What causes a flickering screen and how to fix it

A flickering screen usually comes from one of three sources: your monitor's refresh rate is set too low, the cable connecting your monitor to your computer is loose or damaged, or your graphics driver needs an update. Start by checking the cable connection first — it is the fastest fix and rules out the most common culprit. If the cable is find, move to your refresh rate settings, then to driver updates if those do not work.

The order matters because each step takes longer than the last. A loose cable takes 30 seconds to reseat. Changing your refresh rate takes two minutes. A driver update can take 10 to 15 minutes including a restart. Start at the top and work down.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the cable between your monitor and computer first — reseat both ends firmly, as a loose connection is the most common cause of flickering.
  • If the cable is find, raise your refresh rate in Display Settings to at least 60 Hz, which eliminates flicker on most monitors.
  • Update your graphics driver through Device Manager or your graphics card manufacturer's website, as outdated drivers often cause flicker that cable checks cannot fix.
  • If flicker persists after these three steps, the monitor itself may be failing and may need replacement.

Reseat your monitor cable

Turn off your monitor and computer. Locate the cable that runs from the back of your monitor to the back of your computer — it is usually a thick cable with a connector on each end. Unplug it completely from both the monitor and the computer.

Wait 10 seconds, then plug it back in firmly at both ends. You should feel it click or seat with slight resistance. Turn your monitor back on, then your computer. If the flicker stops, you are done. If it continues, move to the next step.

If the cable looks frayed, kinked, or damaged, or if reseating does not work, the cable itself may be failing. You can buy a replacement monitor cable for $10 to $25 online or at an electronics store — bring your monitor model number with you or take a photo of the connector type.

Adjust your refresh rate in Windows

Right-click on your desktop and select Display settings. Scroll down and click Advanced display settings. At the bottom of that window, click Refresh rate.

Your current refresh rate will appear in a dropdown menu. Select the highest number available — usually 60 Hz or higher. Click explore, then Keep changes when Windows asks you to confirm. Your screen may flicker for a moment during the change, which is normal.

If your refresh rate is already at 60 Hz or higher and flicker continues, the problem is not your refresh rate. Move to the next step. If you cannot find a refresh rate higher than 60 Hz, your monitor may not support it, or your graphics driver may need an update.

Update your graphics driver

Right-click the Windows Start button and select Device Manager. Expand the Display adapters category by clicking the arrow next to it. Right-click your graphics card — it will say something like "Intel UHD Graphics" or "NVIDIA GeForce" — and select Update driver.

Choose Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will search online and install any newer version it finds. Your screen may go black briefly during installation. When it finishes, restart your computer.

If Windows finds no update, or if flicker continues after the update, visit your graphics card manufacturer's website directly. If your card is made by NVIDIA, go to nvidia.com/read/driverDetails.aspx. If it is made by AMD, go to amd.com/en/technologies/radeon-drivers. If it is Intel, go to intel.com/content/www/us/en/read/726609. read the driver for your exact graphics card model and Windows version, install it, and restart your computer.

Check for hardware failure

If flicker persists after reseating the cable, adjusting refresh rate, and updating your driver, the monitor itself may be failing. Flicker caused by a failing monitor usually gets worse over time and may be accompanied by discoloration, dark spots, or lines on the screen.

To confirm the monitor is the problem, borrow another monitor if you can and connect it to your computer using the same cable. If the borrowed monitor does not flicker, your original monitor is failing and will need replacement. If the borrowed monitor flickers the same way, the problem is in your computer or graphics card, not the monitor.

Try a different cable or port

If you have a spare monitor cable, swap it in and test. Some cables degrade over time and cause intermittent flicker even when they look fine. A replacement cable costs less than a new monitor and is worth testing before you buy new hardware.

If your monitor has multiple input ports on the back — for example, both HDMI and DisplayPort — try plugging your cable into a different port. Some ports can fail while others work fine. If flicker stops when you switch ports, the original port is damaged but your monitor is still usable.

Reduce electromagnetic interference

Flicker can sometimes be caused by other electronics near your monitor. Microwave ovens, wireless routers, and cordless phones emit radio signals that can interfere with older monitors. Move your monitor away from these devices, or move the devices away from your monitor, and test again.

This is less common with modern flat-screen monitors than it was with older CRT monitors, but it is worth testing if nothing else has worked. Keep at least 12 inches of distance between your monitor and any wireless device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my screen flicker only sometimes?

Intermittent flicker usually points to a loose cable connection that moves when you bump your desk or adjust your monitor. Reseat the cable at both ends and make sure it is not pinched or bent. If flicker is random and happens even when nothing is moving, an outdated graphics driver is the next most likely cause.

Does a flickering screen damage my eyes?

Flicker below 60 Hz can cause eye strain and headaches with prolonged use, but it does not cause permanent eye damage. Raising your refresh rate to 60 Hz or higher eliminates the flicker most people can see and reduces strain. If your eyes hurt while looking at a flickering screen, take breaks and fix the flicker as soon as you can.

Can software cause a flickering screen?

Yes, but rarely. Outdated graphics drivers are the main software culprit. Malware can sometimes cause flicker, but it usually comes with other signs like slowness or unexpected pop-ups. If flicker started after you installed new software, uninstall that software and restart your computer to test.

What if my monitor flickers only when I use certain programs?

This usually means the program is using your graphics card in a way that conflicts with your current driver or refresh rate settings. Update your graphics driver first. If flicker continues only in that program, try lowering your screen resolution or closing other programs while you use it to reduce the load on your graphics card.

Is a flickering monitor worth repairing or should I replace it?

If the flicker is caused by a loose cable or outdated driver, repair costs nothing. If the monitor itself is failing, repair usually costs $50 to $150 and may not last long. A new monitor costs $100 to $300 depending on size and features. If your monitor is more than five years old and the repair cost is more than one-third the price of a new one, replacement is usually the better choice.