A flickering screen on Windows 11 can be super annoying. One moment you’re working or watching a video, and the next your screen starts flashing, blinking, or going unstable. Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Screen flickering is a common issue caused by display drivers, incompatible apps, or incorrect settings.
In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step how to fix a flickering screen on Windows 11 so you can get back to a smooth experience.
Why Does My Screen Flicker in Windows 11?
Before fixing the problem, it helps to know the usual suspects:
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⚡ Display driver issues – outdated or corrupted drivers often cause flickering.
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️ Incompatible apps – some third-party apps don’t play well with Windows 11.
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⚙️ Incorrect refresh rate – if your monitor’s refresh rate is set incorrectly, flickering happens.
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Power and performance settings – aggressive power-saving modes may cause screen instability.
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Hardware problems – loose cables, damaged monitors, or overheating GPUs can trigger flickering.
Step 1: Check Task Manager for the Cause
First, figure out if the flickering comes from software or drivers.
Steps:
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
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Look at the screen while Task Manager is open.
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If Task Manager flickers too → The problem is likely with your display drivers.
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If only the desktop flickers → The issue is likely a software/app conflict.
Step 2: Update or Reinstall Display Drivers
Since drivers are the #1 cause of flickering, update them first.
Update Drivers via Device Manager:
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Press Windows key + X, then select Device Manager.
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Expand Display adapters.
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Right-click your GPU (e.g., Intel, NVIDIA, AMD) → Update driver.
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Choose Search automatically for drivers.
Reinstall Drivers (if update doesn’t work):
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In Device Manager, right-click your GPU → Uninstall device.
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Restart your PC.
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Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
Tip: You can also download the latest drivers directly from the Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD website for best results.
Step 3: Adjust Your Monitor Refresh Rate
An incorrect refresh rate can make your screen flicker.
Steps:
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Right-click your desktop → select Display settings.
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Scroll down and click Advanced display.
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Under Choose a refresh rate, pick the recommended one (usually 60Hz, 120Hz, or higher depending on your monitor).
Step 4: Uninstall Problematic Apps
Some apps—especially those that modify visuals like iCUE, f.lux, or antivirus overlays—can cause flickering.
Steps:
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Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
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Go to Apps → Installed apps.
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Sort by Recently installed.
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Uninstall any apps installed around the time flickering started.
Step 5: Change Display Settings
Sometimes tweaking display options fixes screen instability.
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Switch between light and dark mode in Settings → Personalization → Colors.
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Disable Transparency effects under Accessibility → Visual effects.
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Set Graphics preference (dedicated GPU for heavy apps) in System → Display → Graphics.
Step 6: Run Windows Troubleshooters
Windows has built-in tools to auto-fix some display problems.
Steps:
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Press Windows key + I → go to System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
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Run:
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Power troubleshooter
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Hardware and Devices troubleshooter
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Program Compatibility troubleshooter
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Step 7: Check Hardware Connections
If you’re using an external monitor:
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Make sure the HDMI/DisplayPort cable is firmly connected.
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Try another cable or port to rule out hardware failure.
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Test the monitor on another device.
If the flickering persists on multiple devices, the monitor itself might be faulty.
Step 8: Update Windows 11
Microsoft regularly fixes flickering issues in updates.
Steps:
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Press Windows key + I → Windows Update.
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Click Check for updates.
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Install available updates and restart your PC.
Step 9: Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and apps, helping identify software conflicts.
Steps:
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Press Windows key + R, type
msconfig, and hit Enter. -
Go to the Services tab.
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Check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
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Go to the Startup tab → Open Task Manager.
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Disable all startup items.
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Restart your PC.
If the flickering stops, re-enable apps one by one to find the culprit.
Step 10: Reset or Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)
If all else fails:
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Reset this PC → Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC.
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Choose Keep my files to reinstall Windows without losing personal data.
This usually fixes any stubborn flickering caused by system corruption.
Conclusion
A flickering screen in Windows 11 is frustrating, but the fix is usually simple. Start by checking Task Manager, updating drivers, and adjusting refresh rates. If that doesn’t solve it, uninstall problem apps, check your cables, and keep Windows updated.
By following this step-by-step guide, you should be able to eliminate flickering and enjoy a smooth, stable display again.
FAQs
1. Why is my screen flickering after a Windows 11 update?
It may be due to outdated drivers or software conflicts. Update your display drivers and check for app issues.
2. Can antivirus software cause screen flickering?
Yes—some antivirus overlays can conflict with Windows graphics. Try disabling or uninstalling to test.
3. What refresh rate should I use in Windows 11?
Use the recommended refresh rate shown in Display settings (commonly 60Hz or higher for gaming monitors).
4. Is screen flickering a hardware problem?
Sometimes. Loose cables, faulty monitors, or overheating GPUs can cause flickering. Always rule out software first.
5. Will reinstalling Windows 11 fix screen flickering?
Yes—if the issue is caused by corrupted system files, reinstalling will likely fix it.