Top 5 Ways to Fix Screen Flashing or Flickering on Windows 10

Along with all the new and improved things Windows 10 had and has come, it has also brought some irritating problems for the user. One of these frustrating problems is Windows 10 flashing screen. In the following article, there have been mentioned 5 best methods to deal with this problem like a professional. But before knowing those 5 methods people should know about the basic causes for the Windows 10 screen flashing on and off.

Part 1. Basic Check for the Causes of Windows 10 Flashing Screen

To figure out the reason behind the problem of screen flashing Windows 10 task manager can be useful. For assessing the reasons follow the following steps as mentioned –

1. Launch the task manager by making a right click on the taskbar, then click on the “Task Manager” option. It can also be launched from the keyboard itself by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

2. Then keep an eye on the monitor and check whether the screen is flickering or not.

• a. If the task manager doesn’t flicker along with the screen then the diagnosis comes out to be that of incompatible software.
• b. If the task manager also flashes along side with the screen and other applications then the reason of flickering is turned out to be graphics drivers.

Part 2. How to Fix Screen Flickering on Windows 10

There are other reasons also except for these two. The top 5 methods of correcting this method are –

1. Disable Antivirus Software: some third party antivirus software is found to be creating this problem in the PCs sometimes. Therefore disabling them may be the solution needed.

2. Update or uninstall Incompatible Application: If the reason for screen flickering turns out to be incompatible application then the two possible ways to tackle this are either uninstall the application or check for an updated version of the application which can be compatible with the PC.

For uninstalling the incompatible application follow the below mentioned steps –

• i.Make a right click on the menu.
• ii.Then click on the “Settings” option.
• iii.Choose “Apps & features” option from the “System” option
• iv.Choose the app which can be the root cause of the flickering problems. Usually third party software which has been made to be used for previous versions is the one culprit ones.
• v.Click on the “Uninstall” icon beside the name of the software.
• vi.Click on “Uninstall” on the popped up box to confirm uninstallation.

vii.Reboot the PC and check if the flickering has stopped.

3. Use a Higher Monitor Refresh Rate: sometime monitor refresh rate also causes the flashing of the screen. Follow these steps to make it right –

a. Make a right click on anywhere on the desktop, and then from the drop down menu click on “Display settings” option.

b. From there go to “Advanced display settings” menu.

c. There find out the “Display Adapter properties”.

d. Go to the “Monitor” tab and select a higher refresh rate than the showed one.

e. Click on “Ok” to save changes.

f.Then check whether the flickering has stop or not, if not then choose a higher refresh rate than the previous one.

4. Disable Windows Services: Some windows services such as Windows error reporting services also raises the flickering issues of Windows 10. To disable them follow the below mentioned steps –

a. Type “serices.msc” command in the search menu to launch the “Services” option

b. Find out “Problems Reports and Solution Control Panel” and then make a right click on it to choose “Stop”

c. Same process should be followed for “Windows Error Reporting Service”

d. Then restart the computer.

This should solve the problem of flickering screen but if it doesn’t then move on to next method.

5. Update the Display Driver: if the diagnosis via task manager results in fault of graphic or rather displays drivers then this can be sorted out by simply updating the same. Although the process is easier said than done. The update of graphic or display drivers are three fold. First one is to make the PC enter safe mode, then the second one is to uninstall the display drivers, and the third one is for re-installing the display drivers.

a. Entering safe mode –

• i. Launch “Settings” then click on the “Update & security” option
• ii. There click on “Recovery” option.
• iii. Choose “Restart now” option from “Advanced startup”
• iv. Then make a click on “Troubleshoot” option
• v. Then opt for “Advanced options” there click on “Startup Settings”

vi. After that click on “Restart” option.

vii. When the PC restarts choose option 4 for getting into the safe mode or rather choose 5 for entering into safe mode with networking.

b. Uninstalling the graphic card driver –

• i. Press the windows key along with “X” from the keyboard for launching the power user menu and opt for “Device Manager”
• ii. Click on “Device adapters” to extend it.
• iii. Make a right click on the problematic adapter and then click on “Uninstall”.

iv. Tick the “Delete the driver software for this device” check box and make it marked.

v. Then click “Ok” to confirm.

vi. Reboot the PC

c. Re-install the graphic drivers –

• i. Launch “Settings”
• ii. Choose “Update & security” option.
• iii. Then opt for “Windows update” alternative.
• iv. Make a click on “Check for updates” button for searching for latest graphics drivers and download it and install it afterwards.

Windows update is best suited for providing the compatible software, but they are not as good for providing the latest versions. For acquiring so, user should try to download the drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website.

Sometimes your screen keeps flashing constantly or even gets crashed and won’t boot. In this case you need a professional tool to fix your computer. Fortunately there is 4WinKey booting software named as Windows Boot Genius to fix all booting issues including computer crashes, blue screen, random restarts, can’t boot, and other Windows booting problems.

Windows 10 flashing screen, Can’t do anything

• Windows 10 flashing screen issues can have serious consequences over the way you use your PC.
• We created the guide below that will help you solve them, so feel free to apply the given steps.
• With the screen working properly again, you can get back to using the best screen sharing tools.
• Don’t hesitate to bookmark our Windows 10 Errors Hub for similar recommendations and tips.

1. Download Restoro PC Repair Tool that comes with Patented Technologies (patent available here).
2. Click Start Scan to find Windows issues that could be causing PC problems.
3. Click Repair All to fix issues affecting your computer’s security and performance

• Restoro has been downloaded by 0 readers this month.

After upgrading to Windows 10, some users have reported that they are experiencing a problem with a flashing screen.

Fortunately, we are here to solve your problem, just follow some of these further instructions and your monitor won’t flash ever again.

How can I deal with screen flashes in Windows 10?

1. Automatically update drivers
2. Enter the Safe Mode and Clean Boot
3. Scan the computer for viruses
4. Update GPU drivers
5. Update monitor drivers
6. Disable Windows services
7. Update Windows
8. Update Windows 10 apps
9. Delete Windows 10 apps
10. Change the monitor refresh rate
11. Perform a Windows Recovery

1. Automatically update drivers

1. Download DriverFix and install it into your PC.
2. The tool will immediately start scanning your computer for outdated drivers. Have patience while the scanning procedure to complete.
3. You will get a detailed list of all the identified problems. Select which drivers you want to update and DriverFix will download and install them.
4. Finally, restart your PC for the changes to take place.

After upgrading to Windows 10, it’s not that uncommon to discover they you’re still using unsuitable drivers.

Outdated versions can cause a lot of problems. Chances are that’s what is bothering your screen too, so don’t hesitate to use DriverFix for a quick drivers’ update.

You need to be a pro to use this tool. It doesn’t require any effort to install it and then, simply follow the steps detailed above.

DriverFix

2. Scan the computer for viruses

It is always a good idea to scan your computer for viruses or other malicious software. You can use Windows Defender, of course.

However, a great alternative is none other than Bitdefender. This tool efficiently scans your computer for viruses or spyware and helps you to get rid of them.

Also, you’ll most likely appreciate that it is lightweight and requires no special skills or attention coming from your part. You can simply rest assured that this antivirus never leaves a trace of malware behind.

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus+

3. Enter the Safe Mode and Clean Boot

1. Restart your PC.
2. While your PC is booting, press and hold down the Shift key on the keyboard and click the Restart option while still holding down the Shift key.
3. Click the Troubleshoot icon.
4. Click the Advanced options icon.
5. Then, on the next screen, click the Startup optionsicon.
6. Select Safe Mode with Networking.
7. Click the Restart button and your PC will reboot.
8. After reboot, you will see the Startup settings screen.
9. To enter Safe mode, press the appropriate function key, for example, F4.

Up next, check if the problem still appears in the Safe Mode.

That’s a troubleshooting option for Windows, that starts your Windows with limited amount of features, so you’ll be able to see if some of Windows features are causing the problem.

If the issue doesn’t occur in Safe Mode with networking, then proceed to the Clean Boot steps given below.

If the issue doesn’t appear in the Safe Mode, then perform a Clean Boot in order to determine which software is causing the flashing screen problem.

To perform a Clean Boot, follow these steps:

1. Go to Search.
2. Type msconfig in the search box, and then click msconfig.
3. On the Servicestab of the System Configurationdialog box, select the Hide all Microsoft services check box, and then go to Disable all.
4. On the Startuptab of the System Configuration dialog box, tap, or click Open Task Manager.
5. On the Startuptab in Task Manager, for each startup item, select the item and then click Disable.
6. CloseTask Manager.
7. On the Startup tab of the System Configurationdialog box, click OK, and then restart the computer.

But before performing a Clean Boot you should know that it might damage your system is something goes wrong, so be very careful while performing it.

If you’re interested in how to add or remove startup apps on Windows 10, check out this simple guide.

4. Update GPU drivers

1. Go to Search, type devicemngr, and open Device Manager.
2. Expand Display Adapters.
3. Right-click your graphics card, and go to Update driver software.
4. Follow further on-screen instructions.
5. If a new update is available, wait for the process to finish and install the update.
6. Restart your computer.

A logical cause of the screen flickering problem is an outdated graphics card driver. So, we’re going to update the GPU driver, and see if there are any positive effects.

In case you’re not sure how to update your GPU driver, follow the above steps or even better, use the DriverFix tool.

5. Update monitor drivers

1. Go to Search, type devicemngr, and open Device Manager.
2. Expand Monitors.
3. Right-click your monitor, and go to Update driver software.
4. Follow further on-screen instructions.
5. If a new update is available, wait for the process to finish and install the update.
6. Restart your computer.

The same thing applies to your monitor drivers. Outdated monitors can cause the flashing screen problem as often as outdated GPU drivers.

Just apply the above tips or use DriverFix to correct the issue.

6. Disable Windows services

1. Go to Search, type services.msc, and open Services.
2. Find Problem Reports and Solution Control Panel, right-click it, and choose Stop.
3. Do the same thing for Windows Error Reporting Service.
4. Restart your computer.

Some users also reported that disabling Problem Reports and Solution Control Panel and Windows Error Reporting Service services also solve the problem.

7. Update Windows

Run a System Scan to discover potential errors

It’s not always a good idea to install the latest Windows 10 updates. Because some of them may disrupt your operating system. For instance, a bad update may cause the screen flashing problem.

So, what’s the solution in case of a bad update? Well, install some more updates!

If the screen flickering problem was indeed caused by a Windows update, Microsoft will eventually acknowledge it and release a fixing patch.

To install the latest updates, go to Settings > Update & Security, and check for updates. If a new update is available, your computer will download, and install it automatically.

8. Update Windows 10 apps

Some users have also said that it’s possible for some Windows apps to cause the screen flashing issue. So, we’re going to apply the same practice as for Windows Update. We’re going to update all your apps.

To update your Windows apps, simply go to the Microsoft Store, click the three-dotted menu, and go to Downloads and updates.

If any new updates are available, simply click Get Updates, and the updating process will begin.

Want to automatically update your Windows 10 apps? Check out this quick article and find out how to always stay up to date.

9. Delete Windows 10 apps

If updating Windows apps didn’t get the job done, we’ll get more extreme, and delete the troublesome app(s).

Since this can be a difficult and time-demanding task, check out our detailed guide about deleting Windows apps to make your life easier.

10. Change the monitor refresh rate

1. Go to the Settings app.
2. Now, head over to System >Display >Display Adapter Properties.
3. Go to the Monitor tab.
4. Change Screen refresh rate according to your monitor’s capabilities.

Another cause of the flashing problem could be a wrong monitor refresh rate. So, search through your monitor’s manual for the best refresh rate it’s compatible with, and change it accordingly.

Use the above steps to change the refresh rate of your monitor.

11. Perform a Windows Recovery

1. Go to the Start menu.
2. Click on PC Settings.
3. Go to Update and Security, and choose Reset this PC.
4. Under Reset your PC, click on Get Started, click Keep my files and follow further on-screen instructions.

If none of these steps helped you with your flashing screen problem, you might try with performing a System Recovery.

Recovery is different from installing a new copy of the system, because it doesn’t affect installed files, so you can perform a Recovery without fear of using your files or settings.

To perform refresh your PC without affecting your files, follow the above steps.

If you are having trouble opening the Setting app, take a look at this handy article to solve the issue.

If you need more info on how to use the Reset this PC feature on Windows 10, take a look at this complete guide that will help you better understand how it works and what it does.

On top of these, do note that there are several issues or error messages you may encounter on the way:

• Windows 10 screen flashing on and off – Your screen may not flash constantly, but only in certain time intervals.
• Windows 10 flickering start menu – There’s a chance your screen will flash only when you open the Start Menu.
• Windows 10 flickering screen Lenovo – The screen flickering issue is more common on Lenovo devices.
• Windows 10 flashing screen Dell – The screen flashing problem is also common on Dell devices.
• Windows 10 taskbar flickering – Once again, there’s a chance only one part of the screen will flash, in this case, the taskbar.
• Windows 10 flashing screen on boot – Screen flashes on boot are also common in Windows 10.
• Screen flashing Windows 7 – Although more users experienced this problem in Windows 10, it’s also common in Windows 7.

We hope that these steps helped you to solve the problem with a flashing screen. But, if you have any questions or suggestions, please express your thoughts in the comments section below.