Even with the continuous growth in computer generation and technology, the monitor flickering issue has been a constant problem for users. And this majorly happens due to misconfiguration, poor connectivity, or it might occur because of power supply. But the important thing is, is this problem solvable? Well, yes, there are some useful techniques to troubleshoot this problem with ease and comfort.
In today’s article, we’ll try to understand what exactly monitor flickering is, how this problem occurs in your computer, and what are the ways to solve this problem. A complete guide to your problem with detailed information.
What is Monitor Flickering?
Monitor flickering can be referred to as continuous fluctuation in the brightness of a display or computer screen. Well, the problem is quite noticeable as the screen starts getting flickering. In such conditions, a user can also experience a flashing screen at a consistent frequency which can be really uncomfortable. Monitor flickering can really cause some serious health issues such as eye strain or maybe headaches depending on individuals.
What Causes the Monitor to Flicker?
The major reasons for monitor flickering are software problems, bugs in the installed application, or because of physical damage to the hardware. Sometimes it might happen because of misconfiguration, poor connectivity, or improper power supply. Any of this could be a reason for the flickering monitor screen. There are several steps to determine the flickering screen’s major cause. It is better to understand the problem by checking out the monitor under each condition and identifying the major cause of the problem.
How to Fix the Flickering Monitor?
To fix the flickering monitor screen, the individual first needs to identify the cause of the problem. As discussed, there are many reasons why the user might face this issue. There is a defined procedure to troubleshoot this problem easily and without any prior technical experience.
1. Check the Monitor Cable
The first thing a user needs to do is check the cables of the machine, which helps to connect the monitor to the computer. No matter what type of cable you are using, even if it is HDMI, VGA, or DVI, it will cause a problem if it is not connected properly & securely to both devices.
A user might face a flickering screen because of the poor connectivity of the cables. You should start by checking the connecting ports to see if the cables are properly installed and try reconnecting them. And even if the problem is not solved, try replacing the cables with a new one.
2. Check Display
Sometimes the display itself has a problem. It is better to start inspecting the problem with the main area of effect. Try to look out if any physical damage has been done or not. Also, some onboard buttons are on the monitor, which helps to configure or set up the screen settings.
In some situations, even if everything on the monitor looks good and works fine, there are still chances that the monitor might be problematic. To identify that, just try to connect the computer to another monitor and see if it works. If yes, then the problem is with the monitor itself.
3. Check the Power
Power source or supply can provide a huge contribution to the monitor flickering problem. It’s not about just checking if the computer and display are properly connected to the power source or not. But also to identify if the power outlet itself is working or not. Sometimes a damaged power outlet might also lead to the monitor flickering problem. It can also be responsible for other components’ failure.
Well, in some cases, the supply of power also matters the most. If the outlet is damaged or may be due to some other issue, if the power supply is not constant and has fluctuations, it might lead to the Monitor flickering problem. It is better to check the outlet properly with precautions if it is working or not.
4. Check the Graphic Cards
Nowadays, a graphics card is one the very common components used in computers. The primary work of a graphics card is to provide graphical support in displaying pictures, videos or playing games. This physical card is placed on the motherboard, and it has to be positioned properly as required, or it may lead to other problems as well
The graphics card can be found right on the motherboard; firstly, check whether it is installed properly or not with proper connectivity. Even if the placement of components is perfect, there are still chances that the graphics card is the main cause of the problem. Just to check that, try using another graphics card and see if it’s working. By this, a user can identify if there is a problem with the graphics card or not.
5. Check the Ports of Monitor
In many cases, the problem actually lies with ports. Even after checking cables, cards, and monitor, if the problem is still there, it might be because the monitor ports are not working or they might be damaged, causing the display flickering problem. Generally, after long use, the monitor’s ports might get full of dust, which may disturb the connectivity due to poor installation of the cables.
6. Check the Refresh Rate of Monitor
One of the most important aspects many users ignore or are unaware of is the monitor refresh rate. This means how often the image presented on the screen is refreshed within a second, and it is measured in Hertz. The monitor might face flickering problems because of the slow refresh rate as well or if it is under-optimized.
Well, it is always advised to adjust the refresh rates, to get the best performance from your display. It not only affects the working but also helps in battery life and other performance aspects.
The refresh rate can be adjusted in Windows from the display setting’s advanced options
And for Mac, the option is available in the system preference of the Apple menu tab.
7. Reset the Display Driver
Drivers are some key components in any Operating system. Based on their configuration, the device functions with the other hardware and application. In general, drivers are the main setup of any application or hardware that will be used. Whereas for the display itself, there are drivers. Which can be the cause of the monitor flickering problem. It is advised to reset the display driver by accessing it through settings and checking if the problem is resolved.
8. Uninstall Problematic Applications
In recent cases, it has been observed that the monitor flickering problem is occurring due to some installed applications. Usually, it happens because of some unrecognized changes in the settings, which directly affects the configuration of the drivers. Such applications either require high graphics support or have some bugs in themselves. Such applications can be easily identified by just simply trying to use them on the computer. Whenever this application is executed the monitor will start behaving strangely, and the user will easily understand that there is a problem with the application.
Monitor is Flickering FAQs-
Ans: Many applications can cause the screen flickering problem, but in recent times Microsoft has identified three programs because of which the monitor flickering problem will definitely occur in Windows 10, and they are Norton Antivirus, iCloud, and IDT Audios.
Ans: Monitor flickering problems can occur due to both. Generally, it happens either because of some glitches in the software or because of damaged or faulty hardware. Whereas the software problems can be resolved by updating the display driver or the OS.
Ans: By checking the Display Settings in Windows
graphics control panel
Change Resolution.
Select the flickering monitor option
Adjust the refresh rate( at least 60 Hertz or above as per configuration)
Save the changes and retest.
Ans: Gaming sessions are definitely the most high-performing sessions, during such times the user might face the screen flickering issue because of overheating of the graphics card, outdated graphics drivers, incompatible game settings, or might be because of lower frame rates which exhaust the GPU in terms of working which may lead to the blinking.
Conclusion
One of the most common problems faced by computer users is monitor flickering. Well, the problem is definitely not so new. Monitor flickering has been experienced by users for a very long time, or we can also say ever since the computer was introduced for general use to the people. There are multiple reasons why a user might face monitor flickering issues. Be it due to hardware, software, or poor connectivity. All the issues and potential solutions are given above. Hope this helps!
