A flickering screen can be frustrating, making it difficult to work, watch videos, or play games. This display issue can stem from incorrect settings, outdated drivers, or hardware malfunctions. Fortunately, most monitor troubleshooting steps can resolve screen flickering without requiring professional repair.
This guide will help you identify the causes and solutions, including adjusting your screen refresh rate and other fixes.
Common Causes of a Flickering Screen
Before applying fixes, it’s important to understand why your display issue is happening:
- Incorrect screen refresh rate settings
- Outdated or corrupt graphics drivers
- Faulty or loose display cables
- Power supply fluctuations affecting the monitor
- Hardware malfunctions, such as a failing monitor or GPU
- Software conflicts causing display instability
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Flickering Screen
Adjust the Screen Refresh Rate
The screen refresh rate determines how often the monitor updates the display per second (measured in Hz). An incorrect setting can cause a flickering screen.
- Windows:
- Go to Settings > System > Display.
- Scroll down and select Advanced Display Settings.
- Under Refresh Rate, choose a higher setting (e.g., 60Hz, 120Hz, or 144Hz).
- Click Apply and check if the flickering stops.
- Mac:
- Open System Preferences > Displays.
- Select Refresh Rate and choose a stable value.
Update or Reinstall Display Drivers
An outdated or corrupted display driver can cause monitor issues, including flickering.
- Open Device Manager (Press Win X, then select Device Manager).
- Expand Display Adapters, right-click your graphics ard, and select Update driver.
- If updating doesn’t work, choose Uninstall device, restart your computer, and reinstall the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website.
Check Display Cables and Connections
Loose or damaged cables can cause screen flickering.
- If using an external monitor, check that the HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA cable is securely connected.
- Try using a different cable to rule out cable-related issues.
- If using a laptop, adjust the screen angle to check for flickering—this may indicate a loose internal connection.
Disable Hardware Acceleration in Applications
Some programs use hardware acceleration, which may conflict with display drivers and cause flickering.
- In Google Chrome:
- Go to Settings > Advanced > System.
- Disable Use hardware acceleration when available.
- Restart Chrome and check if the flickering stops.
- In Windows:
- Open Settings > System > Display.
- Select Graphics Settings and disable hardware acceleration for specific applications.
Test the Monitor on Another Device
To check if the flickering screen is caused by your computer or the monitor:
- Connect the monitor to another PC or laptop.
- If the flickering continues, the monitor may need repair.
- If the external display works fine, the issue is likely with your computer’s graphics card or drivers.
When to Seek Professional Monitor Troubleshooting
If the flickering screen persists despite trying these fixes, professional help may be needed. A technician can:
- Diagnose deeper monitor troubleshooting issues.
- Repair loose internal connections in laptops.
- Recommend screen replacement if hardware failure is detected.
A flickering screen can often be fixed by adjusting the screen refresh rate, updating drivers, or checking display connections. If the problem persists, monitor troubleshooting or professional repair may be required.
For expert assistance, TechNow, a trusted provider of the best IT support services in Germany, offers professional diagnostics and repair solutions for all display issues. Get your screen back to normal with expert help today!
