Troubleshooting Screen Flickering Issues: Essential Fixes Before Buying a New Monitor

A flickering screen can be troubling, but it doesn’t necessarily signal the end for your monitor. In many cases, this issue can arise from minor software errors that are easily fixable. Here, we outline some of the most effective methods to resolve the flickering display problem.

Perform a Task Manager Check

Before diving into the solutions, it’s beneficial to determine whether the cause is rooted in Windows or a third-party application. This evaluation will direct your troubleshooting efforts more effectively.

To conduct this check, access the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Inspect if the Task Manager itself displays flickering. If it doesn’t flicker, the issue likely stems from a third-party application, as the Task Manager operates on a different privilege level than external apps. Conversely, if the Task Manager also flickers, this may indicate a Windows or hardware concern.

If a third-party application is causing the flicker, consider uninstalling or updating recently added applications, particularly those affecting display settings, such as custom resolution tools or visual theme managers. For Windows-specific issues, explore the solutions listed below.

Update Your Display Drivers

Outdated display drivers are often the culprits behind screen flickering. While the Windows updater attempts to install the latest drivers, it may not always succeed in finding the most current versions. We recommend using a driver update tool like IObit Driver Booster to automatically retrieve the latest drivers for your graphics card.

Simply run a scan with the tool, which will identify any outdated drivers. If an update is available for your graphics driver, click on Update to allow the tool to handle the download and installation.

Modify the Monitor Refresh Rate

If your monitor operates at a refresh rate that deviates from its native settings, flickering can occur. For instance, using a refresh rate of 48Hz or 75Hz on a 60Hz monitor can lead to flickers and other issues. Here’s how to configure the appropriate refresh rate in Windows:

Navigate to System -> Display in Windows Settings. Scroll down and click on Advanced display, where you can select the refresh rate in the Choose a refresh rate section. Opt for the native refresh rate recommended by your monitor’s manual. If you’re uncertain of the correct rate, experiment with different options until the flickering stops.

Turn Off Hardware Acceleration

Hardware acceleration can trigger flickering if your graphics processor is unable to handle it. Consider disabling this feature in Windows to check for improvements.

In the Windows Settings, navigate to System -> Display -> Graphics and switch off the Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling option.

Additionally, hardware acceleration can be toggled within certain applications that support it, which may cause flickering while the application is in use or running in the background. Examine the settings of your applications, ensuring that hardware acceleration is disabled where applicable. Google Chrome is a notable example of such software.

Select the Native Screen Resolution

Every monitor has a default screen resolution where it performs optimally. If you’ve altered this resolution, flickering and other display issues may arise.

To revert to the appropriate resolution, go to Windows Settings and navigate to System -> Display.

Choose the Display resolution that indicates “(Recommended)” next to it.

Adjust Screen Scaling Settings

In a similar manner, incorrect screen scaling can also lead to flickering problems. Ensure you’re utilizing the recommended scaling settings. Within the Display settings, identify the Scale option and select the one labeled “(Recommended).”

To choose the proper scaling method, locate the Advanced display section -> Display adapter properties.

Switch to your graphics card manufacturer’s control panel, and in the Scaling section, select Maintain Display Scaling.

Configure the On-Screen Display (OSD) Menu

Most monitors feature an on-screen display (OSD) menu, allowing you to adjust various settings that directly affect the output. Some configuration options here might be responsible for flickering. We suggest leveraging the Auto Adjustment function, which can optimize the display settings automatically.

If this step does not resolve the flickering, consider disabling features like Overdrive, Game Mode, Dynamic Contrast, ECO Mode, FreeSync, or G-Sync. If these adjustments fail, resetting to the factory settings may rectify the issue, especially if the flickering was triggered by misconfigurations within the OSD menu.

Restore GPU Settings to Default

If you’ve altered settings in your GPU software, one of those adjustments could be causing the flickering problem. Luckily, most GPU management software includes a reset option. Look for choices labeled Restore Defaults or Reset Settings to revert the changes you’ve made.

Switch to a Different User Profile

User profile corruption can lead to a variety of issues, including screen flickering. To determine if this is the case, check if the problem persists when using a different user profile. If possible, test with a secondary profile. Alternatively, enable the super administrator account to see if the issue remains.

If you find that the flickering doesn’t occur with the super account, consider creating a new user account and transferring your data to that account.

Access Windows Settings and go to Accounts -> Other users, then click on Add account to initiate the creation of a new user profile.

Inspect Cables for Damage

If none of the software adjustments have resolved the issue, cable damage might be at fault. Conduct a visual inspection of both the power and display cables, looking for any cuts, fraying, or kinks, particularly near the connectors. Also, examine the connectors for bent or broken pins.

You can further test by firmly reconnecting the cables and gently wiggling them to see if the flickering worsens. If the flickering intensifies, the issue likely lies with a damaged cable or loose connectors, necessitating a replacement.

Test with a Different Monitor

If cables are intact and the problem isn’t software-related, try connecting your PC to a different monitor before considering a replacement. This will help identify whether the issue is confined to your current monitor.

If you lack access to another monitor, you might connect your PC to a TV with an HDMI port, or even use a tablet or smartphone as a temporary second display.

If the flickering is linked to software, one of the aforementioned solutions should resolve the issue. As a final troubleshooting method, consider booting into Safe Mode. This mode only loads essential drivers and programs, potentially bypassing various software conflicts.

Image credit: Freepik. All screenshots by Karrar Haider.

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