How to fix screen flickering in Windows 11 step by step

Do you notice that your computer screen is Windows 11 blink and you don't know why? Don't worry, it's a more common problem than it seems and can be very annoying, especially when you're not sure what the cause is or how to fix it. Sometimes the lines that appear on the screen are intermittent, other times the entire desktop shakes, or random flashes occur.

In the following lines I explain in depth the most frequent causes and what steps you can follow, in an orderly manner, to identify the origin of the screen flickering in Windows 11 and finish him off. From checking apps and drivers to system settings, cables, and even issues related to advanced display settings, if you follow the steps, you're sure to eventually find the problem... and the solution.

Why is the screen flickering in Windows 11?

Screen flickering in Windows 11 can be caused by both software and hardware issues. Typical causes include incompatibilities with third-party applications, recent graphics driver updates, incorrect monitor configurations, faulty cables, or aging hardware.

First, you should check whether the flickering is affecting only a few windows or whether it is a widespread issue across the entire screen. You can do this by opening the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and observing: if this also flickers, the cause is usually the graphics drivers. If only other windows flicker and the Manager remains stable, the problem is probably an incompatible app.

Some applications that have historically been problematic in this regard are antivirus software like Norton, synchronization software like iCloud, or audio utilities like IDT Audio. INCLUDED apps that manage wallpapers may be behind the problem. If you recently installed something new or updated a program, keep this in mind.

Fix screen flickering by removing incompatible apps

The presence of incompatible applications is often the main cause when the desktop flickers but the Task Manager remains stable. To address this, you must identify and uninstall these programs. Remember to pay special attention to those you installed just before the problems began, or those that have been recently updated.

• How to uninstall apps in Windows 11:

1. Click on Home and enters Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
2. Review the list, locate the suspicious app and click on uninstall.
3. Confirm the uninstallation if prompted.

After each uninstall, restart your computer and check if the flickering disappears. If you don't notice any changes, repeat the process with other applications until you find the cause.

In case you need to reinstall the application, you can do so from the Microsoft Store or from the manufacturer's website, always making sure that downloads the most compatible version with Windows 11.

Update or roll back graphics drivers

If the flickering also affects Task Manager, the cause is most likely a faulty or outdated graphics driver. This can happen after an automatic Windows update or after installing an incompatible driver for your graphics card.

• You can update the driver from the Device administrator:

1. Right click on Home and select Device administrator.
2. Expand the section Display adapters.
3. Right click on your graphics card (Intel, AMD or NVIDIA) and select Update Driver.
4. Choose Search for drivers automatically and follow the steps indicated by Windows.

If your graphics card is dedicated, it is best to update using the official software: GeForce Experience for NVIDIA, AMD Radeon software for AMD or Intel Driver & Support Assistant in the case of Intel integrated graphics.

Rolling back the graphics driver can be helpful if the problem started right after an update:

1. Opens Device administrator, right click on the graph and select Properties.
2. Enter the tab Controller and press Revert to the previous controller if available.

To solve more radical problems, you can completely uninstall the driver and restart your computer: Windows will install a generic driver, and you can then download the appropriate one from the manufacturer's website.

Check display settings

Certain display settings may cause flickering, especially if you are using 4K technology, HDR or unusual refresh rates. It is common for changes in advanced settings or connecting monitors with different resolutions to cause the problem. You can check and modify the refresh rate to prevent this from happening.

If your monitor is 4K and flickering persists, try lowering the resolution to 1920×1080. This may solve the problem if it is related to resolution compatibility or the cables used.

• Disable HDR mode:

1. Sign in Screen settings and disable the option Use HDR.

Check cables and physical compatibility

An HDMI cable, DisplayPort cable, or physical connectors can be responsible for flickering if they are damaged, improperly connected, or of poor quality. Replacing the cable with an approved one and trying a different input on your monitor or graphics card may solve the problem. If you're using adapters, check their condition as well. The quality of the cable and connectors greatly influence the stability of the signal.

HDCP technology may interfere with 4K signals: Make sure both the monitor and the cable support the same protection protocol and color settings.

To isolate the cause, connect your PC to another display or test your monitor on another computer. This way you can determine if the fault is with the PC, the cable, or the monitor itself.

Reset BIOS/UEFI and hardware tests

Sometimes, incorrect settings in the BIOS/UEFI can cause graphics problems. Access the BIOS (usually by pressing F2, DEL or ESC during the Boot) and look for the option to restore default values. The BIOS configuration check can help resolve display-related conflicts.

On desktop computers, if you have a dedicated graphics card, try removing it and connecting the monitor to the integrated card to see if the problem goes away. If the flickering stops, it may indicate that the GPU is reaching the end of its life.

En portable, the option is more limited, but you can disable the dedicated graphics from Device Manager for a simple test.

Advanced solutions in Windows 11

When the above steps don't work, there are some additional solutions that may help:

• Create a new user profile: If the flickering is due to corrupted settings of the current profile, go to Settings > Accounts > Family and other users and add a new user. Sign in with that profile and see if the problem persists.
• Disable problematic Windows services: Run msconfig using Windows + R, go to the tab Services and deactivate Help for the Problem Reports and Solutions Control Panel y Windows Error Reporting Service. Reboot the system.
• Use specialized optimization programs: Tools like CCleaner allow you to keep your drivers and applications up to date. From its menu, select "Tools" and then "Software Updater" or "Update Drivers."

Last resort solutions

If after all these steps the screen continues to flicker, there are some extreme options you can consider before seeking professional service.

• Check if the problem is with the device or the screen: Connect your PC to a different monitor or test your monitor on another computer. If the error persists in both cases, the fault lies with your computer's hardware.
• Reinstall the operating system: If you have a restore point from before the problem started, start at safe mode and use rstrui.exe to restore the system to that state.
• Clean reinstallation of Windows 11: As a last resort, performing a clean install can resolve deep software conflicts.

If the problem persists and you suspect a physical failure, it's best to visit an authorized repair center. For equipment under warranty, the manufacturer may be responsible for repairing or replacing defective components.