If you’re also facing the laptop screen flickering issue and don’t know the actual cause, this article has got you covered. There can be many reasons why your laptop screen is flickering. This is often seen when people upgrade their Windows version improperly but not always. Moreover, one of the most common reasons why this issue takes place is because of some corrupted application or outdated display driver.
If it’s an occasional blink or a full-on seizure every time you open an app, a flickering screen is a problem you can’t ignore. The good news is that it’s usually fixable. This guide will tell the latest solutions to troubleshoot and fix laptop screen flickering, whether the issue is caused by software, outdated drivers, or (worst-case scenario) failing hardware.
Identify If It’s a Software or Hardware Problem
Before trying fixes, first check if the issue is caused by software (drivers, settings, or apps) or hardware (a faulty display, loose cables, or a damaged GPU).
Here is how to verify the reason:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Watch closely—is Task Manager flickering too?
- Yes? → It’s likely a hardware issue or a driver problem.
- No? → The issue is probably caused by an app or settings conflict.
If the flickering is happening everywhere, including during startup or in BIOS, hardware failure is the likely culprit (skip ahead to the hardware fixes). Otherwise, let’s move on to software-based solutions.
Update or Roll Back Your Display Drivers
Your laptop’s screen relies on display drivers to function correctly. If they’re outdated, buggy, or incompatible with a recent Windows update, screen flickering can happen.
Follow these steps to update your display driver:
- Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
- Expand Display adapters.
- Right-click on your graphics card (Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD) and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Restart your laptop and check the issue.
If your screen flickering began after a recent driver update, rolling back to a previous version can help:
- Go to Device Manager > Display adapters.
- Right-click your GPU, then click Properties.
- Under the Driver tab, select Roll Back Driver (if available).
- Restart your laptop and check if the issue persists.
Check for Windows Updates
Microsoft frequently releases updates that fix driver bugs and improve hardware compatibility. If your flickering issue is related to a system bug, a simple update could do the trick.
- Open Settings (Win + I) and go to Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- If updates are available, install them and restart your laptop.
Now it will take some time depending on your internet connection speed. When the process is complete, Restart your computer to implement the updated version. This can fix your screen flickering issue.#
Disable Hardware Acceleration in Apps
Some apps, especially Chrome, Microsoft Office, and some video players, use hardware acceleration, which can sometimes cause display flickering.
Here’s how to disable hardware acceleration in Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome.
- Go to Settings → System.
- Toggle off “Use hardware acceleration when available“.
- Restart Chrome and again check for flickering.
If you use Microsoft Office, open any app (like Word) and go to File > Options > Advanced, then disable hardware acceleration under the Display section.
Adjust Refresh Rate Settings
A mismatch between your laptop’s refresh rate and its GPU settings can also lead to display problems such as flickering.
Try to change the refresh rate and see what happens next by this process:
- Right-click on your desktop and select Display settings.
- Scroll down and click Advanced display settings.
- Under Refresh rate, choose the recommended or highest option available (usually 60Hz, 120Hz, or 144Hz, depending on your laptop).
- Apply the changes and check for improvements.
Check for Loose or Damaged Wires
If you use an external monitor, flickering could be due to a loose or failing HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C cable. Try swapping out the cable or testing the monitor on another device. For built-in laptop screens, this screen issue most likely be caused by a loose internal display cable (especially if it flickers when moving the screen). So, you can:
- Slightly adjust the screen angle to see if the flickering changes.
- Connect an external monitor—if the external display works fine, the laptop screen itself may be the issue.
- If under warranty, take it to a professional before attempting to open the notebook yourself.
HDMI Cable
VGA Cable
Test Your Laptop on an External Monitor
If you’ve tried everything and your screen is still flickering, connect your laptop to an external monitor or TV using HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C. If the external display works fine, the problem is probably with your laptop screen, display cable, or internal connection. If the external display also flickers, then the problem will be related to the graphics card or motherboard. In this case, you should take your laptop to a professional repair.
When to Seek Professional Repair
If you’ve tried all the steps and your screen is still flickering, your laptop will only have a physical issue in this case which can be:
- A failing LCD panel (especially if there are flickering lines or dead pixels).
- A loose or damaged display cable (often worsens when moving the screen).
- Overheating or a faulty GPU (can cause flickering or graphical glitches).
If your laptop is still under warranty, don’t open it yourself—contact your manufacturer for a repair or replacement.
Screen flickering in a laptop is annoying but usually fixable with these given troubleshooting steps. If none of these work, take your laptop to a repair shop for an expert diagnosis. Don’t wait too long—prolonged flickering can strain your eyes and lead to bigger problems with your machine.
