Dealing with a flickering screen on Windows 10 can be frustrating, but it’s often fixable with a few simple steps. This guide will walk you through identifying and resolving the issue, whether it’s software-related or due to hardware malfunctions.
How to Fix Flickering Screen Windows 10
Following these steps will help you determine the cause of the flickering and provide solutions to fix it. Whether it’s a driver issue or a problem with display settings, you’ll learn how to address it effectively.
Step 1: Enter Safe Mode
Boot your computer in Safe Mode by holding the Shift key while selecting "Restart."
Safe Mode loads only the essential drivers, making it easier to determine if the issue is caused by software or hardware. If your screen doesn’t flicker in Safe Mode, it’s likely a software problem.
Step 2: Update Display Drivers
Open Device Manager, right-click your display adapter, and select "Update driver."
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause screen flickering. Updating the display drivers ensures you have the latest fixes and improvements from the manufacturer.
Step 3: Check for Incompatible Apps
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and see if any apps are causing high CPU usage.
Some applications may not be fully compatible with Windows 10 and can cause screen flickering. Uninstalling or updating these apps can resolve the issue.
Step 4: Adjust Display Settings
Go to Settings > System > Display and check your refresh rate.
Sometimes, an incorrect refresh rate can cause the screen to flicker. Adjusting the refresh rate to match your monitor’s specifications can fix the flickering.
Step 5: Perform a Clean Boot
Press Win + R, type "msconfig," and then disable all non-essential startup programs and services.
A clean boot minimizes software conflicts, allowing you to identify if third-party applications or services are causing the issue. If your screen stops flickering, re-enable the services one by one to find the culprit.
After completing these actions, your screen should no longer flicker, and you can return to using your computer without interruption.
Tips for Fixing Flickering Screen Windows 10
- Keep Drivers Updated: Regularly update your display drivers to avoid conflicts and performance issues.
- Check for Windows Updates: Ensure your Windows 10 is up to date with the latest patches and fixes.
- Monitor Resource Usage: Use Task Manager to identify apps consuming excessive resources.
- Avoid Unstable Software: Be cautious when installing new software and avoid those known to be unstable.
- Hardware Check: If software fixes don’t work, inspect your hardware connections and components.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a flickering screen on Windows 10?
A flickering screen can be caused by outdated drivers, incompatible apps, incorrect display settings, or hardware issues.
How do I identify if the problem is hardware or software-related?
Booting in Safe Mode can help you determine if the issue is software-related. If the flickering stops in Safe Mode, it’s likely a software issue.
How often should I update my display drivers?
You should update your display drivers whenever a new version is available or if you experience issues with your display.
Can third-party apps cause screen flickering?
Yes, some third-party apps may not be compatible with Windows 10 and can cause screen flickering.
What should I do if none of the steps work?
If none of the steps work, consider seeking professional help, as the issue might be with your hardware.
Steps Summary
- Enter Safe Mode
- Update Display Drivers
- Check for Incompatible Apps
- Adjust Display Settings
- Perform a Clean Boot
Conclusion
Fixing a flickering screen on Windows 10 can often be achieved by addressing software and driver issues. By following the outlined steps—entering Safe Mode, updating drivers, checking for incompatible apps, adjusting display settings, and performing a clean boot—you can usually identify and resolve the issue.
If these steps don’t work, there may be a deeper hardware problem requiring professional attention. Regular maintenance like updating drivers and monitoring resource usage can prevent future problems. For more detailed guidance, consider looking into further reading or seeking help from online forums and tech support. Fixing your flickering screen will restore your computer’s functionality and prevent interruptions, so don’t hesitate to tackle this issue head-on!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.