How to Fix Black Screen Issues After Changing Refresh Rate

Fix 1: Utilize Custom Resolution Utility (CRU)

The Custom Resolution Utility (CRU) allows for custom resolutions that can help fix conflicts that cause screen issues.

Step 1: Download the Custom Resolution Utility (CRU).

Step 2: Extract the downloaded ZIP file to a preferred location.

Step 3: Right-click on “ CRU ” and select “ Run as administrator ”.

Step 4: In CRU, select the display that is experiencing the problem. For single-monitor setups, leave it as default.

Step 5: In the Detailed Resolution, double-click the default resolution to modify it.

Step 6: Set ‘Timing’ to “ Automatic PC ”.

Step 7: Adjust the frequency to be 5-10% lower than the monitor’s max frequency. For example, if the maximum is 60Hz, input 57Hz.

Step 8: Enter the modified frequency in the box and click “ OK ”.

Step 9: On the main screen, confirm that the new refresh rate is displayed correctly.

Step 10: Lastly, click “ OK ” to finalize changes.

Pro Tip: Restart your PC to ensure that all changes are implemented.

Fix 2: Set a Lower Refresh Rate

A lower refresh rate might stabilize the display if flickering persists.

Step 1: Press Win + I to access Windows Settings.

Step 2: Navigate to the “ System ” section.

Step 3: Open the “ Display ” menu.

Step 4: Scroll to “ Advanced display ” settings and click on it.

Step 5: Select the lowest available refresh rate (generally 60Hz) from the drop-down menu.

Pro Tip: Repeat these steps for all connected displays to ensure comprehensive fixes.

Fix 3: Activate Low Resolution Mode

This mode can help mitigate flickering issues during startup.

Step 1: Shut down the system completely to begin this process.

Step 2: Start the machine and immediately press the Power Button to shut it down during the OEM logo display.

Step 3: Repeat this shutdown process twice more to trigger Recovery Mode.

Step 4: On the third boot, select “ Troubleshoot ”.

Step 5: Proceed to “ Advanced options ”.

Step 6: Choose “ Startup settings ” from the available options.

Step 7: Click “ Restart ”.

Step 8: Press F3 to enable “ Enable low-resolution video ” after restart.

Pro Tip: Running in low-resolution may help identify underlying issues needing adjustment.

Fix 4: Disable NVIDIA G-Sync and V-Sync

If you have an NVIDIA GPU, these settings might cause screen flickering issues.

Step 1: Open the “ NVIDIA Control Panel ”.

Step 2: In the left pane, expand “ 3D Settings ” and select “ Manage 3D settings ”.

Step 3: Click on the “ Global Settings ” tab.

Step 4: Locate “ Vertical Sync ” and set it to “ Off ”.

Step 5: Switch to the “ Program Settings ” tab.

Step 6: Select the program where you’re experiencing issues and click “ Add ”.

Step 7: Within “ Monitor Technology ”, select “ Fixed Refresh ”.

Step 8: Finally, disable G-Sync globally.

Pro Tip: After applying these changes, test different games to see if flickering persists.

Fix 5: Update Graphics Drivers

Keeping graphics drivers up-to-date can solve many graphical issues and improve performance.

Step 1: Access Device Manager by right-clicking the Windows button and selecting it.

Step 2: Expand the “ Display adapters ” section.

Step 3: Right-click your graphics driver and select “ Update driver ”.

Step 4: Click on “ Search automatically for drivers ”.

Step 5: If your device states that the best drivers are already installed, look for updates in Windows Update.

Pro Tip: Consider using dedicated GPU tools like GeForce Experience or AMD Adrenalin for driver updates.

Fix 6: Uninstall the Monitor Calibration Tool (For ASUS Users Only)

This tool may interfere with your display settings if you are on an ASUS system.

Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.

Step 2: Type appwiz.cpl and hit “ OK ”.

Step 3: Locate the Monitor Calibration tool, right-click it, and choose “ Uninstall ”.

Pro Tip: Restart the system after uninstallation to ensure changes take effect.

Why does my screen flicker when I change the refresh rate?

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