer users. It often manifests as a rapidly flickering screen and can be caused by a variety of reasons such as software problems, hardware problems, or both. This guide aims to help users understand and fix screen flickering on their computer. The methods discussed here are comprehensive and easy to understand, providing step-by-step solutions to solve the problem.

Identifying the cause of screen flickering

Before we get to the solution, it's important to identify the cause of screen flickering. Here are some common causes:

Solution 1: Update the display driver

Updating your display driver can often fix screen flickering. Here are the steps to update your display driver:

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. In the Device Manager window, expand the Display Adapters section.
  3. Right-click on your display driver and select Update driver.
  4. You will find two options: Search automatically for updated driver software and Browse my computer for driver software. Select the first option.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

If the automatic search doesn't work, you can manually download the drivers from the manufacturer's website and use another option to browse and install the driver.

Solution 2: Adjust display settings

Incorrect display settings can sometimes cause screen flickering. Follow these steps to adjust display settings:

  1. Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings.
  2. Scroll down and click Advanced display settings.
  3. Select your display and click Display Adapter Properties for Display 1.
  4. In the new window, go to the Monitor tab.
  5. Under Screen refresh rate, choose a different rate from the drop-down menu. Common options are 60Hz, 75Hz, or higher, depending on your monitor specifications.
  6. Click Apply and then OK.

Check if the flickering issue is resolved. If not, try different refresh rates.

Solution 3: Check for software conflicts

Sometimes, screen flickering can be caused by software conflict. Follow these steps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Under the Processes tab, look for any applications having high CPU or memory usage.
  3. Right-click on such applications and select End Task to close them one by one.

If the flickering stops when you close a particular app, you've probably found the cause. Try reinstalling or updating that app.

Additionally, you can boot your computer into Safe Mode to see if the issue persists:

  1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
  3. Check the Safe Boot option and select Minimal.
  4. Click Apply and then OK. Restart your computer.

If the screen flickering stops in safe mode, it is probably due to a software conflict. Narrow down the problem by selectively enabling startup items and services.

Solution 4: Check cables and hardware

Screen flickering can sometimes be caused by hardware problems, such as loose cables or a faulty monitor. Here are some steps to check for hardware-related problems:

  1. Turn off your computer and monitor.
  2. Check all cable connections between the computer and the monitor. Make sure they are plugged in securely.
  3. Try using different cables (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort) to see if the problem persists.
  4. If possible, connect your computer to a different monitor. If the problem persists on a different monitor, the problem is probably with your computer.
  5. If flickering occurs on only one monitor, this may be a sign of a faulty monitor. Contact the manufacturer for assistance or consider replacing the monitor.

Fix 5: Disable hardware acceleration

Hardware acceleration can sometimes cause screen flickering, especially in the web browser and some applications. Here's how to disable it:

Disable hardware acceleration in Google Chrome

  1. Open Google Chrome and click on the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Scroll down and click Advanced to expand more options.
  4. Under the System section, toggle off Use hardware acceleration when available.
  5. Restart Google Chrome.

Disable hardware acceleration in Mozilla Firefox

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox and click on the three horizontal lines in the upper-right corner.
  2. Select options.
  3. Scroll down to the Performance section.
  4. Uncheck Use recommended display settings.
  5. Uncheck Use hardware acceleration when available.
  6. Restart Mozilla Firefox.

Disable hardware acceleration in Windows

  1. Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings.
  2. Scroll down and click on Graphics Settings.
  3. Select the app causing the problem, then click Options.
  4. Select Power Saving to disable hardware acceleration for that application.
  5. Click Save.

Check if the screen flickering issue is resolved after disabling hardware acceleration.

Fix 6: Perform a clean boot

Performing a clean boot can help determine if background services or startup programs are causing screen flickering. Follow these steps:

  1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
  3. Check the Hide all Microsoft services box.
  4. Click Disable all.
  5. Go to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
  6. In the Task Manager window, disable all startup items.
  7. Close Task Manager and click OK in the System Configuration window.
  8. Restart your computer.

After performing a clean boot, check if the screen flickering issue persists. If it doesn’t, enable select services and startup items until the source of the problem is identified.

Solution 7: Update the operating system

Sometimes, the operating system itself may have bugs that cause screen flickering, and an update may fix this problem. Here's how to update your operating system:

Update Windows

  1. Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Select Update & Security.
  3. Click Check for Updates.
  4. If updates are available, install them and restart your computer.

Update macOS

  1. Click the Apple menu in the upper-left corner and choose System Preferences.
  2. Click on Software Update.
  3. If updates are available, click Update Now to install them.
  4. Restart your Mac if necessary.

Solution 8: Reset your PC

If none of the above methods work, you may need to reset your PC. Note that this will remove all apps and settings, but you can choose to keep your personal files. Here's how to reset your Windows PC:

  1. Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Select Update & Security.
  3. Click Recovery in the left pane.
  4. Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
  5. Select either Keep my files or Remove everything.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

Conclusion

Screen flickering can be an annoying problem, but by following the methods outlined in this guide, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Whether it's updating display drivers, adjusting display settings, checking for software conflicts, or resolving hardware-related issues, this guide covers a wide range of solutions to fix screen flickering on your computer.

Remember, if you are unable to resolve the issue on your own, it is always recommended to seek professional help.

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