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How to Fix Screen Flickering or Flashing on Windows

Applies toWindows 11Windows 10
4 min fix Updated 20 Jul 2026

By , 10+ years in IT support and helpdesk How these guides are checked

Quick Answer

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. If the Task Manager window flickers along with the rest of the screen, you need to update your display driver.

Checked against Microsoft Learn - Windows release health and Microsoft Learn - end of support and retirement between 5 Aug 2026 and 12 Sep 2026. Nothing published in that period has been linked to this guide.

Estimated Time to Fix: 4 minutes

Summary ​

This article guides you through diagnosing a screen that is flickering or flashing by running a simple Task Manager test to identify the root cause.

Symptoms ​

  • Your computer screen constantly blinks, flickers, or flashes.
  • You see horizontal or vertical lines appearing and disappearing.
  • The flickering happens randomly or when using specific applications.

Before You Start ​

  • None required.

Instructions ​

1. Perform the Task Manager Test ​

This one test splits the problem in two and decides which of the next two sections applies to you.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  2. Watch the screen closely while the Task Manager is open.
  3. If the Task Manager flickers along with everything else: The issue is likely a display driver or hardware problem.
  4. If the Task Manager DOES NOT flicker (but everything behind it does): The issue is likely caused by an incompatible app installed on your computer.

If the Task Manager window flickered too, continue to Step 2. If it held steady while the desktop behind it flickered, skip to Step 3 — the driver steps will not change anything. Either way, finish with Step 4 to confirm the flicker has stopped.

2. Fix a Flickering Task Manager (Hardware/Drivers) ​

When everything flickers together, the display driver is where to start.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Click the arrow next to Display adapters to expand it.
  3. Right-click your graphics card (e.g., Intel, AMD, or NVIDIA) and select Update driver.
  4. Click Search automatically for drivers.
  5. Restart your computer when it finishes.

3. Fix a Stable Task Manager (Incompatible App) ​

When only the desktop behind Task Manager flickers, an installed app is fighting with the display.

  1. Click the Start button and type Settings, then press Enter.
  2. Navigate to Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features).
  3. Look for recently installed applications, third-party antivirus software, or system utility tools.
  4. Click the three dots next to a suspicious app and select Uninstall.
  5. Restart your computer.

4. Verify Success ​

Work normally for a while and watch whether the flicker returns.

  1. Use your computer normally and observe if the screen continues to flicker.

Troubleshooting ​

WARNING

If your screen flickers before Windows even starts (e.g., during the manufacturer's logo screen), the issue is almost certainly a damaged screen or a loose internal cable.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
Updating the driver didn't workCorrupt display driverIn Device Manager, select Uninstall device, check the box to remove the driver software, and restart.
Flickering only happens on an external monitorFaulty cableCheck or replace the HDMI/DisplayPort cable connecting the monitor.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the Task Manager test prove?
If Task Manager flickers, the problem is your graphics driver or physical hardware. If Task Manager does NOT flicker while everything else does, an incompatible app is causing the issue.
How do I fix a flickering app?
Uninstall recently downloaded apps (especially antivirus or desktop customization tools) or check if the specific app has a setting to disable hardware acceleration.