How to Fix Screen Flickering and Flashing on Windows 11

Screen flickering and flashing can be a frustrating problem to deal with, especially when using your computer for work or entertainment. If you're experiencing these issues on Windows 11, don't worry, there are steps you can take to fix it. In this article, we'll go over some of the most common causes of screen flickering and flashing on Windows 11, and how to fix them.

Screen flickering and flashing is when your computer screen displays rapid and constant changes in brightness or color. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as outdated drivers, incompatible programs, or a high refresh rate. On Windows 11, screen flickering and flashing can occur due to changes in the operating system or hardware. To fix it, you'll need to follow a few steps, which we'll outline below.

2. Check for Windows Updates

The first step in fixing screen flickering and flashing on Windows 11 is to check for updates. Windows updates can fix bugs and compatibility issues that may be causing the problem. To check for updates, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. If new updates are available, click on "Download and install" to start the update process. Make sure to restart your computer after the updates are installed.

3. Uninstall Incompatible Programs

Certain programs can be incompatible with your computer or operating system, causing screen flickering and flashing. Some common programs that may cause this issue include antivirus or security programs, third-party desktop customization software, or video editing software. To uninstall incompatible programs, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, then find the program you want to uninstall and click on "Uninstall".

4. Update Display Drivers

Outdated display drivers can also cause screen flickering and flashing. To update your display drivers, go to Device Manager > Display adapters, then right-click on your graphics card and select "Update driver". You can also go to the manufacturer's website and download the latest driver for your graphics card. Make sure to restart your computer after updating the drivers.

5. Adjust the Refresh Rate

A high refresh rate can cause screen flickering and flashing, especially on older monitors. To adjust the refresh rate, go to Settings > System > Display, then click on "Advanced display settings". From there, click on "Display adapter properties", then click on the "Monitor" tab. Under "Screen refresh rate", select a lower rate, such as 60Hz. This should fix any issues caused by a high refresh rate.

6. Disable Hardware Acceleration

Hardware acceleration is a feature that allows your computer to use hardware components to perform certain tasks, such as playing videos or running graphics-intensive programs. However, it can also cause screen flickering and flashing. To disable hardware acceleration, go to Settings > System > Display, then click on "Graphics settings". Under "Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling", toggle the switch off.

By following these steps, you should be able to fix screen flickering and flashing on Windows 11. Make sure to check for updates, uninstall incompatible programs, update your display drivers, adjust the refresh rate, and disable hardware acceleration. If the problem persists, you may need to contact a professional for further assistance.