Have you ever had your computer screen start flickering when you least expect it? It’s annoying, right? In Windows 10, this often happens due to issues with display drivers or incompatible apps. But don’t worry; fixing a flickering screen is usually straightforward. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to identify and resolve the problem. By the end, you’ll have a stable, flicker-free screen.
Step-by-Step Tutorial to Fix Flickering Screen Windows 10
In the following steps, we’ll troubleshoot and fix a flickering screen in Windows 10. We’ll start by identifying whether the problem is with your display driver or an app and then take the necessary steps to resolve it.
Step 1: Check Task Manager
Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
If your screen flickers while Task Manager is open, pay attention. If Task Manager itself flickers, the problem is likely with your display driver. If it doesn’t, the issue is probably an app.
Step 2: Update Display Drivers
Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting it, then expand Display Adapters, right-click your graphics card, and choose Update Driver.
Updating your display drivers can resolve compatibility issues that cause flickering. If an update is available, Windows will download and install it automatically.
Step 3: Uninstall Incompatible Apps
Go to Settings > Apps and find the app you suspect is causing the issue, then click Uninstall.
Sometimes third-party apps can cause screen flickering. Identifying and removing these apps can restore stability to your screen.
Step 4: Boot Into Safe Mode
Open the Start menu, select the power button, hold Shift, and click Restart. Then navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, and press F4 to boot into Safe Mode.
Booting into Safe Mode helps you isolate whether the issue is with your system files or a recently installed app.
Step 5: Perform a System Restore
Open Control Panel, go to Recovery > Open System Restore, and follow the prompts to restore your system to a point before the flickering started.
If the flickering began after a recent update or install, a System Restore can revert your system to a stable state.
After you’ve completed these steps, your screen should be flicker-free. If the problem persists, consider consulting a professional technician.
Tips for Fixing Flickering Screen Windows 10
- Keep Drivers Updated: Regularly update your display drivers to avoid compatibility issues.
- Limit Background Apps: Reduce the number of apps running in the background to minimize conflicts.
- Check for Windows Updates: Ensure your Windows 10 is up-to-date, as updates often contain bug fixes.
- Use High-Quality Cables: Faulty or low-quality HDMI or VGA cables can cause screen flickering.
- Monitor Hardware: Sometimes, the issue may be hardware-related. Check your monitor and connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my screen flickering on Windows 10?
Screen flickering in Windows 10 can be caused by incompatible apps or outdated display drivers.
How do I know if an app is causing my screen to flicker?
Open Task Manager. If Task Manager flickers, it’s likely a driver issue. If not, an app is probably the cause.
What should I do if updating my drivers doesn’t fix the flickering?
If updating drivers doesn’t help, try uninstalling recently installed apps or performing a System Restore.
Can a virus cause my screen to flicker?
It’s unlikely but possible. Running a virus scan can help rule out this possibility.
Is a flickering screen harmful to my computer?
While it might not be immediately harmful, ignoring a flickering screen can lead to headaches and eye strain.
Summary
- Check Task Manager.
- Update Display Drivers.
- Uninstall Incompatible Apps.
- Boot Into Safe Mode.
- Perform a System Restore.
Conclusion
There you have it! Fixing a flickering screen on Windows 10 might seem daunting, but it’s mostly about isolating the problem. Once you know whether it’s a driver or an app, the steps become straightforward. Keep your drivers updated, be cautious about the apps you install, and always have a system restore point ready. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Your eyes will thank you for a stable, flicker-free screen. If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with others who might be facing the same issue. Happy computing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.