Screen Flickering Fix

Screen flickering is distracting and can cause eye strain. This guide covers all causes and solutions for flickering displays, from refresh rate settings to hardware problems.

You can use the online screen test to check your display for issues.

Quick Fix Summary

• Set refresh rate to highest supported value
• Update display drivers through Device Manager or System Preferences
• Check and reseat display cables
• Try a different cable if available
• Close applications that might cause conflicts
• Disable automatic graphics switching on laptops
• Restart your computer after changing settings

Why This Happens

Incorrect refresh rate settings are the most common cause of screen flickering. Refresh rate determines how many times per second the screen updates. Lower refresh rates can cause noticeable flickering, especially under certain lighting conditions.

Outdated or corrupted display drivers can cause flickering. Drivers control how your graphics card communicates with the display. Problems with drivers can result in unstable refresh rates or display signals.

Loose or damaged display cables cause signal interruptions that appear as flickering. Cables can become loose over time, or physical damage can degrade signal quality.

Software conflicts can cause flickering. Some applications, especially games or video software, can interfere with display settings or refresh rates, causing temporary flickering.

Step-by-Step Fix Guide

Step 1: Adjust Refresh Rate Settings

Refresh rate is the most common cause of flickering. Set it to the highest value your monitor supports.

Windows 10/11: Right-click desktop → Display Settings → Advanced Display Settings → Display Adapter Properties → Monitor tab → Screen Refresh Rate dropdown → Select highest available rate (usually 60Hz, 75Hz, 120Hz, or 144Hz) → Apply.

Mac: System Preferences → Displays → Check "Refresh Rate" dropdown → Select highest available rate → Close preferences.

Lower refresh rates (30Hz or 50Hz) can cause noticeable flickering. Most modern monitors support at least 60Hz, which should eliminate flickering for most users.

Test the screen after changing refresh rate. If flickering persists, continue with other solutions.

Step 2: Update Display Drivers

Outdated or corrupted display drivers can cause flickering. Update drivers to ensure proper communication between graphics card and display.

Windows: Device Manager → Display Adapters → Right-click your graphics card → Update driver → Search automatically for drivers. Windows will download and install the latest drivers. Restart your computer after updating.

Mac: System Preferences → Software Update → Install any available updates. macOS updates include display driver improvements.

If automatic updates don't work, visit your graphics card manufacturer's website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel). Download the latest drivers for your specific graphics card model and operating system.

Driver updates often fix flickering issues that appear after system updates or software installations.

Step 3: Check Display Cables

Loose or damaged cables cause signal interruptions that appear as flickering. Verify all cable connections are secure.

• Unplug display cables at both ends
• Inspect cables for visible damage or bent pins
• Firmly reconnect cables at both ends
• Ensure cables are fully inserted
• Try a different cable if available
• Test with a different port on your graphics card

HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA cables can all cause flickering if damaged or loose. DisplayPort generally provides the most stable connection for high refresh rates.

If flickering stops after reconnecting cables, the problem was a loose connection. If it persists, try a different cable.

Step 4: Close Conflicting Applications

Some applications can cause flickering by interfering with display settings or refresh rates.

• Close games or video software
• Close applications with fullscreen modes
• Check for background applications affecting display
• Restart your computer to clear all applications
• Test if flickering occurs with no applications open

If flickering only occurs with specific applications, update those applications or adjust their display settings.

Some applications force specific refresh rates that conflict with your display settings. Check application settings for display or graphics options.

Step 5: Disable Automatic Graphics Switching (Laptops)

Laptops with dual graphics (integrated and dedicated) can flicker when switching between them. Disable automatic switching to prevent this.

Windows: Graphics Settings → Graphics Performance Preference → Set applications to use specific graphics card → Disable automatic switching if available.

Mac: System Preferences → Energy Saver → Uncheck "Automatic graphics switching" if available. Note that this may reduce battery life.

Automatic graphics switching can cause flickering when the system switches between integrated and dedicated graphics. Disabling this prevents switching-related flickering.

Step 6: Reset Display Settings

Corrupted display settings can cause flickering. Reset settings to defaults to eliminate configuration problems.

Windows: Display Settings → Advanced Display Settings → Display Adapter Properties → List All Modes → Select a standard resolution and refresh rate → Apply. This resets display settings to defaults.

Mac: System Preferences → Displays → Hold Option key and click "Scaled" → Select default resolution → Close preferences.

After resetting, reconfigure display settings gradually. Test after each change to identify which setting causes flickering.

Step 7: Check for Hardware Problems

If software solutions don't work, the problem may be hardware-related. Test your display on another computer to isolate the issue.

• Connect your display to another computer
• Test if flickering occurs on the second computer
• If flickering persists, the display hardware may be faulty
• If flickering stops, the problem is with your original computer
• Test with a different display on your computer

This test helps determine whether the problem is the display, graphics card, or computer settings.

If the display flickers on multiple computers, it likely has a hardware problem and may need repair or replacement.

Browser and OS Specific Fixes

Windows 10 and Windows 11

Windows display settings are the primary control for refresh rates and display configuration.

• Display Settings → Advanced Display Settings → Refresh Rate
• Device Manager → Display Adapters → Update drivers
• Graphics Settings → Disable automatic graphics switching

macOS

Mac display settings are simpler but should be checked for refresh rate issues.

• System Preferences → Displays → Refresh Rate
• System Preferences → Energy Saver → Disable automatic graphics switching
• Reset NVRAM if flickering persists: Restart and hold Option+Command+P+R

Chrome and Other Browsers

Browsers typically don't cause screen flickering, but hardware acceleration can sometimes interfere.

• Chrome: Settings → Advanced → System → Disable "Use hardware acceleration"
• Test if disabling hardware acceleration fixes flickering
• Re-enable after testing if it doesn't help

How to Prevent the Problem in Future

Set refresh rate to the highest supported value and leave it there. Constantly changing refresh rates can cause flickering.

Keep display drivers updated. System updates can reset driver settings, so check drivers after major updates.

Use high-quality display cables. Cheap or damaged cables can cause signal problems that lead to flickering.

Secure cable connections. Check cables periodically to ensure they haven't become loose.

Test your display regularly using the online screen test. Catching flickering issues early prevents problems during important work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Use the online screen test to check your display for issues.