Why Is My Monitor Flickering? Reasons And Solutions

A flickering monitor can be a bother and sometimes hinder you from performing basic tasks on your computer. However, there are a few fixes you can try.

Do the following: 

1. Check for loose cables.

• • Rule out the issues with cables by testing your cable on another computer.

2. Check if your drivers are up-to-date.

• • Update your Windows by going to: 

• • • Start

• • • Windows Update

• • • Check for Updates

• • Look for the most recent drivers on the manufacturer’s website.

• • Update your display drivers

• • Go to Settings

• • In the search box above, search Device Manager.

• • On the Device Manager panel, go to Display Adaptors and expand them.

• • Uninstall them by right-clicking and selecting Uninstall Device.

• • Restart your computer.

Our article explores why your computer’s display flickers and what to do in different circumstances. Visit our website for more troubleshooting guides on various home devices.

Relatred: Why Does My Monitor Keep Going Black – How To Fix It

Why Is My Monitor Flickering PC?

Your PC monitor could flicker because you have a faulty cable. Check to make sure you do not have a loose cable. If you’re using a VGA cable, ensure the bolts are tightened.

Flickering could also be due to a software glitch. In this article, we recommend updating the Display Drivers and performing Windows Update.

A single application could also be the cause of the problem. To determine this, open the Task Manager on your computer and see if it flickers. A flickering Task Manager denotes a problem with a cable or a display driver. If it does not flicker, you are likely dealing with a faulty application.

Related: What is Flicker-Free Technology and PWM? (Jargon Free)

Screen Flickering Windows 10

Outdated drivers are a common cause of screen flickering on Windows 10. Therefore, you will need to update your drivers to rule out drivers as the problem. 

Follow the steps below to update your drivers:

1. Turn on your computer in Safe Mode.
2. Press the Windows Button and choose device manager.
3. On the list of display adapters, expand them and uninstall them.
4. Restart the computer and hold Windows Button + I to go to settings.
5. Go to 

• Updated & Security

• Check for updates6.

      6. Install the available updates.

Screen Flickering Windows 11

Follow the following steps to resolve screen flickering in Windows 11:

1. Start your computer in Safe Mode.
2. Hold the Windows Button and choose Device Manager.
3. Expand and uninstall the Display Adapters.
4. Restart the computer and hold Windows Button + I to go to settings.
5. Go to 

• Updated & Security

• Check for updates

      6. Install the available updates.

Why Is My Monitor Flickering Mac

Sometimes the software could be the problem when the monitor on your MacBook flickers. There are likely new updates you are yet to install. 

To update your software, follow the guidelines below:

1. Go to System Preferences.
2. Click on Software Update

To ensure optimal performance of your MacBook, update any other software with available updates.

A reboot of the MacBook could also fit the flickering monitor. Boot in Safe Mode to help the computer resolve deep-rooted issues with the OS. 

Follow these steps to boot your MacBook in Safe Mode:

1. Turn off your computer.

2. Please turn it on.

• Hold down the shift key if you are using the Intel MacBook.
• Hold down the power button if it runs on an Apple silicon chipset.

3. Start-up options will be displayed.

4. Press the shift key and go to:

• Macintosh HD
• Safe Mode

Monitor Flicker Test

• A diagnostic test can help tell what problem is causing the flickering.
• To do this, follow these steps:

1. Turn off your computer.

2. Upon restarting it

• Long press the D key on the Intel Mac.
• Do not depress the power button if your MacBook uses Apple Silicon.

3. Hold the Command + D buttons on the Startup Options Screen.

4. Run the diagnostics.

5. Note the reference code generated.

VFD001 – VFD007 indicates an issue with the GPU or the monitor. ADP000 means there is no issue with the display.

You can also do a monitor flicker test on your Windows computer. 

Follow these steps:

1. Open Task Manager by searching it on the search box at the bottom or right-clicking on the taskbar.

2. Check to see if the Task Manager is Flickering.

1. 1. If it flickers with the rest of the display, you are likely facing faulty hardware or need to update your display driver.
   2. If the Task Manager does not flicker, the flickering could be due to a faulty application.

• If the problem is due to display drivers, you will need to update them.
• If it is a faulty application, update or restart the defective application. 

Monitor Flickering Lines

Flickering lines could be due to software errors or hardware issues. 

In the case of laptops, opening from one side could twist the screen’s panel. Consequently, the circuits could be disconnected, causing vertical lines on your display.

You might also have a broken or loose VGA cable linking your monitor to the CPU. If using the VGA cable, ensure the bolts that come with it are tightened. You can also consider testing the cable on another computer to rule out cable issues. 

Another cause of flickering lines is outdated VGA drivers. These can cause the screen to malfunction. 

Also, consider causes such as heating, your monitor experiencing a physical damage, and dust accumulation. These are also likely causes of monitors having flickering lines.

Computer Monitor Flickers on and off at Startup

Monitors flickering during startup could be due to uninstalled Windows updates. Go to the display adapter on Device Manager. On the Driver’s Tab, Roll Back the driver.

If the problem is not resolved, you can install new display drivers or go back to an older version.

To install the new display drivers, uninstall the current drivers in Device Manager and restart your computer.

Follow the following steps to install a new driver and install the Windows Update:

1. In the search box at the bottom of the screen of your Windows computer, search Device Manager.
2. On the Device Manager panel, go to Display Adaptors and expand them.
3. Uninstall them by right-clicking and selecting Uninstall Device.
4. Close the settings and other tabs on your computer and restart it.
5. Go to 

• Updated & Security
• Check for updates

      6. Install the available updates.

How to Fix Monitor Flickering

Monitor flickering is due to software glitches or faulty hardware. For the software issues, update the display drivers or install pending Windows Updates.

Follow the following steps to update your display drivers and perform a Windows Update:

1. Go to Settings
2. In the search box above, search Device Manager.
3. On the Device Manager panel, go to Display Adaptors and expand them.
4. Uninstall them by right-clicking and selecting Uninstall Device.
5. Close the settings and other tabs on your computer and restart it.
6. Go to 

• Updated & Security
• Check for updates

      7. Install the available updates.

Hardware problems are often issues with a cable.

Follow the following step to rule out cable as being the cause of your problem:

1. Check for loose cables.

• If you are using a VGA cable, ensure the bolts are tightened.
• If you are using HDMI, make sure it is properly in place.

2. Rule out a faulty cable by testing on another computer.

• A faulty cable might not work on another computer.
• If the cable works on another computer, likely, the cable is not the issue.

Also, consider whether other issues, such as dust, overheating, or physical damage, could cause the flickering lines.

Conclusion

Monitor flickering could stem from the software or hardware. A software issue can be resolved through an update and restarting your computer. Hardware issues are often resolved by checking for loose or faulty cables. 

If these fixes do not work, consider talking to a technician or replacing it. Visit our website for more troubleshooting and “Best of” guides.

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