Monitor Flickering? How to Find the Cause and Stop It

Monitor flicker is usually caused by the graphics driver, an app, the video cable, or a setting like G-Sync or overclocking. Open Task Manager: if it flickers too, it's the driver; if it doesn't, it's an app. If the monitor's own self-test is steady, the monitor isn't the problem.

Check it now with the gray screen test

Which one do you have?

Everything flickers, including Task Manager: Points to the display driver. See fixes
Task Manager is steady but other windows flicker: Points to an incompatible app. See fixes

Fixes to try (easiest first)

Do the Task Manager test
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc. If Task Manager flickers along with everything else, a display driver is probably the cause. If it doesn't, an app is more likely. [1]
Reset the graphics driver
Press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B. If that doesn't help, restart. [1]
Roll back, update or reinstall the driver
Device Manager > Display adapters > your adapter. Roll back if flicker started after an update; otherwise update it from your graphics card maker. [1]
Update or remove the app causing it
If only some windows flicker, update recently installed apps, or uninstall them one at a time until the flicker stops. [1]
Replace the video cable
A defective cable can break up the signal. Try a known-good cable. [2]
Turn off G-Sync, Overclock and motion-blur features
Flicker can happen with G-Sync on a monitor that isn't G-Sync Compatible, or when running above the rated refresh rate. Also try turning off MPRT or ULMB in the monitor menu. [2]
Run the monitor's built-in self-test
If the self-test passes, the problem is not the monitor. Look at the computer's graphics card, drivers and BIOS instead. [2]
Unplug other devices on the same power strip
Electromagnetic interference from nearby devices can cause flicker. [2]

Is it worth fixing?

Most flicker is fixed for free with drivers, settings or a new cable. If the monitor flickers during its own self-test, it has a hardware fault. Use the warranty if you can, otherwise compare a repair quote with a new monitor.

Repair or replace? Try the calculator · Not sure this is your problem? Take the quiz

Sources

Last checked: October 21, 2026