How to Fix Computer Screen Flickering Issues While Watching YouTube
Key Notes
- Adjust Chrome’s ANGLE graphics backend settings.
- Consider uninstalling any recent Windows updates.
- Reinstall graphics drivers to ensure their integrity.
How to Resolve Computer Screen Flickering While Watching YouTube Videos
Experiencing screen flickering while streaming YouTube videos? This guide provides practical solutions to ensure smooth playback on Windows.
Step-by-Step Solutions
Step 1: Adjust Chrome’s ANGLE Graphics Backend Settings
To begin resolving the flickering issue, modify the graphics backend settings in Chrome:
- Open a new tab in Google Chrome.
- Enter chrome://flags in the address bar and hit Enter.
- Search for Choose ANGLE graphics backend in the search field.
- Select OpenGL from the drop-down menu and restart Chrome.
Pro Tip: If issues persist, switch to D3D9 in the drop-down and restart Chrome again.
Step 2: Uninstall Recent Windows Updates
Should the flickering have started after a recent update, it might be beneficial to uninstall that update:
Step 3: Toggle YouTube’s Ambient Mode
Ambient Mode can influence video play quality. Disable it temporarily to see if it resolves flickering:
To do this, click the gear icon at the bottom corner of the video while playing and toggle Ambient Mode on or off.
Step 4: Reinstall Your Graphics Card Driver
Outdated or corrupted drivers can lead to performance issues; thus, reinstalling them may alleviate screen flickering:
Use the Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to thoroughly erase the old drivers, then download the latest version from the manufacturer’s website.
Step 5: Turn Off Graphics Acceleration
Disabling hardware acceleration can also help. In Chrome, navigate to Settings > System and toggle off Use hardware acceleration when available.
Pro Tip: For Microsoft Edge users, this option is located in Settings > System and performance.
Additional Tips
- Regularly update graphics drivers to prevent issues.
- Consider using alternative browsers to isolate the issue.
- Perform system checks using tools like Windows Troubleshooter.
Summary
Experiencing screen flickering on YouTube can be frustrating. By adjusting your browser settings, uninstalling updates, or changing your drivers, you can effectively eliminate the issue.
Conclusion
Implementing the solutions mentioned in this guide ensures a smoother YouTube playback experience on Windows. It’s important to identify and resolve any underlying issues promptly.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Why is my YouTube screen glitching?
The screen could glitch due to issues like an outdated graphics driver or conflicts caused by hardware acceleration in the browser.
How do I fix a flickering screen?
Try updating or reinstalling your graphics drivers, adjusting display settings, or disabling hardware acceleration.