Screen flickering on Windows 11 is a big problem that can distract you from your work and make your computer difficult to use. Whether you are working, watching videos or browsing the internet, screen flickering can make you frustrated but don’t worry, in this guide we will tell you step by step why screen flickering happens in Windows 11 and how to fix it.
What Causes Screen Flickering on Windows 11?
Hardware Issues
Sometimes, physical problems with your monitor or cables can cause screen flickering. For example, loose or damaged cables can lead to unstable signals being sent to your display, resulting in flickering. Similarly, if your graphics card or monitor is malfunctioning, this can also manifest as flickering.
Driver Issues
One of the most common causes of screen flickering on Windows 11 is outdated drivers, especially graphics drivers. These drivers control how your PC interacts with the display, and if they aren’t working properly, it can lead to issues like flickering, blurry screen, or screen tearing.
Software Conflicts
In some cases, third-party software may interfere with the display, causing screen flickering. For example, apps with hardware acceleration features (such as web browsers or video editing software) may conflict with your system’s display settings, causing screen flickering.
Display Settings Misconfigurations
If your display settings are not configured correctly, this can also cause flickering. For example, mismatched screen resolutions, incorrect refresh rates, or other incorrectly configured settings can trigger this issue.
How to Identify Screen Flickering Problems
Visual Symptoms
The most obvious symptom of screen flickering is when your screen constantly flickers, flashes, or shows lines and distortion. You may also notice changes in brightness or color.
Testing for Flickering
To check if your screen is flickering, try opening different apps and moving the window around. If you notice stuttering, flashing on the screen, that’s a clear sign of flickering. Additionally, you can run diagnostic tests through your graphics card software or use the built-in tools in Windows to see if the problem persists.
How to Fix Screen Flickering on Windows 11
Update Graphics Drivers
The first step is to make sure your graphics drivers are up-to-date. Outdated drivers are often the cause of flickering. To update your drivers:
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Display adapters section and right-click your graphics card.
- Select Update driver and follow the prompts to search for the latest driver.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Adjust Display Settings
If the problem persists, you may need to change your display settings. Follow these steps to adjust the resolution and refresh rate:
- Right-click on the desktop and select Display Settings.
- Scroll down to Display Resolution and make sure it is set to the recommended value.
- Check the refresh rate (found in Advanced display settings) and make sure it matches the capabilities of your monitor.
Disable hardware acceleration
Some apps, such as web browsers or video players, use hardware acceleration, which can cause flickering. Try disabling hardware acceleration in these apps:
- For Chrome: Go to Settings → Advanced → System and turn off “Use hardware acceleration when available”.
- For other apps: Look in the app settings for hardware acceleration and turn it off.
Check for Windows Updates
Microsoft frequently releases updates that fix bugs and improve system stability. To make sure your Windows 11 is up to date:
- Go to Settings → Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install available updates.
Use System Restore
If you suspect a recent change is causing this flickering, you can use System Restore to restore your system to the state it was in before the problem started.
- Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
- Follow the prompts to select a restore point before the flickering began.
- Complete the restore and restart your computer.
Advanced Solution for Constant Flickering
You may need to try more advanced solutions if the basic ones don’t work.
Reinstall Graphics Drivers
To completely eliminate any driver-related issues, uninstall the graphics drivers, restart your PC, and let Windows reinstall them.
- In Device Manager, right-click your graphics card and select Uninstall device.
- Restart your computer, and Windows will automatically reinstall the default drivers.
Try a Different Monitor
If you have another monitor available, connect it to your PC to see if the flickering persists. This can help rule out a hardware problem with your monitor or cables.
Adjust Power Settings
Sometimes, the power setting can affect the display and cause flickering. To adjust your power setting:
- Go to Control Panel → Power Options.
- Select the High Performance plan to maximize your system’s resources.
Preventing Future Screen Flickering
Once you’ve resolved the flickering issue, here are some tips to prevent it from happening again.
Regularly Update Drivers
To avoid driver-related issues, regularly check for updates to your graphics card and display drivers.
Monitor system health
Performing regular maintenance on your PC (such as disk cleanup, checking for malware, and optimizing startup items) can prevent many common system problems, including screen flickering.
Conclusion
Screen flickering on Windows 11 can be a frustrating problem, but with the right steps, it’s usually easy to fix. Whether it’s updating drivers, adjusting display settings, or checking for software conflicts, these solutions can help you get your display back to normal. Remember, if basic solutions don’t work, advanced troubleshooting steps like reinstalling drivers or using a second monitor can be a game-changer. Keep your system updated and perform regular maintenance to prevent future problems.
FAQs
What is the main reason for screen flickering on Windows 11?
Screen flickering is usually caused by outdated drivers, hardware problems, or incorrect display settings.
How do I check if my graphics driver is out of date?
You can check for updates by going to Device Manager, right-clicking on your graphics card, and selecting Update Driver.
Does the monitor cause the screen to flicker?
Yes, a bad monitor or loose cables can cause flickering on the screen. Try using a different monitor to see if the problem persists.
What should I do if my screen still flickers after updating the drivers?
If updating drivers doesn’t work, adjust your display settings, disable hardware acceleration, or perform a system restore.
How can I prevent screen flickering in the future?
Updating your drivers regularly, maintaining your PC’s health, and monitoring your display settings can help prevent screen flickering.