A flickering screen on Windows 11 can be distracting, frustrating, and even harmful to your eyes. Screen flicker usually points to a software compatibility issue, outdated drivers, or incorrect display settings. Thankfully, you don’t need to panic—this problem is fixable.
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through the causes and solutions to fix screen flickering on Windows 11.
Why Does My Screen Flicker on Windows 11?
Before fixing the issue, it helps to understand the common causes:
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Outdated or corrupted display drivers
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Incompatible apps (commonly third-party antivirus or utilities)
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Windows Explorer glitches
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Incorrect refresh rate settings
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Loose or damaged display cables (for monitors/laptops)
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Hardware issues (rare but possible)
Method 1: Check if Apps Are Causing Screen Flicker
Sometimes apps are the root cause of screen flickering.
Step 1: Open Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Step 2: Observe the Screen
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If Task Manager flickers too, the issue is with display drivers.
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If only the desktop flickers and Task Manager is stable, an app is causing the issue.
Step 3: Uninstall Problematic Apps
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Press Windows + I → go to Apps > Installed apps.
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Uninstall recently installed or suspicious apps (commonly antivirus or screen recorders).
Method 2: Update or Reinstall Display Drivers
Faulty display drivers are the most common reason for flickering screens.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
Press Windows + X → Select Device Manager.
Step 2: Expand Display Adapters
Right-click your graphics card → Select Update driver.
Step 3: Reinstall Driver (if updating doesn’t work)
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Right-click your GPU → Uninstall device.
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Restart your PC → Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
👉 Alternatively, download the latest drivers from:
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Intel Driver & Support Assistant
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NVIDIA GeForce Experience
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AMD Radeon Software
Method 3: Restart Windows Explorer
Windows Explorer controls your desktop, Start menu, and taskbar. If it glitches, your screen may flicker.
Step 1: Open Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
Step 2: Restart Explorer
Find Windows Explorer in the list → Right-click → Restart.
Method 4: Adjust Refresh Rate
An incorrect refresh rate may cause flickering.
Step 1: Open Display Settings
Right-click desktop → Display settings.
Step 2: Advanced Display Settings
Scroll down → Click Advanced display.
Step 3: Choose Correct Refresh Rate
Set the refresh rate recommended for your monitor (usually 60Hz, 120Hz, or 144Hz).
Method 5: Disable Hardware Acceleration in Apps
Some apps (like browsers or Office apps) use hardware acceleration, which can cause flickering.
For Google Chrome / Edge:
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Open browser → Go to Settings > System.
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Disable Use hardware acceleration when available.
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Restart browser.
For Microsoft Office apps:
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Open any Office app → File > Options > Advanced.
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Check Disable hardware graphics acceleration.
Method 6: Roll Back Recent Updates
A faulty Windows update may cause screen flicker.
Step 1: Open Settings
Press Windows + I → Go to Windows Update > Update history.
Step 2: Uninstall Updates
Click Uninstall updates → Remove the most recent update.
Method 7: Check Monitor & Cables
If you’re using a desktop PC:
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Ensure HDMI/DisplayPort cable is secure.
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Try another cable to rule out damage.
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Connect monitor to another PC to confirm if it’s a monitor issue.
Method 8: Boot into Safe Mode
If the problem persists, try Safe Mode.
Step 1: Open Recovery Options
Press Windows + R, type:
Go to Boot tab > Safe boot > Minimal.
Step 2: Restart PC
If the flicker disappears in Safe Mode, it’s likely a driver or app conflict.
Method 9: Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot helps identify conflicting software.
Step 1: Open System Configuration
Press Windows + R, type:
Step 2: Disable Services
Go to Services tab → Check Hide all Microsoft services → Click Disable all.
Step 3: Restart PC
If flicker stops, re-enable services one by one to find the culprit.
Method 10: Factory Reset as Last Resort
If none of the above works, reset Windows 11.
Step 1: Open Settings
Go to System > Recovery.
Step 2: Reset This PC
Choose Reset PC → Select Keep my files or Remove everything.
Conclusion
A flickering screen in Windows 11 is usually caused by drivers or apps, and the fixes are straightforward: check Task Manager, update display drivers, restart Windows Explorer, or adjust refresh rates. If the problem persists, a clean boot or reset may be needed.
With these steps, you can troubleshoot and stop your screen flickering for good.
FAQs
Q1: Can a virus cause screen flickering?
Yes, malware can interfere with system processes and cause flicker. Run a full scan with Windows Defender.
Q2: Why does my screen flicker only in certain apps?
This is often due to hardware acceleration. Disable it in that app’s settings.
Q3: Can outdated Windows updates cause flicker?
Yes. Install the latest updates or roll back faulty ones.
Q4: Does screen flickering damage my PC?
No, but it indicates a problem that can affect usability and performance.
Q5: Is flickering a hardware issue?
In rare cases, yes. If drivers and apps aren’t the cause, test your monitor, GPU, or cables.