What to do first
Check whether flicker appears in Task Manager and during startup, verify the cable and refresh rate, and then test the graphics driver in Safe Mode or by rolling it back.
Display and monitors
Screen Flickering in Windows 11
Screen flickering can be caused by a display driver, incompatible refresh rate, cable or monitor hardware, or an app that conflicts with the desktop compositor.
Quick answer
Start with the reversible checks
Why it happens
Why this problem appears
If Task Manager flickers too, the driver or hardware is more likely. If only one app flickers, that app or its hardware acceleration is a better suspect.
Step by step
Safe troubleshooting order
- Note whether the flicker affects the whole desktop, one app, or only an external monitor.
- Open Task Manager and compare its window with the rest of the screen.
- Set the display to a supported refresh rate in Settings > System > Display > Advanced display.
- Reconnect the display cable and test a different port or monitor.
- Update or roll back the graphics driver, especially if the symptom began after an update.
Safety note
Know when to stop
Protect important files before resets, driver removal, account changes, or recovery operations. If the symptom points to hardware, repeated software changes can make diagnosis harder.
FAQ
How can I tell whether an app or driver causes flickering?
If Task Manager flickers along with the rest of the screen, the driver or hardware is more likely. If Task Manager stays stable while one app flickers, test that app.
Can a bad cable cause screen flickering?
Yes. A damaged or marginal cable, adapter, or port can cause intermittent signal loss that looks like a software problem.