A user reports that their display is flickering. What is the appropriate first step to try to fix this issue?

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A user reports that their display is flickering. What is the appropriate first step to try to fix this issue?

  • Replace the display with a new one.
  • Update the graphics driver to the latest version.
  • Adjust the screen refresh rate in display settings. 
  • Disassemble the display unit and replace the inverter.

For more Questions and Answers:

Operating Systems Support Course Final Exam Answers

🖥️ Adjust the Screen Refresh Rate in Display Settings

When a user reports that their display is flickering, the most appropriate first step is to adjust the screen refresh rate in the display settings. Flickering is commonly caused by an incompatible or low refresh rate rather than a hardware fault, so this step allows you to address the issue safely and efficiently before moving to more complex troubleshooting or hardware replacements.

💡 Understanding Display Flickering

Display flickering refers to the visible and repetitive flashing or unstable image seen on a computer monitor or laptop screen. It may appear as:

  • Rapidly changing brightness,

  • Lines or waves moving across the display,

  • Momentary blackouts or unstable visuals.

Flickering can affect LCD, LED, or CRT displays and is particularly distracting and even harmful to users who spend long hours in front of screens, as it can lead to eye strain, headaches, or dizziness.

The causes of flickering are generally either software-based or hardware-based, but before assuming a hardware issue, it’s crucial to perform a few non-intrusive software checks — beginning with the refresh rate.

⚙️ Step 1: Adjust the Screen Refresh Rate

What Is Refresh Rate?

The refresh rate (measured in Hertz – Hz) indicates how many times per second the display redraws or updates the image on the screen.

  • A higher refresh rate means smoother motion and less flickering.

  • A lower refresh rate (like 30 Hz or 60 Hz on certain displays) can cause noticeable flicker, especially when combined with certain lighting conditions or graphics settings.

Why It Causes Flicker

If the refresh rate is set too low, or if it’s incompatible with the monitor’s capabilities, the monitor struggles to render images smoothly. This can occur after:

  • A graphics driver update or rollback,

  • Connecting an external monitor,

  • Switching between integrated and dedicated GPUs,

  • Using different display cables (HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort, DVI),

  • Or when power-saving settings automatically throttle performance.

🧭 How to Adjust the Refresh Rate

For Windows 10/11 Users

  1. Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings.

  2. Scroll down and click Advanced display settings.

  3. Choose the display that’s flickering (if multiple monitors are connected).

  4. Under Refresh rate (Hz), select a higher frequency supported by your monitor — typically 75 Hz, 120 Hz, 144 Hz, or 240 Hz (depending on your hardware).

  5. Click Apply, then Keep changes if the screen stabilizes.

For macOS Users

  1. Go to Apple Menu → System Settings → Displays.

  2. Hold the Option key and click Scaled to see additional options.

  3. Choose a higher refresh rate from the list (e.g., from 60 Hz to 120 Hz).

For Linux Users (GNOME/KDE)

Use the display manager GUI or run the following command in the terminal:

xrandr --output HDMI-1 --mode 1920x1080 --rate 75

This sets the display to 75 Hz, if supported.

🔍 Step 2: Verify the Display Cable and Port

After adjusting the refresh rate, if flickering persists, the next step is to check physical connections:

  • Ensure the display cable is firmly connected at both ends.

  • Try using a different cable type (HDMI instead of VGA or DisplayPort).

  • Avoid using low-quality or damaged cables — they can cause signal noise leading to visible flicker.

  • If you’re using a docking station, test the display by connecting it directly to the computer.

🧰 Step 3: Update Graphics Driver (Secondary Step)

If the refresh rate adjustment doesn’t solve the problem, then proceed to update the graphics driver. Outdated or corrupted drivers can prevent the system from properly handling high refresh rates or cause compatibility issues.

To update:

  1. Open Device Manager → expand Display adapters.

  2. Right-click your GPU (e.g., Intel UHD, NVIDIA, AMD Radeon) → Update driver.

  3. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

Alternatively, visit the manufacturer’s website for the latest version:

🧩 Step 4: Check Display Power and Hardware Settings

In some cases, flickering may result from:

  • Power supply fluctuations or unstable adapters (especially on laptops),

  • Backlight inverter issues (on older LCDs),

  • Adaptive brightness or power-saving modes interfering with refresh control.

Disable power-saving display settings temporarily:

  • Go to Control Panel → Power Options → Change plan settings → Advanced settings.

  • Under Display, turn off adaptive brightness or power optimization.

🧠 Why We Don’t Replace Hardware First

Many technicians mistakenly jump to hardware replacement — e.g., replacing the display, backlight inverter, or GPU — without verifying software or configuration causes.
This is not recommended for several reasons:

  1. Most flicker issues are configuration-related.
    Refresh rate or driver mismatches account for the majority of complaints.

  2. Hardware replacements are costly and risky.
    They may void warranties, damage components, or fail to fix the root cause.

  3. Software troubleshooting is safer and reversible.
    You can always revert changes, whereas hardware replacements are invasive.

📉 Common Scenarios and Fixes

Scenario Likely Cause Solution
Flickering after connecting external monitor Mismatched refresh rates Match the refresh rate for both displays
Flickering while gaming GPU driver conflict or G-Sync/Freesync mismatch Update GPU driver or disable adaptive sync
Flickering on battery mode Power-saving display control Set to “High Performance” mode
Flickering in browser or video Hardware acceleration bug Disable hardware acceleration in app settings
Flickering only on one monitor Faulty cable or port Replace cable or test another port

🧾 Summary: Correct Troubleshooting Order

  1. Adjust refresh rate in display settings. ✅

  2. Check cable connections and ports.

  3. Update graphics drivers.

  4. Disable adaptive brightness/power save modes.

  5. Test display on another computer.

  6. Consider hardware replacement only if all software methods fail.

🧠 Educational Insight: Refresh Rate vs Frame Rate

  • Refresh Rate (Hz): How often the monitor updates per second.

  • Frame Rate (FPS): How many frames the GPU outputs per second.

If the GPU FPS doesn’t synchronize with the display’s Hz, it can create screen tearing or apparent flicker. Technologies like V-Sync, G-Sync, and FreeSync help smooth this out.

For example, a 60 Hz monitor can only display 60 FPS, even if the GPU generates 120 FPS — causing visible instability if synchronization isn’t managed.

🧘 Final Advice

When troubleshooting a flickering display, always start with the simplest, safest, and least invasive fix — in this case, adjusting the refresh rate.
This method:

  • Resolves the majority of flicker issues,

  • Requires no disassembly or cost,

  • Prevents unnecessary hardware replacement,

  • Ensures user comfort and prolonged display life.

If flickering persists even after these adjustments, then proceed with secondary steps such as driver updates, cable changes, or hardware diagnostics.

✅ Final Answer:
Adjust the screen refresh rate in display settings.