How to Fix Screen Flickering After an Update

Updating your computer is supposed to improve performance, patch security holes, and add new features. But sometimes, updates introduce unexpected problems—like screen flickering. This issue can be frustrating, especially if your display keeps blinking, refreshing, or flashing black and white after a system or driver update. Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are several ways to fix it.

In this guide, we’ll break down why screen flickering happens after updates, how to troubleshoot it step by step, and where to find additional help. We’ll also answer common questions people have about this issue.

Why Does Screen Flickering Happen After Updates?

Screen flickering usually happens when the display driver or a background application conflicts with the operating system after an update. Here are the most common causes:

Outdated or incompatible display drivers – Updates sometimes break compatibility with older graphics drivers.
Corrupt driver installation – The update process may partially overwrite display driver files.
- Background apps not optimized – Some programs (like antivirus software or utilities) may conflict with new Windows versions.
High refresh rate settings – Certain monitors flicker if refresh rates change after updates.
Buggy Windows update – Occasionally, the update itself causes the issue, requiring a rollback.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Screen Flickering

Step 1: Identify the Cause

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
If Task Manager flickers along with everything else, the problem is likely your display driver.
1. If only apps and desktop flicker but Task Manager does not, the issue is probably with an incompatible app.

Step 2: Update or Roll Back Display Drivers

Error Example: "Display driver failed to start" or "Display driver stopped responding".

Right-click Start > Device Manager.
Expand Display adapters.
Right-click your graphics card > Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers.

If the flickering started right after a driver update:

Right-click the GPU again > Properties > Driver tab.
Select Roll Back Driver.

Step 3: Boot Into Safe Mode

If flickering makes it hard to work:

Hold Shift while clicking Restart.
- Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
Press 4 to boot into Safe Mode.

In Safe Mode, uninstall problematic drivers or updates.

Step 4: Check Installed Updates

Press Windows + I > Update & Security > View update history.

If a recent update coincides with the flicker, uninstall it:

Go to Uninstall updates.
Select the latest update > Uninstall.

Step 5: Adjust Display Refresh Rate

Right-click desktop > Display settings > Advanced display settings.
Under Refresh rate, try lowering it (e.g., from 144Hz to 60Hz).
Apply changes and check if flickering stops.

Step 6: Disable Startup Apps

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc > Task Manager > Startup tab.
Disable third-party apps (especially antivirus or utilities).
Restart and test again.

Step 7: Reinstall Graphics Drivers (Clean Install)

If nothing else works:

Download Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU).
Run it in Safe Mode to remove all GPU drivers.
Reinstall the latest drivers from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel.

Additional Fixes If the Problem Persists

System Restore: Roll back to a point before the update (Windows + R → type rstrui).
Check for monitor firmware updates: Some monitors require updates too.
Run Windows Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Hardware and Devices.

FAQs: Screen Flickering After Update

1. Why did my screen start flickering after a Windows update?

Because updates may install new display drivers or change system settings that conflict with your GPU or apps.

2. Can antivirus programs cause screen flickering?

Yes. Certain antivirus and third-party apps aren’t always optimized for new updates. Temporarily disabling them can help identify the cause.

3. How do I know if it’s a hardware issue?

If flickering happens even in BIOS or with a different OS booted from USB, it’s likely a hardware (monitor or GPU) issue.

4. Should I uninstall the latest update?

If flickering started immediately after an update and other fixes don’t work, uninstalling the update is a safe troubleshooting step.

5. Will reinstalling Windows fix it?

As a last resort, yes. But usually, updating or reinstalling drivers solves the issue without needing a full reset.

Helpful Resources

Final Thoughts

Screen flickering after an update can feel overwhelming, but in most cases, it comes down to a driver or app conflict. Start by checking Task Manager, updating or rolling back drivers, and uninstalling recent updates. If those steps don’t work, a clean reinstall of your graphics drivers usually solves the problem.

By following the steps above, you can save time and avoid the frustration of trial and error. And if all else fails, communities like r/WindowsHelp and Microsoft forums are full of users who’ve faced—and solved—the same problem.