Why Does Laptop Screen Flicker? – Easy Fix

Dealing with screen flickering problems could be confusing and frustrating, but panic is unnecessary.  If you have ever been frustrated, this is the place to find solutions. Stay connected as we resolve the complicated facts and take you to a simple and efficient world.

In this post, we will clear all the points of its causes and will provide you with step-by-step solutions for easy fixes. Let us tackle this concern and ensure a smoother, more enjoyable computing experience!

Why Does Laptop Screen Flicker?

Outdated Display Drivers

Display drivers, also known as graphics drivers or video drivers, are software components that enable communication between an operating system and a laptop’s graphics hardware. 

Outdated display drivers may not be compatible with the latest software updates or operating system changes, resulting in various issues, including screen flickering. Users who do not update their drivers may also miss out on these important fixes, leaving their laptops vulnerable to screen flickering.

• How To Fix It?

Display driver updates mostly include the fixes of old bugs. That is why it is essential to install driver updates when they are available. Right-click on the start menu and select “Device Manager” from the file. Once in the device manager, expand the “Display” and select your display driver. Press “update” and then select “Automatic update option.”

Incompatible Apps

Incompatible applications may also conflict with the display driver installed on your laptop. It can lead to issues with screen shimmering. Incompatible applications can cause conflicts with other software installed on your laptop, leading to screen flickering issues.

• How To Fix It?

This problem with flickering occurs because certain applications are unable to match the display resolutions. It’s possible that removing incompatible applications from your laptop or disabling them will fix the issue. 

Misconfigured Display Settings 

The flickering of a laptop’s display is almost certainly the result of improperly configured display settings. If the display parameters are not properly adjusted, the software and hardware components responsible for rendering the screen image may conflict. 

The refresh rate is the rate of image refreshing in one second on your monitor. If the refresh rate is too high or too low, it can cause the display to flicker. For example, if the software is configured for a higher refresh rate than the hardware can handle, the screen may waver as it attempts to keep up with the requirements. 

Incorrectly configuring the display’s decision can also result in flickering. If the resolution is set too high, the camera card may struggle to render the image correctly, resulting in flickering. Similarly, compatibility issues and screen flickering may occur if the resolution is set too low.

• How To Fix It?

VSync is a technology that ensures the graphics card and the monitor are in sync by synchronizing the display’s refresh rate with the frame rate of the graphics card. You can rectify this issue by enabling VSync in your laptop’s display settings.

Also, you have to select the right resolution settings that match your laptop screen. Windows have recommended settings option to determine the recommended settings. Right-click on the desktop and go to “Display settings.” Here, expand the “Display resolution” section and choose the resolution labeled “Recommended.” 

Outdated Windows

Older versions of Windows may also have security holes that haven’t been fixed that malware or hackers can use. Microsoft regularly puts out safety updates to keep users safe from these threats. If your version of Windows is old, it may not have these important security fixes, which makes it more likely that security will be broken.

Every new version of Windows generally adds new features, improves performance, and improves the user experience. By using an old version, you miss out on these improvements, which include better balance, new features, and updated user interfaces.

Microsoft offers expert support for its operating systems, but this help is usually only for the latest version of Windows and a few older versions. If you have problems with an old model, you might not be able to get good help anymore. It makes it harder to solve problems or find answers.

• How To Fix It?

To prevent these problems, it’s best to keep your Windows version updated by installing updates from Microsoft regularly. Keeping your operating system up-to-date ensures you have the latest security patches, Trojan horse fixes, and other changes.

Open Windows start menu and search for “Check for update,” and open the Window. Now click on the “Check for update” button again, and if you find any pending updates, update Windows immediately. 

Lose or Damaged Wires

Inside a laptop, there are sensitive wires that connect the LCD screen to the laptop’s motherboard. These wires send electrical signals to show pictures on the display screen. If these lines come loose or get broken, it could stop the flow of electricity.

If the lines that connect the LCD panel to the motherboard are not tightly connected, they will sometimes lose contact. Because of this break in the electric current, the screen may flicker. For example, if the lines are damaged or broken, the electrical signals may not get through well. The broken areas can cause the signals to change, making the screen flicker.

• How To Fix It?

It’s important to remember that diagnosing and fixing hardware problems on a laptop takes skill and should only be done by a trained professional or an authorized service center. You might make it worse if you try to fix it yourself without the right skills and tools.

Disable Your GPU

A bad GPU could also have physical damage or broken parts. It can happen because of flaws in the manufacturing process, too much use, or other things. If the GPU’s circuitry or soldering isn’t done right, it could cause links to drop and the main screen to flicker.

• How To Fix It?

By turning off the bad GPU, your computer will no longer use that particular graphics card. It could prevent problems like LCD screen flickering that could be caused by bad hardware. But keep in mind that if you turn off the GPU, you might not be able to use it for tasks or programs that use a lot of graphics.

To disable the GPU, go to Device Manager and expand the display drivers. Here, right-click on your GPU driver and then select “Disable.” Restart your PC to ensure that the GPU is disabled properly. 

Display Services Error

Windows Display Services controls the functionality of Windows displays. Sometimes your Windows display service may develop errors or bugs. These errors and bugs may cause display errors like screen flickering. 

• How To Fix It?

To fix this issue, you will need to restart the Windows display services. To do that, press “Windows key + R” and open the Run app. Here, type “services.msc” and hit enter. You will be redirected to Windows services. Scroll down and search “Display Enhancement Service” and right-click on it. Select “Restart” from the file and restart the service. 

Virus and Malware

Even though it doesn’t happen often, a virus or malware could cause a computer screen to flicker. Most viruses and malware target running devices and software instead of the hardware parts of a computer.

But some types of malware can mess with device drivers, which are pieces of software that allow the running device to communicate with hardware devices. If malware gets into the tool drivers in charge of controlling the display, it could cause problems like stuttering. 

• How To Fix It?

To fix this, you can use any reputed antivirus application or your Windows virus and threat scanner. Search “Virus and threat protection” and open the program. Now click the “Quick Scan Button” and wait for the results. If there is a virus, Windows will eliminate it.

Overheating

When the GPU is overheated, it is capable of irrational behavior, such as screen shimmering. Overheating can result in increased electric resistance, which affects the consistency of the signals sent to the display screen, causing flickering.

Overheating can also affect the connections between the internal components of a computer, including the image card, display cables, and connectors. Poor signal transmission can result in flickering or intermittent display issues when these connections are compromised due to heat.

• How To Fix It?

Ensure that the laptop has adequate airflow by placing it on a firm, flat surface that allows air to enter. Avoid using the laptop on soft surfaces such as beds and lounges, which can impede airflow.

Does Screen Flicker Cause Damage To Your Laptop?

Screen flickering doesn’t mean your laptop will be completely damaged; it may be due to a slight malfunction in your screen or other display-related hardware. In some cases, you may have to replace any piece of hardware but not the whole laptop. 

Many hardware and software problems can cause a screen to flicker. Common reasons are drivers that aren’t compatible or are out of date, broken cables, hardware problems, software that doesn’t work with the hardware or problems with the display itself. It’s important to figure out what’s causing the blinking to know how it will affect your computer.

Even though a flashing screen can be annoying, it usually doesn’t cause any direct damage to your laptop’s hardware. But long-term exposure to a screen that flickers can also have some strange effects. 

One effect is that the eyes get tired and stressed out. Continuously watching shows that flicker can cause pain, problems, and trouble seeing. Also, frequent flashing can make it harder to work and ruin the user experience.

Why Does My Chrome Cause Laptop Screen To Flicker?

If you use the “Hardware Acceleration” settings in Chrome, but your hardware is not compatible or high-end, you will face this screen flickering. It could also be out-of-date drivers on your computer or a corrupted extension installed on Chrome. 

Another reason could be that your computer’s Chrome browser and graphics drivers don’t work well together. Graphics drivers make the pictures and videos you see on your computer. 

If these drivers are old or don’t work well with the Chrome browser, it can cause the screen to flicker. In this case, you might also be able to fix the problem by changing the graphics drivers to the most recent version. To make sure your drivers are up-to-date, you can go to the manufacturer’s website or use specialized software.

Another reason could be a conflict between Chrome and some browser extensions or apps. Sometimes, these add-ons or extensions can get in the way of how the browser normally works, which can cause the screen to flicker. 

To fix this, try to turn off or remove any newly installed extensions or plugins and see if the flickering still happens. If the problem goes away after you turn off a certain app, you may want to keep it off or find an updated version that works well with your Chrome browser.

Conclusion

Laptop screens flicker due to hardware and software issues. Old display drivers may not work with new software or operating system updates. Updating display drivers prevents screen flickering.

Incompatible apps can also cause screen flickering. Removing or disabling these apps may help. Display settings like refresh rates and resolutions can also cause screen flickering. Display settings, VSync, and the suggested resolution can fix the issue.

Outdated Windows versions may lack security patches and upgrades, causing screen flickering. For effective operation and security, Windows must be updated periodically.

The screen flickers due to hardware difficulties like loose or damaged cables. Hardware issues require professional help to avoid further damage. Disabling the GPU may temporarily fix screen flickering, but it limits graphics-intensive tasks.

Display services problems and malware outbreaks can cause screen flickering. Restarting display services and running antivirus checks may help. Overheating increases electric resistance and damages connections, causing screen flickering. Proper laptop use and airflow help minimize overheating-related flickering.

Screen flickering doesn’t normally damage laptops but can strain the eyes and ruin the user experience. To keep your computer running smoothly, find and fix screen flickering’s sources.

Chrome flickers on laptops owing to hardware acceleration settings, obsolete drivers, or competing extensions. Disabling hardware acceleration, updating graphics drivers, and deleting incompatible extensions can fix Chrome screen flickering. Understanding laptop screen flickering reasons and fixing them might improve your computer experience.