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The laptop screen flickering or blinking on a Windows 10/11 is frustrating and can hinder productivity and even cause eye strain. This problem usually occurs as fast and intermittent display or brightness changes, leading to an unstable visual experience.

So why is my laptop screen flickering? There are different causes of flickering, most of which are hardware or software-related issues. For example, display drivers can often be at fault if they are outdated or incompatible.

Other causes include loose cables, inadequate power supply, faulty hardware components like graphics cards, etc.

This guide will examine the potential reasons for laptop screen flickering and discuss potential ways to fix it on Windows 10 and 11.

Let’s begin.

Why Is My Laptop Screen Flickering in Windows 10/11?

Screen flickering is one of the most annoying issues you can run into on your PC, second to only computer glitching.

What is the difference between computer glitching and screen flickering?
Screen flickering is an issue you may run into with your display. It can manifest through rapid changes in brightness or lines on the screen. As we will explain further, screen flickering is most likely caused by driver problems or faulty monitors.

Computer glitching describes temporary malfunctions that affect your whole system, not just the screen.

Here’s a quick guide to computer glitches: Why Is My Computer Glitching? The Most Common Reasons for Computer Glitches

As said earlier, numerous reasons exist for screen flickering issues.

Below are some of the causes:

1. Faulty or outdated display drivers

An outdated or faulty display driver is often at the root of a flickering laptop screen. Without the display driver, there is no direct connection between the operating system and the display hardware.

Therefore, screen flickering can result from a damaged, incompatible, or obsolete driver.

2. Incompatible programs

Incompatible or outdated third-party software is another common cause of laptop screen flickering in Windows 10/11. These applications can potentially cause problems with the graphics driver or interfere with how the graphics driver works.

3. Problems with the screen refresh rate

Flickering can occur when the screen’s refresh rate isn’t compatible with the display’s capabilities. If the display’s capabilities are exceeded in refresh rate or resolution, lines will appear on the screen.

4. Hardware issues

Laptop screens sometimes flicker due to hardware issues. A loose cable, damaged graphics card, or faulty display panel could all be to blame for the flickering. If you think your laptop has hardware problems, you can take it to a repair shop or contact the company that made it.

5. Malware infections

Malware interference with system processes might also result in a flickering display.

PRO TIP
To ensure your laptop is clean of harmful software, you should run a comprehensive system scan with reputable anti-malware software, such as Auslogics Anti-Malware .

The program is fully compatible with all things Windows and can also run alongside your other antivirus programs for maximum protection. Most importantly, Auslogics Anti-Malware can detect even the rarest form of malware and will keep your system safe from the sneakiest threats.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Laptop Screen Flickering Issues in Windows 10/11

Below are some of the most effective ways to fix your laptop screen flickering issue. Go through each of them and find the one that works:

Fix 1. Update your display driver

You can resolve the screen flickering  issue on your Windows PC by manually or automatically updating your display drivers. We’ll go through each of them.

Below is the step-by-step process to update your drivers manually:

  • Type “Device Manager” in the search bar.
Device Manager
  • Search for the Display adapters category and double-click on it.
  • Right-click on the driver and choose the Update driver option.
Display adapter Update driver
  • Select Search automatically for drivers and wait for the process to complete. Then, if an update is available, it’ll automatically install.
earch automatically for drivers

Update your graphic drivers automatically

You can use a third-party driver updater like Auslogics Driver Updater to upgrade your drivers automatically. Here’s how it works: 

  • Download and install Auslogics Driver Updater
  • Launch the program and click on the big Scan. The software will automatically check for updates if you run it the first time. 
Update display drivers automatically with Auslogics BoostSpeed
  • Wait for the scan to complete. 
Scan your system for outdated drivers with Auslogics BoostSpeed
  • After completion, you’ll get a list of outdated drivers. Click on Update drivers and restart your computer if the laptop screen flickering continues. 
Keep system drivers updated with Auslogics BoostSpeed

Remember that if you use the free version, you can only update one driver at a time. Therefore, we recommend activating the pro version to update all the drivers at once. 

Download Auslogics BoostSpeed
Your one-stop PC maintenance and optimization tool, this program will clean, speed up, repair and tweak your system to ensure maximum speed and efficiency.
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Related Read: How to Update Device Drivers on a Windows 10 PC?

Fix 2. Adjust refresh rate settings

Check to see if your computer’s refresh rate and monitor’s refresh rate are configured similarly. Changing the refresh rate in Windows may help you determine the cause of the laptop screen flickering.

Follow the below steps:

  • Open the Settings app and click on System.
  • Next, select Display, scroll down, and click on Advanced display settings
Advanced display settings
  • Select your preferred display adapter if you have multiple monitors. 
  • Then, click on Display adapter properties for Display
Display adapter properties for Display
  • Next, click on List all Modes under the Adapter tab. 
Adapter List all Modes
  • Select the Monitor tab and choose the Hertz rate you want under the Screen refresh rate 
Select the Monitor tab and choose the Hertz rate

Fix 3. Reposition your graphics card

If you updated your device drivers and the problem still exists, it might be the graphics card. Incorrectly inserting the graphics card into the motherboard can cause your computer screen to flicker.

So you have to ensure the position of the graphics card is the issue. First, move the monitor cable from your graphics card to the motherboard’s display slot. Then, if the flickering stops, you know the issue lies with your graphics card.

Note
If you’re not very experienced with computers, proceed with caution because a little mistake can lead to severe complications. However, you can get professional assistance to help you solve the issue.

Fix 4. Disable Desktop Window Manager

One method to answer the question, “Why is my laptop screen flickering?” is to disable the Desktop Window Manager service. Here’s how to do it:

  • Press the Windows key + R combo to open Run. Then type “services.msc” and click OK.
services.msc
  • Search for Desktop Window Manager Session Manager and double-click to open its properties.
  • Under Startup type, set to Disabled.
  • Click the Stop button, then OK to save the changes.
Desktop Window Manager Session Manager disable

Fix 5. Uninstall recently installed apps

If you want to uninstall programs you recently installed, check the following steps:

  • First, press the Windows key + I shortcut to open Settings.
  • Next, click Apps.
Windows Settings Apps
  • Then go to Apps & Features.
  • Finally, scroll through and remove the apps you recently installed by clicking on Uninstall.
Windows Apps and Features Uninstall

Related: How to Uninstall Programs in Windows 10/11?

PRO TIP
A simpler way of uninstalling programs is to use Auslogics BoostSpeed . All you have to do is open the Uninstall Manager tab, click the program you want to remove, and click on Delete.

You can even delete several apps with a single click.

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Fix 6. Change screen resolution

Here’s how to change your screen resolution:

  • First, click on the search bar and type “Settings.”
System Settings
  • Next, click on the Display tab.
Settings Display tab
  • You should see a Display resolution option under the Scale and Layout section. Select the drop-down menu and choose your preferred option.
Display resolution Scale and Layout
  • Click Apply.

Check to see if the screen flickering issue still exists.

Fix 7. Run Windows Update

Here’s how to check and run Windows Update:

  • Click on the search bar and type “Update & Security.”
Update & Security
  • Click the Check for updates button.
Check for updates
  • Install updates.

Helpful Tips to Prevent Laptop Screen Flickering in Windows 10/11:

Here are other tips for answering the question, “Why is my laptop screen flickering?”

Tip 1. Use a cooling pad

If your laptop’s cooling system is inefficient, overheating may cause screen flickering in your Windows PC. Instead, use a cooling pad or a high stand with built-in fans to keep it from getting too hot.

These add-ons let your laptop disperse heat and maintain a consistent temperature, both of which lessen the likelihood of screen flickering.

Tip 2. Keep out of the heat and sunlight

Heat buildup from long exposure to direct sunlight or extremely high temperatures can impair your laptop’s display functionality. So don’t leave your laptop in hot or cold places, such as in front of a heater or near an air vent.

Like the rest of its components, your laptop’s screen is most reliable when temperatures are kept at optimal levels.

3. Perform regular maintenance

If you perform regular maintenance, you can avoid problems with the screen flickering. Use compressed air or a soft brush to remove dust and dirt from your laptop’s vents and fans. Overheating can occur if ventilation is restricted due to dust buildup.

Also, maintain stability and compatibility by always using the most recent versions of your operating system, drivers, and other software.

Also Read: Average Lifespan of a Laptop: Tips on How to Make it Last Longer

4. Adjust your power settings

Incorrect power settings can affect the screen and cause it to flicker. Adjusting the power settings can improve computer performance and reduce power fluctuations.

Choose the Balanced or Power Saver power plan to keep the screen and other electronics running smoothly.

Laptop Screen Flickering Issue: Solved

If you want to stop laptop screen flickering in your Windows 10/11, you need to understand the causes and find effective solutions to the problem.

Some of the most typical causes of this issue are faulty drivers, incompatible software, hardware issues, malware infections, etc.

You can efficiently fix screen flickering issues and restore a stable display using the suggested solutions discussed in this guide, such as reinstalling drivers, updating applications, tweaking display settings, etc.

Furthermore, you need to maintain your PC and optimize them properly regularly. By using Auslogics BoostSpeed, you can improve your computer performance.

Remember that a properly cared-for and optimized computer has a far longer lifespan, allowing you to have a more satisfying computing experience.

FAQ

Can a virus make a laptop flicker?
Yes, a virus can trigger screen flickering on your laptop. In addition, viruses and malware can cause problems on your computer by exploiting security holes, changing display settings, or messing with graphics drivers. However, before assuming it’s a malware infection, you should check for other causes, such as hardware failure or outdated drivers.
How do I fix a flickering screen on my HP laptop?
Try updating your graphics drivers, checking for software conflicts, and performing a virus scan if the screen on your HP laptop is flickering. If the flickering persists, it’s time to look for hardware problems with the display cable and the screen panel. And when all else fails, call experts for assistance.

Why is my computer glitching?
Screen glitches are a problem, and they can be caused by anything from outdated graphics drivers to software conflicts to malicious spyware. If you’re having this issue, updating your drivers, resolving software incompatibilities, and scanning for malware are all smart places to start.