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How to Reset a Flickering Screen on Windows or Mac

A Windows graphics-driver shortcut may stop flickering. If it does not, use the symptoms to check for an app, driver, cable, or refresh-rate issue.
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On a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, press Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + B to reset the graphics driver; Microsoft says this may stop flickering in some cases. It is not a universal reset for every screen or device. If it does not help, restart the computer and identify whether the problem is tied to an app, display driver, cable, or refresh-rate setting.

Reset the graphics driver in Windows

  1. Press Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + B. This shortcut resets the graphics driver; it may resolve the flicker, but it is not guaranteed to do so.

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  2. If the screen still flickers, restart the PC and check whether the problem continues.

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These steps apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11. Microsoft describes the shortcut as a possible fix, not a reset for every kind of screen problem. Microsoft’s screen-flickering troubleshooting guide has further instructions.

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Find out whether a Windows app or driver may be responsible

While the flickering is happening, open Task Manager and compare it with the rest of the display:

This is a diagnostic clue, not a definitive test. If the problem started after a recent Windows or display-driver update, Microsoft advises considering a driver rollback. Otherwise, updating or uninstalling the driver may help. Driver changes in Device Manager may require administrator privileges; use Microsoft’s instructions for your Windows version.

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Check the connection to an external display

For a monitor connected to a computer, check that its power and video cables are firmly attached. A cable or adapter that does not support the selected resolution and refresh rate can limit the display. On a Mac, Apple recommends checking the capabilities of the devices and connecting the display directly to the Mac rather than through a hub or dock while diagnosing a connection problem. See Apple’s guidance for connecting an external display.

Check refresh rate and Adaptive Sync on a Mac

On a Mac connected to an external display, refresh-rate settings can affect how the screen appears: Apple says a rate that is too low may make it flicker, while one that is too high may make the screen go black. If flickering occurs with Adaptive Sync enabled, Apple recommends turning off variable refresh rate and checking compatibility with the display manufacturer.

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If the screen still flickers

The right next step depends on the device and setup. The guidance above covers Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs and selected Mac external-display cases; it does not establish one reset procedure for phones, TVs, every laptop, or every monitor. For those devices, identify the model and follow its manufacturer’s instructions. If you are troubleshooting an external display, include the cable, adapter, and connection path in your checks; do not treat replacing a cable as a fix for a built-in laptop screen.

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