Dealing with a flickering computer screen can be one of the most frustrating experiences, especially when you're trying to get work done or enjoy some downtime.
Source credit- superuse.com
But before you start panicking or considering a trip to the repair shop, take a deep breath many screen flickering issues can be resolved with a few troubleshooting steps. In this blog, we'll walk you through the potential causes of a flickering screen and how to fix it, all in a friendly, conversational tone.
Step 1- Check Your Cables and Connections
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the correct one. A loose or damaged cable can often cause your screen to flicker.
What to Do
1. Turn off your computer and monitor. Unplug the power cords to ensure everything is safe.
2. Check all cables connecting your monitor to your computer. Make sure they're firmly plugged in and undamaged.
3. Try a different cable.If you have a spare cable lying around, swap it out and see if the flickering stops. This will help you determine if the issue is with the cable itself.
Pro Tip
If you're using an HDMI or VGA connection, make sure the pins are not bent or damaged. Even a slightly bent pin can cause display issues.
Step 2- Adjust Your Monitor's Refresh Rate
The refresh rate is the number of times your monitor updates with new information per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). If the refresh rate is set too low, your screen might flicker.
How to Fix It
1. Right-click on your desktop and select Display settings(Windows) or go to System Preferences>Displays (Mac).
2. Scroll down to 'Advanced display settings' (Windows) or click on the 'Display' tab (Mac).
3. Find the refresh rate setting and set it to the highest available option.
4. Apply the changes and see if the flickering stops.
Note
If your monitor only supports a certain refresh rate and it's already set to that, this may not be the cause of the flickering. But it's still worth checking!
Step 3- Update Your Graphics Drivers
Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers are a common culprit when it comes to screen flickering.
Steps to Update
1. For Windows
Open the Device Manager.You can find this by typing Device Manager into the search bar.
Expand the 'Display adapters' section.Right-click on your graphics card and select Update driver.
Choose 'Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will search and install the latest driver if available.
2. For Mac
Go to 'System Preferences. Click on Software Update.
Install any available updates that include graphics drivers or system updates.
Pro Tip
If updating the drivers doesn’t solve the problem, you can also try rolling back to a previous version of the driver, especially if the flickering started after a recent update.
Step 4- Check for Software Interference
Sometimes, the issue isn't hardware-related at all. Software, particularly certain applications or updates, can cause your screen to flicker.
How to Troubleshoot
1. Reboot your computer in Safe Mode.
This loads only the essential drivers and services.
For Windows
Restart your computer, press and hold the F8 key before the Windows logo appears, and select Safe Mode.
For Mac
Restart your Mac, then immediately press and hold the Shift key until you see the Apple logo.
2. Check if the flickering persists.
If it stops in Safe Mode, a recently installed program or update might be causing the problem.
3. Uninstall recent programs or updates.
Go to your control panel or settings and remove any software added around the time the flickering started.
Pro Tip
If you suspect a particular application, try reinstalling it or finding an alternative that doesn’t cause flickering.
Step 5- Adjust Your Display Settings
Your computer's display settings, like resolution and scaling, can sometimes cause flickering if they’re not set correctly.
What to Do
1. Right-click on the desktop
and go to Display settings (Windows) or System Preferences> Displays (Mac).
2. Adjust the resolution
Set it to the recommended level. If you’re using a custom resolution, switch back to the recommended one.
3. Check the scaling settings.
Make sure the scaling is set to 100% (Windows) or Default for display (Mac).
4. Apply the changes and observe if the flickering stops.
Pro Tip
If you're using multiple monitors, try adjusting the settings for each one individually. Sometimes, one monitor may cause flickering that affects the others.
Step 6- Test with Another Monitor or Computer
If you've tried the above steps and the flickering persists, it might be time to test your hardware.
How to Test
1. Connect your computer to a different monitor
If the flickering stops, your original monitor might be the problem.
2. Connect a different computer to your monitor
If the flickering still happens, it's likely the monitor.
3. Try a different graphics card
if you have access to one. This can help identify if the issue is with your computer's hardware.
Note
If you determine that your monitor or graphics card is at fault, you may need to consider repair or replacement.
Step 7- Seek Professional Help
If none of the above steps resolve the flickering, it might be time to consult a professional.
When to Consider This
Hardware Failure
If you suspect internal hardware issues, like a failing screen or graphics card.
Persistent Problems
If the flickering continues despite your best efforts, it’s worth getting an expert’s opinion.
Pro Tip
Before taking your computer to a repair shop, check your warranty. Some issues may be covered, saving you time and money.
Final Thoughts
A flickering computer screen can be a real headache, but with a bit of troubleshooting, you can often pinpoint the problem and fix it yourself. From checking cables and updating drivers to adjusting settings and testing hardware, these steps cover the most common causes and solutions for screen flickering.
Remember, while it might seem like a daunting task at first, taking it step by step can help you resolve the issue without too much hassle. And if all else fails, don't hesitate to seek professional help—better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your tech!
Happy troubleshooting!
Edited by- Nyari Patel
Disclaimer - This article has been authored exclusively by the writer and is being presented on Eat My News, which serves as a platform for the community to voice their perspectives. As an entity, Eat My News cannot be held liable for the content or its accuracy. The views expressed in this article solely pertain to the author or writer. For further queries about the article or its content you can contact on this email address - nyariworks07@gmail.com
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